Here are my quick hits following the Devils’ 3-1 W over LAK heading into today’s homestand finale vs. CHI:
Stuck to the Process
Well, Devils fans, despite not getting the result they wanted against TOR, the Devils stuck to the same process and got rewarded for it. This win is going to go a long way for this team in their understanding that this 60-minute, patient, defensive formula we’ve seen them commit to in the last two games is conducive to collecting points. No, you weren’t happy with your result in the TOR game, but you were mature enough to put it behind you and replicate that defensive effort. That's why, all of a sudden, you’ve found yourself with 3 of 4 points in the bank against two elite teams, AND you're feeling good about the fact you just suppressed both of these teams to 17 or fewer shots — which the Devils haven't done in consecutive games in over a decade.
Dethroned the Kings
As I sent out in a Tweet yesterday, it was 7 years ago to the date of this game, Dec. 12, 2018, that the Devils beat LAK 5-1 at the Rock to snap the Kings’ 8-Game Winning Streak. Well, fast forward exactly seven years to Dec. 12, 2024, the Devils take down LAK 3-1 to snap the Kings’ 6-Game Winning Streak entering Thursday night. As great (and eerie) as that co-occurrence is, my eyes are set on the fact that the Devils went on a 6-0-1 run after that win back in 2017… So, let’s all hope history continues to rhyme! ;)
Chicago in Town
To wrap up the homestand, we’ve got ourselves what you all know I like to call a "dangerous" 1 p.m. matinee against CHI, who come into this afternoon’s game 1-6-0 in their last 7 games and dead last in the NHL standings. It’s dangerous because everyone knows CHI is one of the weakest teams in the league on paper, so it can be tough mentally for you to bring your “A Game” again for a third game in a row. That being said, it would be awesome to see the Devils still have some emotional juice left to close out the homestand on a high note, showing off their maturity growth!
First Home Matinee
Now, all else aside, I love matinee games, and seeing this will be the first afternoon start time at the Rock this season, I’m pumped for another tremendous atmosphere here to close out this homestand — especially because today is going to be the day we put an end to a bunch of these individual pointless droughts!
Tune in to our pregame show this afternoon as Rachel and I recap the LAK win, discuss the defensive success in the last 2 GP, break down the recent 5v5 domination of Jack’s line, discuss players in pointless droughts, and preview tonight’s game vs. CHI. It all starts at 12:30 p.m. on MSGSN!
Let’s Go Devils!
-Sal
Here are some graphics from Thursday night’s broadcast!