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For the second time in as many nights, the New Jersey Devils lost to a division rival.
Thursday night the Devils were shutout by the Penguins in Pittsburgh, 3-0, before losing their home opener in a shootout to the Islanders, 4-3, on Friday.
Some thoughts:
- The Devils were unable to get the result they wanted, but they carried play for the majority of the game. They couldn't score in the skills competition and ultimately that was the difference. New Jersey had a +13 shot attempt differential during 5 vs. 5 play and and were +16 with all game situations included. Usually the team that wins that battle wins the hockey game, but there are exceptions. This was one of those.
- One concern with the Devils through their first two games has been the amount of odd man rushes they've given up. They've blown coverage quite a few times and have made some poor decisions in the neutral zone that have led to scoring chances against. Part of it is because the team is breaking in so many new players, but they definitely need to clean that up.
Luckily for New Jersey they get a couple days off to work on systems before heading to Western Canada for a five-game road trip.
- Damien Brunner was outstanding for the Devils once again. He scored two goals, had four shots and was unstoppable at times playing on a line with Patrik Elias. Brunner and Elias seem to have excellent chemistry and look like they'll be the driving force for New Jersey's offence this season.
- The performance from Adam Larsson was not pretty. He was caught out of position a few times and one gaffe led directly to an Islanders goal. Larsson was minus-2 and played just over 12 minutes - the lowest total he's played since a game against Philadelphia during his rookie year.
- Jaromir Jagr played a terrible game, as well. The Islanders are a fast team and they really exploited Jagr's lack of speed. He looked like he had bricks tied to his feet and almost every time he was on the ice the Devils were hemmed in their own end. Jagr finished the game with a -12 Corsi rating which was by far the worst on the team. Jagr was on for just two shot attempts for and 14 against in 12 minutes of 5 vs. 5. His shootout attempt wasn't all that impressive, either.
- On the positive side of things, the Adam Henrique - Travis Zajac - Michael Ryder was exceptional all game long. Whenever they were out there, the ice was tilted in the Devils favor. The three of them combined for a +44 shot attempt differential when on the ice during 5 vs. 5 play. Pete DeBoer was smart to leave that line together throughout the game because they were making things happen.
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Eastern Conference playoff predictions.
Western Conference playoff predictions.
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