Devils’ Winning Streak Halted by Flames
In an intense matchup on Thursday night, the New Jersey Devils saw their winning streak halted as they succumbed to the Calgary Flames 5-4. A significant highlight for the Devils was Maxim Tsyplakov’s inaugural goal with the team, following his midseason trade from the New York Islanders on January 27, 2026.
Tsyplakov’s Journey and Milestone
At just 27 years old, Tsyplakov is gradually finding his footing in the league, having played 11 games for the Devils since joining. The trade, which included Ondrej Palat and a third and sixth-round draft pick in 2027, aimed to bolster the team’s offensive capabilities.
Before arriving in New Jersey, Tsyplakov had two seasons with the Islanders after entering the NHL undrafted. Across his 115 career games, he has secured 12 goals and 26 assists. His first goal for the Devils came in the third period of the recent game, set up by Nick Bjugstad; it deflected off a skate and found its way past Flames netminder Dustin Wolf. This moment not only marked a personal milestone for Tsyplakov, as it was his first goal in 32 games, but it also represented Bjugstad’s first point since joining the Devils.
Frustration for the Devils
Despite the positive note for Tsyplakov, the game was frustrating for the Devils, who allowed five goals during competition. Star player Jack Hughes voiced his disappointment post-game, stating:
“It’s hard to win when you give up five. That’s probably the story of the night… Just a frustrating loss.”
Looking Ahead
Now, the Devils find themselves on a two-game losing skid after previously winning three games in a row. They are currently navigating a seven-game homestand with two more chances to secure victories. The team is set to face off against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, eager to reclaim their momentum.
