Devils’ Palmieri rediscovers scoring touch on night of firsts

It was an evening to remember for Kyle Palmieri, as his New Jersey Devils dropped the Detroit Red Wings with a nail-biting 4-3 victory.

For the 25-year-old winger, it was an especially crucial one, as Palmieri got back on track with two goals - his first multi-goal effort of 2016-17.

The offensive outburst was surely needed, as Palmieri's play to this point hasn't inspired much confidence for the struggling Devils.

After breaking out with 30 goals and 57 points last season - both career highs and nearly double his previous marks - it seemed the former Anaheim Duck had found his stride back in his hometown.

Already rolling, Palmieri saw Taylor Hall come to town in the offseason - adding an elite talent to help him raise the Devils out of the league's offensive basement.

But it didn't quite work out that way. Instead, Palmieri's production tailed off, seeing his goals per game pace fall from 0.37 in 2015-16 to 0.23 this year. His overall points per game pace similarly fell, from 0.70 to 0.58.

A performance like the one Palmieri put forth against the Wings seems a fine remedy, however.

Not only did he register his first multi-goal game of the season, he also tallied his first career shorthanded goal, cutting through the Red Wings' powerplay unit for a highlight-reel finish.

With the impressive night, Palmieri's season totals now sit at 13 goals and 30 points through 49 games, while the Devils' point total rises to 51 points.

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