Devils’ loss to Ottawa exposes a familiar problem: ‘We’ve got to learn how to score when it’s hard’

Hours before Monday's game at Prudential Center, coach Sheldon Keefe described Ottawa as one of the NHL's best checking teams. The Senators would take away space, make it difficult to move through the neutral zone and force New Jersey to work for its offense. The Devils lost 4–1, falling to 2–3 after another game spent chasing a lead. Arseny Gritsyuk's first goal of the season spoiled the shutout late, but it did little to change the takeaway: When an opponent shuts down their rush game, the Devils still struggle to manufacture offense another way. It's only five games.