Hey, Devils Fans.
Let’s make it a perfect trip tonight! 🔥
HAVE YOURSELF A NIGHT, LENNI
What a moment it was for Lenni, scoring his first career goal less than two minutes in on Friday to give the Devils an early lead.
But that wasn’t enough for Lenni, as he then followed it up in the 2nd period with his first career assist — a beauty on Glass’ first goal — before getting Dano, Don, and me on our feet in the 3rd with the full breakaway chance he had.
Three games are a small sample, yes, but this game was another very encouraging sign that Lenni has the confidence and swagger to make an impact in the NHL. If he continues to get better with the increased reps and practice time he’ll get as we move forward, we could be looking at a tremendous addition in the making for the bottom six — Especially when you consider the value of Lenni still being on his ELC.
When he’s been on the ice at 5v5, the Devils have outshot their opposition 23-9 and have out-chanced them 19-6. He isn't just surviving his call-up; he is helping Glass and Grits dominate their shifts as a line. And let’s not forget that all three of these games so far have been on the road. So, Sheldon hasn't had the last change to protect Lenni in situations he may have felt he needed to.
ANOTHER CODY MASTERGLASS
What else can you say at this point, besides reiterating that Cody Glass is a man on a mission right now. GWGs in B2B games, 6 Goals in his last 7 GP, and now one goal away from tying his career high (14 w/ NSH in 2022-23).
He is completely tilting the ice, driving possession, finishing plays, and becoming the engine of the Devils' offense right now. And, I love the fact that it’s all come without the sacrifice of his two-way identity as a reliable defensive center. He has really picked a perfect time to play some of the best hockey of his career, and we are all hoping he stays hot today in SEA!
PP CONNECTED
Finally, for the first time since Dec. 1, the Devils scored multiple PPGs in a game.
And the biggest moment, for me, was the PP's response on the double-minor after conceding a SHG for the first time this season — in such a critical moment in the game, nonetheless.
For the Devils to have the gumption to immediately turn around and say, “You know what, we’re gonna just get this thing right back on this same double minor,” was the exact response that you’re looking for in a situation like that, with the game all of a sudden within one goal at the time, and the Canucks feeling like they just took over the momentum of the game.
I look forward to breaking it all down with Rachel during our pregame show!
PK LIGHTS OUT
And, for the first time since Oct. 30, the PK was perfect on a night where the PP came through with multiple goals. It’s been great to see the PK continue to get the job done with the relatively low volume of penalties the Devils are taking lately, as, over the last four games, it is 9/9.
But if both the PP and PK can now get in sync like this consistently in this final stretch before the break, watch out. 👀
URGENCY TO START ON TIME
The Kraken enter tonight having conceded first in 8 of their last 9 games, and only two wins in this stretch as a result. HC Lane Lambert called their last game vs. ANA (4-2 L) the “worst first 40 minutes of the year.”
Point being, I am expecting SEA’s urgency to start on time tonight to be at an all-time high, and the Devils have to match that.
If you're the Devils, you've started on time three games in a row, but the reality is you have had two games on this trip (EDM & VAN) where you've been able to hold down the fort in a shaky final 20-30 mins. And, look, everyone knows you can't expect to win every game that way. I hope the Devils can finish this trip with a game where they start on time, then ultimately control the game for the full 60 minutes to get the W. (But don't get me wrong, I will take an ugly win every day of the week if it comes down to it!)\
Join Rachel and me at 2:30 p.m. this afternoon as we break this all down in-depth with some video examples! LGD!!!
-Sal
