Posted January 21, 2018 at 06:15 AM | Updated January 21, 2018 at 06:15 AM
By Chris Ryan | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
PHILADELPHIA -- The Devils lost their second straight meeting with the Flyers in regulation, where they failed to overcome a 3-0 deficit en route to a 3-1 loss on Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center.
Along with the rough start, the Devils couldn't capitalize on some chances to get back in the game. Here are notes on the rough first period, injuries to goalie Keith Kinkaid and forward Brian Gibbons, Ken Appleby's play and more.
IMG_2053.JPG
Al Amrhein | For NJ Advance Medi
'Shot ourselves in the foot'
Regardless of your opponent, going in a 3-0 hole drastically reduces the odds of winning a game. The Devils were chasing from the get go, with the Flyers going up 1-0 on their first shot 3:29 into the game, when Travis Konecny slipped behind the defense for a goal from the right circle. They led 3-0 less than 13 minutes into the game on just seven shots.
"Shot ourselves in the foot," defenseman Damon Severson said. "We were playing from behind the whole game. Obviously a start like that isn’t good. It’s tough to climb out of a hole against a good hockey team. We can’t play like that. We can’t play from behind early like that.”
NHL: New Jersey Devils at Philadelphia Flyers
Bill Streicher | USA TODAY Sports
How to avoid that start
The Devils haven't found themselves in that big of an early hole often this season, and they've still outscored opponents 43-40 in first periods this season despite Saturday's three-goal swing against them.
"It was just one of those games where we gave up quality opportunities to start the game, and didn’t really give ourselves a chance, at least to start the game," forward Taylor Hall said. "I think we’ve got to keep things a little more simple and just try to get to our game as the period goes on.”