Here are my quick hits following the two games on national TV, heading into our MSGSN broadcast tonight in Columbus:
3rd Period Comeback Win vs. EDM
Hey, everyone!
There are lots of ups and downs to catch up on since our MSG team last left you on Tuesday night, but I think you'd all agree there were none more exhilarating than the emotional roller coaster that was the EDM game on Thursday. What a resilient effort it was from the Devils to bounce back with two goals in the span of 1:35 after surrendering their lead and going down 2-1 early in the 3rd. Not only was this was ultimately the Devils' third straight win at the time – it was also their first third-period comeback win since Dec. 14 vs. CHI, as they had been 0-15-1 in their previous 16 GP when trailing in the 3rd period. You have to love the resilience they showed in this game, especially this time of year against the defending Western Conference Champs.
Disappointing Loss in PIT
I preface this next game by saying that the 7-3 final in PIT was by no means indicative of how this game went in its entirety. The Devils showed a lot of fight in this game and probably deserved a better result, quite frankly. Still, this was a loss I don’t think anyone expected with the way the team had been playing this week.
Now, other than the PP failing to give you a lead in the first period and Karlsson's nail-in-the-coffin PPG in the third, the special teams did its job in this game. On the three total double minors between both teams, the Devils scored 2 timely PPGs, were perfect on the kill, and would've even added a SHG if not for Bastian's goal being overturned for offsides. At the end of the day, it was more a combination of your lack of 5v5 chance generation and a few mental lapses (specifically, at the end of the first and beginning of the third) that cost you this game, if you're the Devils. You forechecked well and generated OZ time at 5v5, but you weren’t able to get to the inside as much as you would’ve expected against a team that, coming into this game, was conceding a top-10 highest rate of both slot shots and inner slot shots. This was especially surprising to see after the Devils had scored seven 5v5 goals over their previous 2 games.
Looking at the bigger picture, the good news inside that room is that a win tonight against CBJ puts this PIT loss right in the rearview mirror with the cushion you'd have built in the standings.
Luke Hughes
When it comes to the “Next D up” since the injuries to Siegenthaler and Dougie, everyone knew that Luke was going to have big skates to fill in all situations on the backend... And boy, has he ever gotten the job done. Take a look at the graphic below, which shows the progression of Luke’s ice time and point production since each injury.
For me, when digesting all of this, what’s been most impressive has been the way Luke has played on the PK. As a former PKer myself, I can't even begin to explain how impressive it is for a 21-year-old like Luke to go from very minimal in-game reps on the PK — not only this season but in his entire career — to immediately being as effective as he's been in a full-time role.
In fact, in Luke's 17:09 PK TOI since Feb. 6 (w/o Siegenthaler), Luke has only been on the ice for 3 (!) HD Chances Against. Among the 105 D who have played 17+ PK min in this sample set, only one player (Trevor van Riemsdyk) has been on ice for fewer... Outstanding.
Luke is only getting better and better with more and more responsibility, and that’s exactly what’s allowing the coaching staff to lean on him in all situations down the stretch. Just tremendous stuff from Luke to embrace the grind and say, "Hey, I got it, boys. I can be your No. 1 guy now." It speaks volumes to his character!
Jesper Bratt
Similarly to Luke's situation when Siegs and Dougie went down, everyone knew that if this team had any chance of surviving when Jack was deemed out for the season, Bratter was going to need to take the bull by the horns and somehow unlock yet another level offensively. Talk about another guy who has risen to the task... Since Jack has been out of the lineup (March 4), Bratter leads the league in PTS/GP (1.83) with 2-9–11 PTS in 6 GP and has now tied a franchise record with his three consecutive 3-point games coming into tonight. And yes, he is also just one assist away from the franchise record for assists in a single season, so there's certainly potential for some history to be made tonight in Columbus!
Side note: It’s no surprise to see Luke and Jesper took home the NHL’s “Dynamic Duo of the Week” with a combined 13 PTS, the most of any two teammates from March 10 - 16!
CBJ Pre-Scout
As I talked about in the first section of this article, it's going to be absolutely critical that the Devils get themselves right back in the W column by taking care of business tonight in Columbus. From a standings perspective, you couldn't ask for a better opportunity to bury CBJ than with your second regulation win against them in as many weeks.
If you're the Devils, you've been playing too well since the trade deadline to find yourselves falling back into a potential rut here. Look, this is a Blue Jackets team that, in all honesty, has completely lost their footing amidst their fight for their lives in the playoff race. In order to match the desperation you know they're going to come out with tonight, you have to treat this as nothing less than another must-win game right from the opening puck drop.
Be sure to join Rachel and me for tonight's pregame show as we recap the last game vs. CBJ and break down the Metro standings, as well as the impact of NYR's last two games. We'll also take a look at the new players, their hot start with the Devils, and the healthy internal competition they've created in the room. It all starts at 6:30 p.m. on MSGSN!
Let's Go Devils!
-Sal
