New Jersey Devils goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood of Thunder Bay, Ontario recorded his seventh National Hockey League career shutout on Thursday. Blackwood made 42 saves as the Devils blanked the New York Islanders 4-0 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Blackwood made 16 saves in the first period, 14 saves in the second period, and 12 saves in the third period. Ryan Pulock of Dauphin, Manitoba, and Zach Parise led the Islanders with five shots on goal each.
Offensively, the Devils were led by defenseman Dougie Hamilton of Toronto, Ontario, who had one goal and one assist for two points. Other Devils goal scorers were rookie centre Dawson Mercer of Carbonear, Newfoundland, Janne Kuokkanen, and former Montreal Canadiens left winger Tomas Tatar.
All of Blackwood’s seven shutouts in his career have been with the Devils. He had two shutouts in 2018-19, three shutouts in 2019-20, and one shutout each this year and last year. This was Blackwood’s first career shutout against the Islanders.
So far this season, Blackwood has a record of two wins, zero regulation losses, one loss in extra time, a goals against average of 2.00, and a save percentage of .945. He missed the first month of the 2021-22 NHL season because of a heel injury according to rotowire.
With the win, the Devils move into fourth place in the Metropolitan Division. They have a record of seven wins, three regulation losses, and two losses in extra time for 16 points.
