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Five observations from New Jersey vs Boston:
1. More of the same
At this point almost every game feels like deja vu. The Devils come out alright and trade a few chances. None of theirs go, several of the opposition’s do, and they fall in an early hole. They hold their own at 5v5 the rest of the way but just can’t break through. In the meantime, they concede on the penalty kill and squander numerous power play opportunities. It’s essentially the same story over and over. This happening once in a while wouldn’t be a big deal. This happening every night *is* a big deal. I realize we’re only five games into the season but the Devils’ playoff chances are already down to 21%,
per Dom L’s model. They’re in a spot where they need to play at a ~100 point pace the rest of the way to get in. If this doesn’t turn around – and fast – the season will be over before it really started.
2. Power play woes continue
Another game, another eight minutes without a power play marker. The Devils have now spent 30:41 on the man advantage this season and still have absolutely nothing to show for it. They were a little more dangerous last night but, generally speaking, they haven’t been. At all. They’re averaging 72.77 shot attempts (28th) and 36.38 scoring chances (24th) per 60 minutes. That’s not good, especially considering they were up *two* players for a chunk of that time.
Last season’s Devils team that featured Brian Boyle, Kenny Agostino, and co. in primary roles at various times garnered better results than this. The Devils have a lot to figure out right now and the power play is at or near the top of the list of importance. It’s doing more harm than good.
3. Cory Schneider did his part
Although the defense hasn’t helped the cause, goaltending has been iffy in the early part of this season. It wasn’t last night. Schneider was pretty sharp. He posted a .906 save percentage, which was a tick above league average last season, and it should have been higher – one goal against was on a wide trajectory before hitting Damon Severson in front and redirecting into the net. He made some big stops throughout and kept the Devils in the game longer than they probably deserved to be. It’s too bad they couldn’t give him some – any? – support.
4. The Jack Hughes line played well
I’m not saying Pavel Zacha and Wayne Simmonds are ideal linemates for Hughes – they hardly maximize his offensive ceiling – but they played well vs Edmonton and it was more of the same in Boston. The Devils out-attempted the Bruins 9-4 with Zacha - Hughes - Simmonds on the ice and they weren’t out there for a single scoring chance against. Hughes was a doormat for opposing players in the first couple of games so, at the very least, these guys are helping him get sorted out defensively. It probably makes sense to break them up and move someone more offensive inclined onto the line while trailing, though.
5. Time to shake it up
The 4th line was absolutely crushed in Boston. I mean crushed. To the tune of a 10 CF% at 5v5. Yes, the Devils attempted one shot and allowed nine with Nikita Gusev, Kevin Rooney and Jesper Bratt out there. I don’t know what the answer is on the 4th line but it’s probably not assembling the three forwards with the worst CF% on the team.
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