BLUE JACKETS vs DEVILS | PRE-SCOUT | GAME #33

Happy holidays, everyone!

The Devils return to the ice tonight vs. CBJ following the league-wide 3-day holiday break. Hopefully, the rest they've gotten will reflect in their effort at home tonight!
From our postgame show on Saturday, here’s a look at how the Devils are matching up with last season’s team in terms of NHL ranks at the holiday break:As I talked about in the postgame, the area sticking out to me here is those goals against. Last season (#3 in GA/GM), the Devils were committed to the details, made smart plays, ended plays quicker in the DZ, and defended better as a whole.

Now, in all fairness, the utilization of their talented young D trio — that being Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec, and Kevin Bahl — leaves far larger room for mistakes and learning curves than there was with veterans like Graves and Severson last season. As exciting as the young trio is offensively, there will always be those "teaching moments" for any young defenseman. Whether it's learning the right time to pinch, clock management, or not missing assignments in the DZ, coaching 3 young D in that learning phase is no easy task for coach Ruff and assistant coach Ryan McGill!

I am optimistic that the defense and goaltending as a whole can (and will need to) aid regression in that GA/GM to at least league average in the new year, as the young guys gain experience and the goaltenders find their groove.In this second graphic here, yes, the Devils’ overall PTS% has seen a significant drop off from where the team was at this time last season. For me, it’s the continued struggles at home that need to drastically improve in 2024. I will include the Devils' play at home in our “New Year’s Resolutions” segment during tonight’s pregame show, but, the Devils need to make the Rock a building teams dread playing in. Look no further than tonight's game to continue building something here on home ice!The regression of the Devils’ power play has been tough to watch, especially with how dominant it was to start the season. I’ll show some video examples during tonight’s pregame show of the passes not connecting, shots not hitting the net, and break down the overall lack of crispness, but, here's a quick look at the Devils' PP struggles as of late and without Dougie Hamilton.
The absence of Dougie during a similar timeframe to the team's PP regression is no coincidence. No, Dougie wasn’t quarterbacking the PP1 unit when he was healthy, but he was still producing at a high level; not having the option to change things up by slotting him on PP1 definitely stings for the Devils’ coaching staff. 

After 8 PPGs last season (T-#1 among D), Dougie had already scored 4 PPGs on 9 shots in his 20 GP this season, which, still today, is tied for the lead league in PPGs among defensemen. His PP SAT and scoring chance rates also rank #1 (vs. 72 D w/ 30+ min TOI on the PP) as we stand.
As teams get back to business following the break, it's going to be super important that Vitek and the Devils follow up Saturday night's win with another solid showing, respect this CBJ team (11-18-6), and close out the calendar year with consecutive wins at home before heading back on the road for the next 3 games.
Between the pipes, it's expected that CBJ will turn to Elvis Merzlikins. Elvis was exceptional in the first CBJ matchup with the Devils at the Rock this season, absolutely robbing the game for his team (.974 SV% and saved 2 goals above expected). In his career, Elvis has stood on his head against NJD, posting a .924 SV% in 6 career starts (T-#4 best vs. any team), but, had been less effective in his set of career games at Prudential Center before this season (.873 SV%). It also appears that Sevy will be welcomed back to the Rock tonight after being activated from IR for CBJ a few days ago. Be sure to join us at 6:30 PM on MSGSN2 for tonight's pregame show as Erika and I discuss it all live!