Boy, TNT got a late, but good one on Wednesday night... What a gutsy win by the Devils!!!!
BEST GOALTENDING PERFORMANCE OF THE SEASON
Jake Allen put on an absolute clinic @ VGK, stopping 36 of 37 shots, 3.20 Goals Above Expected, and all 3 VGK Shootout Attempts.
In his last 3 wins — which have come in his last 5 starts, overall — Jaker has been unbelievable… 108 saves on 110 shots (.982 Sv%), 1 SHO, and 9.62 GSAE!! 🤯
THE RETURN OF THE PESHINATOR
How relieving was it to watch the puck and minute-eater, Brett Pesce, back on the ice on Wednesday?!
The Devils have now won 9 straight games when NJD#22 is in the lineup, and it comes as no surprise when you look at Pesh's impact on the PK alone! Rachel and I will deep dive into this, and his 5v5 impact with Luke, during tonight's pregame show 🍿
THE GLASS IS FULL (OF CLUTCH FACEOFF WINS)
Since returning from injury (the second time) on Nov. 24, Glasser has taken his game to another level.
In addition to 2-2–4 PTS in his last 5 GP, Glass’ dominance in the dot — in the DZ specifically — is one of the many areas of his game that I’ve loved watching evolve with the increased opportunity he's had due to the injury to Jack. Seeing how CLUTCH Cody was in Vegas, winning back-to-back critical DZ FOs off icings in the final 31 seconds to get the game to OT, there would be no better time than now to highlight some of these numbers 👀
DYLAN GUENTHER
22-year-old, former 9th overall pick Dylan Guenther is on an absolute tear with 6 Goals in his last 6 GP. After a career-year last season (27-33–60 PTS), Guenther is on pace for 36 goals this season, and his explosive, deceptive release is becoming a true threat for UTA.
The Devils cannot afford to give him time and space tonight, especially on the PP, as he already has 2 PPGs in 4 Career GP against the Devils...
BOTH TEAMS IN THE HOME STRETCH
Starting tonight, NJD and UTA each have three games in five nights before the Christmas break. With everyone starting to look at the calendar, knowing this is the home stretch of the grind before the holidays, games like these generally come down to the team that has the mental fortitude to stay focused on the 2 PTS on the table.
But in this matchup, with both teams right outside the playoff picture and coming off a big road win, I expect nothing less than the same compete and desperation we saw in Vegas! Empty the tank!!!
Join Rachel and me for tonight's pregame show as we recap the HUGE, Gutsy W in Vegas, break down everything Pesce-related, and discuss some keys to a win tonight in UTA as we approach the Christmas break. LGD!
-Sal
