Hey, Everyone!
I'm incredibly excited about this opportunity the Devils have in front of them here to prove everyone wrong yet again by doing more damage in the playoffs. This Devils team proved in the first round that they deserve to be here, and I'm all fired up for this challenge the Canes will bring! Here are some things to watch out for and expect based on the games I covered in the first round of action vs. the NYI on TNT.
Execution On The Powerplay:
In the four games of the season series vs. the Hurricanes, the Devils went 0/13 on the man advantage while conceding 4 short-handed goals! YIKES! Below you can find the scouting report on the Devils’ PP and Canes’ PK from the first round, which describes that NJD will need to utilize not only their speed and pace but also quick processing abilities on entries and in-zone to prevent CAR’s tight & aggressive PK from continuing to cause them trouble - which could lead to more shorthanded goals in this series as well. That’s the last thing the Devils need!
No Passengers On This Bus:
The Devils will need everyone in the lineup to step up against one of the deepest teams in the league in terms of surviving losing key players (Svechnikov & Teravainen). They’ll most notably need the stars to step up, including Timo Meier, who Lindy Ruff said is a game-time decision for tonight; finished the first round with the most 5v5 HD scoring chances in the league….but 0 goals to show for it. 12 other non-Devils in RD1 recorded 10 +5v5 HDSC, scoring a combined 19 goals.
But 0 goals to show for it. 12 other non-Devils in RD1 recorded 10 +5v5 HDSC, scoring a combined 19 goals. It’s now we need Timo Time!
It's Selke Time!
Nico Hischier happens to be in the same exact boat. Before I continue, let’s give him the recognition he deserves for his recent accomplishment of being a Selke finalist at the age of 24!
This quick, no voice-over video demonstrates his hard work defensively, in the faceoff circle, and some of his elite playmaking and scoring ability, too! Nico always says that his job as the captain is to ‘lead on the ice,’ and he is doing a tremendous job of doing so.
As with Meier, Nico ended the first round right behind Timo for 2nd in High-Danger Scoring Chances, and just like Timo, 0 goals to show for it. The Swiss forwards are dead last in goals above expected. If they continue to play the way they’re playing, it’s only a matter of time before they both get rewarded - and it’ll be torturous for the Hurricanes. He’s doing the right things. But, like Timo, it’s now Selke Goal Scoring Time!
Enjoy the game, and Let’s Go, Devils!
