Sharks goalie Mackenzie Blackwood talks about the game and his 44 saves (Source: Imagn)

San Jose Sharks goalie Mackenzie Blackwood made a 44-save shutout in their 1-0 win over the New Jersey Devils on Sunday. This was Blackwood’s first shutout of the season and in a game against his former team. He made key saves, including stopping Devils’ leading scorer Jack Hughes with a pad save in the third period and denying Jesper Bratt on a breakaway near the end of the second.

NHL insider Mike Morreale shared Mackenzie Blackwood’s post-game comments, in which he talked about the win, his 44 saves and banter from former teammates. Reflecting on the game, Blackwood shared with Morreale that it just felt easy.

“It’s just one of those nights where it feels easy. I don’t know why sometimes that happens and sometimes it doesn’t, but sometimes pucks just seem like they’re coming in slow.” Blackwood said.

Speaking about his former teammates, Mackenzie Blackwood mentioned there were no insults, only “friendly banter.

“No, no chirps; just friendly banter. I love so many of those guys I played with. I think they have a tremendous group in that locker room. But that was fun for me.” Blackwood said.

I asked M. Blackwood where that win stands in his career & if he was hearing it from the other side at all: "No, no chirps; just friendly banter. I love so many of those guys I played with. I think they have a tremendous group in that locker room. But that was fun for me."

— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) November 11, 2024

Mackenzie Blackwood’s performance stood out, leading the Sharks to their first road win in regulation this NHL season.

The Sharks came into the game with a 1-5-1 record on the road. This win was a positive step forward. For the Devils, now 4-3-2 at home, it was a missed opportunity to build momentum at home.

San Jose Sharks earned a 1-0 win with Mackenzie Blackwood in goal

The San Jose Sharks earned a 1-0 win over the New Jersey Devils on Sunday. Nico Sturm scored the game’s only goal in the first period. After taking a pass from Carl Grundstrom, Sturm lost the puck but managed a backhand shot that deflected off Timo Meier’s skate and into the net.

Jake Allen, the Devils’ goalie, kept his team in the game, saving 26 out of 27 shots. He posted a .963 save percentage and a 1.05 goals-against average, allowing just one goal. The Devils had a few close chances to tie, including a near-goal from Fabian Zetterlund in the second period. However, officials ruled it no goal, saying Zetterlund interfered with Allen by pushing his pad.

The Devils pushed hard late in the game, especially on a power play in the final minutes, but couldn’t score. This loss ended New Jersey’s three-game winning streak.