Hey, Devils Fans!
I'm pumped to be back with my MSG crew for tonight's game vs. PIT! Now, I don't usually go off-topic or share personal info on here, but, I want to start this article by talking about a very special weekend for my son's youth hockey team, as they took home the Atlantic Districts Championship at 14U to punch their ticket to Nationals in Plymouth, MI!
In our best-of-3 championship series, my team won 5-2 in the first game and lost 2-1 in OT in the second game (trailed 1-0 going into the 3rd), which set us up for a do-or-die Game 3. In Game 3, the boys had a 2-0 lead after the 1st period; fell behind 3-2 after the 2nd period; then, with Nationals on the line, rallied back in the 3rd period and scored 3 unanswered goals to win 5-3!
I’m so proud of this group for their resilience and hard work all year to get to this point! I’ll be sure to keep you all updated, Devils Fans, as they get a chance to compete against the top 16 teams in the country at Nationals, next!
As for the Devils, I’m excited to rejoin my MSG crew for tonight’s game vs. PIT, although, it’s disappointing to see that the team continued to leave points on the table in their recent road trip. At this stage of the season, they’re now going to need to play around .750 hockey to make a push for a playoff spot.
For me, it’s going to have to start with Jack, Bratter, Dawson, and Luke all playing their best hockey in the last 14 games. When you look at the Devils' 1-4-0 record in their last 5 games, coinciding with their Goals/GP rate being down 32%, it's no secret that it's extremely difficult for any team to win hockey games if some of your best players aren’t giving you offensive production.
Leaving this topic on a positive note, the Swiss duo, Timo & Nico, have each been on fire lately and leading by example. The Captain has put up 9-17—26 PTS in his last 22 GP, and Timo Time has arrived with 9-5—14 PTS in his last 12 GP, including an 8-goal explosion in his last 9 GP! Stay hot!
Now, the main storyline at the moment (and, the most reliving one) has to be the new NJD tandem of Jake Allen/Kaapo Kahkonen and their stellar first impressions in a Devils uniform. Both goalies have come in right away and given their team a chance to play comfortably and win games, which is all you can ask for from your goaltenders. It’s time to give them the goal support they deserve!
Coming back home now for the first time, where the Devils have desperately needed timely saves all season, I’m hopeful that their track record at Prudential Center serves them well on this 3-game homestand. Allen, who was exceptional in both Dallas & Vegas, will get the nod tonight vs. a Pens team that scores well below their 4th highest rate of expected goals, converting at the 8th lowest actual rate.
Hopefully, Devils Fans, the Stadium Series jerseys can bring back some of the good vibes from MetLife Stadium and inject them into the Rock!
-Sal
