Preseason Game #4 - Devils Earn First Preseason Win, Defeat Flyers, 3-2

The Devils have finally ended their preseason losing streak. After dropping three straight games, the Devils defeated the Philadelphia Flyers, 3-2, in preseason action tonight at the Prudential Center. It was the first game that ended in regulation, and now the Devils will look to build on this performance the rest of the way.

Read after the jump for the entire recap!

1. Mattias Tedenby

Coming into tonight, Tedenby needed to show the Devils something after being just average in his first start. The rookie did that tonight, putting four shots on net and generating scoring chances. We all know that Tedenby will probably work his way into the Devils’ lineup in the future. Tonight, he gave everyone a glimpse of what he can bring to the table.

2. Brian Rolston

Look who came to play tonight. Like Tedenby, Rolston put four shots on net tonight, and while he didn’t record a point, Rolston generated chances and skated well. It’s the first time this postseason that I’ve heard his name called more than once. Rolston may not be a 30+ goal scorer every season, but he needs to be a secondary scorer. Tonight was a step in the right direction.

3. Ilya Kovalchuk

We all know that the left-winger will face enormous, and possibly unfair, expectations this season after signing a massive contract and causing the league to amend the collective bargaining agreement. He won’t have to do everything in each game, but he showed his ability to take over a game tonight. Kovalchuk drew the penalty that led to Travis Zajac‘s tying goal, then scored the game-winner with 2:19 left in the period.

The Bad

1. Devils Powerplay

Yes, the Devils scored the tying goal on a powerplay opportunity tonight. But, once again, the Devils special teams struggled, going just 1-for-5 tonight. They’re only 1-for-15 during the preseason, and even though they haven’t had a full squad, the team should be clicking at a higher percentage. The man-advantage was the Achilles heel for New Jersey last season, and hopefully that doesn’t continue this season.

Misscelanious

Bryce Salvador left with an undisclosed injury in the first period and did not return to the game.

The teams finished the game dead even in shots, 28-28.

Adam Mair scored a first period goal. The center, in camp on a tryout contract, is looking to stick with the Devils, and continuing to put up solid performances will do that.

The Devils next preseason game will come October 1 against the Islanders.

Photo Credit: Bruce Bennet/Getty Images