Here are a few quick hits heading into tonight’s game vs. CAR, following the Devils’ four-day break between games. 
Successful First Quarter
Hey, everyone!
It’s great to be back in action tonight after the Devils got a much-needed four-day gap between games. Playing 21 games in 43 nights is no easy task, and I give this team lots of credit for not only surviving that storm but also finding a way to come out of it with a .619 PTS%, ranked 4th in the Metro.
Here's an updated look at a side-by-side comparison with each of the last two seasons through 21 GP:
-- For some more in-depth quarterly review content, check out my previous article, which dives deeper into my thoughts on the first 20 games. --
Coming out of the Break
So yes, if you're the Devils, you finally had a chance to recover physically, replenish, rehydrate, get two good practices in, get some sleep in your own bed, and reset mentally. But now, the challenge inside that locker room becomes, can you dig deep and get right back to work for 6 games in 10 nights, including two crucial divisional games (vs. CAR & @ WSH) right out of the gate?
Seeing that these next two opponents just passed you in the standings during your break – and still have 3 games in hand on you – these are “8” critical points you simply cannot afford to surrender right now. You have to be able to use rest to your advantage right from the get-go tonight vs. CAR, who are coming into your building on the second half of a back-to-back. No, there won't be any time to "dust off the rust"!
Before wrapping up this article, I wanted to provide a few quick thoughts on Dougie’s slow start to the season from a goal-scoring standpoint, as, despite having 14 assists in his last 14 GP, Dougie still only has one goal next to his name on the stat sheet.
Looking into some shooting percentage numbers, Dougie’s 1.5% current clip is the lowest it’s been since through 21 GP since his last season with CAR back in 2020-21 — when it was also 1.5% — Yet, he finished with 10 goals in a shortened 55-GP season that year.
What we’re also seeing when comparing Dougie’s first 21 GP from 2022-23 to this season is that he is taking over 6 less SATs per hour in all situations, including nearly 5 less per hour on the PP, but his rates of shots on net are roughly the same. This tells me that Dougie is, overall, a little more selective when he has the puck on his stick this season, in addition to the fact that his shot is not necessarily always the No. 1 option on the PP.
Yes, everyone (including Dougie) would love to see more pucks going in for him right now, but considering that A) his point production is on pace to match his career year and B) He’s getting equal opportunities and registering the same amount of shots on net, there is no reason to panic. I’d suspect that his 1.5% Shooting PCT will regress back up towards his career average of 6.3%, just like it did in the 2020-21 season, where he finished with a 5.6% clip after starting at the same 1.5% benchmark through 21 GP.
Tune in tonight to MSGSN for our 6:30 p.m. pregame show as I chat ice side with Brett Pesce before his first game against his former team. Then, Rachel and I continue to recap the first 21 GP, the next 7 coming up, and the importance of the next two games. Big one tonight at the Rock!
Let's Go Devils!
-Sal
Here's a thread I sent out from yesterday's practice!
Based on the jersey color breakdown at the #NJDevils practice, it looks like there will be some special team work done today. pic.twitter.com/LzIXRVktsr
— Bryce Salvador (@BryceSalvador24) November 20, 2024
Yep, both PP & PK units are getting a good number of practice reps today.
— Bryce Salvador (@BryceSalvador24) November 20, 2024
The rest of the practice today was very detailed & intense, focusing on defending the rush, ending plays quickly in the DZ corners, and getting them ready for the man-on-man coverage and forechecking pressure they expect to see vs. CAR tomorrow.
— Bryce Salvador (@BryceSalvador24) November 20, 2024
