
The New Jersey Devils Stars' Best Highlights of 2014-15
The New Jersey Devils have had a disappointing season so far, but that does not mean there have not been memorable moments.
From exciting goals on opening night to milestones in recent games, there have been highlights worth watching and rewatching.
This list will look at the best plays made by the Devils' best players, some of which are included for the skill displayed in them or due to their importance to the player or team.
Adam Henrique Buries Breakaway Goal Against Edmonton
1 of 5With the Devils struggling for wins, games against the NHL's worst teams have been exceptionally important for New Jersey.
So, Adam Henrique's breakaway goal against the Edmonton Oilers on November 21 was important for the Devils, who went on to win the game 2-0.
Henrique is second on the team in goals with 10, but many of them have come as a result of pure determination and hockey IQ, so this goal, which showcases his speed and finishing, is a top highlight for him this season.
Steve Bernier also deserves credit, as his quick outlet pass sent Henrique through on the breakaway.
But the 24-year-old's calm finish under heavy pressure from behind is perhaps the most impressive part of this goal. He works around the defenseman's attempted stick lift, looks up, picks his spot and beats Viktor Fasth five-hole.
Henrique's goal would stand as the game-winner.
Michael Cammalleri Deflection Extends Opening-Night Lead
2 of 5Michael Cammalleri only needed about 25 minutes to score his first goal as a New Jersey Devil.
In the process, he displayed the quick hands that made him a two-time 30-goal scorer.
The play started innocently enough, with Jaromir Jagr carrying the puck into the offensive zone and lofting a run-of-the-mill shot toward goal.
Cammalleri simultaneously drove to the net and turned just as Jagr unleashed the shot. He deftly got his stick on the puck, redirecting it past Steve Mason.
His goal extended the lead to 3-0, which proved to be important, as the Flyers tied the game at three by the end of the second period.
Thankfully, the Devils found another surge in the third period, ultimately winning 6-4.
Michael Ryder Finds Late Equalizer Against Winnipeg
3 of 5Michael Ryder has had a season to forget in New Jersey. Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of his struggles is the fact that he clearly has a goal scorer's touch when motivated and confident.
At no time was that more clear than on October 30 against Winnipeg. This game may stand out to fans as the one in which New Jersey finally ended its season-plus-long shootout drought, but the Devils would have never had that chance if Ryder did not tie the game with under four minutes to go.
After an extended forecheck, the Jets nearly cleared the puck, but Jon Merrill intercepted the clearance and quickly slid the puck to Ryder. From there, Ryder did the rest.
He carried the puck around two defensemen, held the puck through a hook and released a perfect shot to the far side, beating Ondrej Pavelec.
In a season of few highs, this goal is almost certainly the top moment of Ryder's season.
Jaromir Jagr Hat Trick Powers Devils to Win over Flyers
4 of 5While Jaromir Jagr is still a productive player at nearly 43 years old, he is no longer in his prime.
But on January 3, Jagr turned back the clock to show the world why he is one of the best to ever play the game.
He opened the scoring seven minutes in, scoring a goal from a nearly impossible angle—essentially behind the goal line. With four seconds to go in the first period, Jagr capitalized on a neutral-zone turnover, ripping a quick wrist shot past Ray Emery.
His third goal demonstrated that though his speed and skill may have decreased after more than 20 years in the NHL, his drive and desire to score have not waned.
With Scott Gomez carrying the puck behind the net, Jagr crashed the net. There was no passing lane, so Gomez held the puck as Jagr passed through the danger zone in front of the net. Rather than coasting to the point or the corner, Jagr threw a quick turn and forced his way to the net.
Gomez found him, and Jagr did the rest.
Patrik Elias Makes History with 600th Assist, 1000th Point
5 of 5January 6 was a good day for Patrik Elias.
The 38-year-old Czech picked up his 600th assist and 1,000th point as the Devils beat the Buffalo Sabres 4-1. As his 1,000th point came on a straightforward breakout that led to an empty-net goal, Elias' top highlight from this game is Travis Zajac's shorthanded goal, on which Elias got his 600th assist.
Mark Fraser knocked the puck out from behind the net to Elias, who took a moment to survey his surroundings.
Elias noticed Zajac streaking into the neutral zone and lofted a picture-perfect pass into the space ahead of the center. Zajac picked it up, calmly approached Jhonas Enroth and converted his chance.
The assist made Elias the 80th player in NHL history to reach 600 assists, while his late assist on the empty-net goal made him the 82nd player to reach 1,000 points.
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