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Five observations from New Jersey’s win(!) over Winnipeg:
1. #TrustTheProcess
Even in defeat, the Devils have been playing much, much, better in recent games. They’ve generated more sustained zone time, consistently gotten the better of the chances, and looked a lot more stable without the puck. It was more of the same last night.
Though the Devils hardly ran the Jets out of the rink, they were the better team throughout. At 5v5, the Devils controlled nearly 56% of the expected goals. Their numbers were even better across all game states, as they posted a 59.11 xGF% and were responsible for 10 of 16 (62.50%) Grade A chances.
The end result was always in doubt but the Devils stuck with it and ultimately got what they deserved: another two points.
They’ve now picked up at least one in four consecutive games and six of their last seven. Slowly but surely, they’re starting to dig out of this early-season hole.
2. Jesper Boqvist made an impact
This kid does not look like a 21-year-old rookie with *checks notes* four games on his NHL resume. He just doesn’t. He is already very polished. While he’s not overly large in stature, he is so good at shielding the puck away from defenders. He has the patience to wait for lanes to open up and seemingly always makes the right play. It’s impressive to watch. He didn’t find the scoresheet last night but he made some plays in the offensive zone, posted solid on-ice numbers (~54 xGF%), drew a penalty in overtime, and scored the shootout winner. Not bad. Not bad at all.
3. Competent goaltending!
I thought the Devils did a solid job defensively (Matt Tennyson aside, of course). Their structure was good and they really didn’t give Winnipeg much in dangerous areas. With that said, they still conceded 33 shots on goal to a team with quite a bit of fire power and capable scorers from range. It’s not like it was a walk in the park for Mackenzie Blackwood. He was up to the challenge, making 32 saves (as well as a pair in the shootout) to give the Devils a legitimate chance on a night they didn’t fill the net. It was refreshing to see.
4. Oil + Water
I know we’re still dealing with small samples but this just doesn’t seem to be a good combo. Jack Hughes has done some great things away from Nikita Gusev. Nikita Gusev has done some good things away from Jack Hughes. But when they’re together, the line just doesn’t do much. In ~8 minutes of 5v5 ice together, the Devils mustered up only two shots (one scoring chance) while conceding five shots (four scoring chances). If you’re going to give Gusev reps on the scoring line – completely understandable! – it seems like Pavel Zacha *and* Nico Hischier have to riding shotgun to help mask Gusev’s defensive deficiencies and lack of board play. Putting Gusev and an 18-year-old Hughes, two of the worst players on the team with regards to those areas of the game, on the same unit just doesn’t seem to work.
5. All aboard the Wayne Train
I have really liked what I’ve seen from Wayne Simmonds is recent games, especially while playing on the 4th line. I know that’s a lot of dough to tie up in someone playing a depth role at 5v5 but that line is really enjoying success right now and Simmonds is a big part of it – perhaps the biggest. L4 controlled ~59% of the shot attempts and ~68% of the expected goals last night. They also generated quite a few shots, and Simmonds contributed to as many of them as anyone (see below). I think John Hynes is really starting to find combinations that work.
Shot Contributions
numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
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