Here are my quick hits following the Devils’ Western Canada road trip heading into tonight’s game back home vs. MTL:
Similar Games, Different Results
Despite the two 3-0 final scores being flip-flopped in the W/L columns, the EDM and CGY games were quite similar from the Devils' perspective. In both games, the Devils had slow starts, and their goaltender kept them in it as they never fully found their legs on either night. The difference, of course, is that in EDM, they found a way to win via timely saves, converting on chances, special teams coming through in key moments, and a strong third period – whereas in CGY, they were not able to finish their chances and get to overtime in the dying minutes of the game.
The silver lining here, which HC Keefe talked about in the postgame, is that it is encouraging to see the Devils are starting to understand how to manufacture points with their “B-game.” Again, for whatever reason, the Devils did not have their legs in either of these games, yet, they easily could have touched down in New Jersey riding a four-game W streak and potentially even a three-game shutout streak, which is a credit to their ability to play a mature, patient-styled game and make the necessary plays at key moments to tread water.
Nonetheless, this was a successful road trip for the Devils, as they were able to bank 4 of 6 PTS against three very good hockey teams right now. Moving forward!
Have to Replicate it at Home
Like I said, it was a tremendous trip overall for Marky and Allen, as both goaltenders brought home a shutout and were undoubtedly the main factor in the Devils pulling away with 4 PTS.
The focus in the goaltending department now, though, shifts to carrying over these performances to home ice. For me, in order to squash the narrative tonight that you haven’t won back-to-back games at home — and in order to start stringing together Ws on home ice consistently — it is going to start with your goaltenders giving you a chance to win every night, just like they’ve done on the road. Yes, HC Keefe would be the first to tell you that the team’s overall defensive effort needs to be better most nights at home, but he will also tell you that the goaltending has not been nearly good enough from that standpoint, either.
- PP
- Look no further than the EDM game for an example of your special teams coming up big in game-changing, timely moments. Throughout the first 16 minutes of the second period, the Devils found themselves running around in their own zone, conceding rush chances, allowing Edmonton to get to the inside, turning pucks over on the B/O, and relying on Allen to keep them afloat as they held a 1-0 lead. Then, the Oilers took a too-many-men penalty with 3:54 left, and the PP had an opportunity to deflate all the momentum that EDM had been carrying. Well, it took only 28 seconds of PP time for the top unit to do just that and give the Devils a 2-goal cushion going into the third. Huge moment!!!
PK
Equally impressive in the last four games, and equally important in the EDM game, is the Devils' PK, which came up with a timely kill 1:05 into 3rd to keep the game at 2-0. Just like the SHG/big kills in the VAN game, I love the fact that the Devils were able to not only get the kill but also build off this moment and extend the lead, which they did 7 minutes later on Timo's goal. Yes, a beauty! As I'll break down in the pregame show tonight, this goal starts with a beautiful defensive effort and flip pass from the DAWG, Dawson Mercer, who has been outstanding lately!
Taking a look at the next three games, the Devils need to bank at least 4 of the 6 points on the table here. I talked about the importance of consistent home efforts, and for me, there is no excuse for the Devils not to win both of these upcoming home games, as they are against arguably bottom teams in the league. 
For tonight's game vs. MTL, specifically, my eyes are set on the first 10 minutes of the game and the importance of getting the first goal — Generate some OZ time early and get the first one for Marky. The Habs have not won a game this season (0-5-2) when conceding the first goal, and it will be critical that Marky gets behind a lead so he can settle in early and feel good about himself on home ice tonight.
Tune in to our pregame show tonight as Rachel and I follow up on the Devils’ management of momentum moments, discuss the importance of the next three games, and show some video examples of the special teams as we preview tonight’s game vs. MTL. It all starts at 6:30 p.m. on MSGSN!
Let’s Go Devils!
-Sal
