The Flyers, embarrassed by the Capitals at home just 24 hours earlier, found the perfect tonic — the Devils.
New Jersey was unable to match the intensity of the Flyers — who were embarrassed by Washington at home just 24 hours earlier — losing 1-0 on Saturday at the Prudential Center.
The Devils came up empty on five power-play opportunities, including two in the third period. Flyers goalie Ray Emery, who gave up four goals on 15 shots and fought Washington’s Braden Holtby a night before, had 14th saves and recorded his 15th career shutout.
“We just didn’t play very well,” Jaromir Jagr said. “We didn’t play good enough to win the game, and we didn’t have to play extra good [to win].”
Jagr drew the last penalty and finished with 25 shifts in an effort that wasn’t matched by his teammates. Jagr and Martin Brodeur, both 41, were the Devils’ best players on a night that saw a modest two-game winning streak end.
The lone goal came when Brayden Schenn deflected an Andrej Meszaros shot past Brodeur in the first period, as last-place Philadelphia perhaps authored its most complete effort of the season.
“It’s just important to have a bounce-back effort after last night, I think. It really was a complete team game from start to finish,” Emery said. “The most encouraging thing was the third period, where we really took it to them.“They didn’t get anything. They got two shots. We needed that after last night.”
The fight-filled 7-0 loss to the Capitals might have just sparked a lifeless team, as Philadelphia peppered Brodeur, starting his season-high third straight game, and dominated long stretches of play. Brodeur finished with 20 saves.
***
The Devils played without Patrik Elias, who was scratched with an upper body injury. … The NHL did not suspend Emery for his actions in Friday’s brawl. … Devils forward Mattias Tedenby played in place of Patrik Elias. … Devils goalie Keith Kinkaid backed up Brodeur for the third consecutive game, as Cory Schneider continues his stint on the IR with a lower-body injury.