Here are my quick hits following the Devils’ 3-2 OTL at MSG, heading into tonight’s home game vs. TBL:
Impressive Effort & Energy
Despite not getting the W everyone wanted, I was overall very impressed with how the Devils came out and competed throughout the course of this game to get a point. For this team to be just a couple of days removed from Pacific time coming off the long West-Coast road trip, it was impressive to not only see them rise to the level of a high-intensity rivalry game but also dictate play at even strength for a good chunk of it. This was a well-earned “good point” in my books, and it was no surprise HC Keefe doubled down on that message when I asked him about it postgame. Take the point and move on!
First Half of the 2nd Period
Yes, we’d all like to start seeing better, more consistent starts to games (especially of late, with the Devils having only scored one first-period goal in the last six games). But, for me, one positive that's emerged has been the strong starts in the second period – specifically within the first 10 minutes – as the Devils are arguably playing their best hockey in this time segment. Strong goaltending has given the team a chance to get their legs underneath them in the first 20 minutes, and ultimately, it's allowed the Devils to really take advantage of the long change right out of the gate in the second period. That's exactly what we're seeing lately, with NJD having now scored 7 of their last 20 total goals in the first half of second periods alone. Yes, that, of course, includes both of the Devils' goals on Thursday night, which were equally great and impactful plays in this game! My breakdowns of those goals can be seen in the video below.
Home Winning Streak
Finally, after two long weeks of being on the road, the Devils are back home tonight to resume their 5-game winning streak at the Rock! Because we had holidays, the New Year, and a 1-4-1 stretch of road games on our mind since the last Devils home game on Dec. 27, it can be very easy to forget how well the Devils were playing with their stingy defensive efforts on home ice before heading out West. Hopefully, the way they start tonight will make us all feel like we never left Newark!
Tampa Bay In Town
Now, let's take a quick step back, because the season series with the Lightning is one that has not gone well so far by any means. The Devils had lost the first two games by ugly final scores of 8-5 and 4-0, respectively, and those cumulative 6.00 Goals AG per game vs. TBL is the most they’ve conceded against any opponent entering tonight. On top of that, they’ve been out-chanced a combined 37-19 from the HD inner slot while also conceding 3 PPGs on just 5 opportunities AG. Yikes... from a defensive standpoint, the Devils have not nearly been good enough!
With that said, though, there’s no doubt in my mind that if the Devils can get back to the way they were defending before the road trip — or anything close to it with the way Marky’s been playing — we’re going to be in for a completely different story and result tonight.
Pre-Scout Insights
Here’s an early look at a graphic I’ll show in-game tonight, displaying some of the high-octane offense these two teams can bring both off the rush and by getting to the slot. Fortunately, the Devils have done a much better job defending in these two areas, and I’m optimistic this could give them an edge tonight!
Tune in tonight to our pregame show as Rachel and I recap Thursday night’s OTL against NYR and the 6-game road trip. We’ll also preview the next stretch coming up and break down why the Devils’ power play has been trending in the wrong direction over the last 17 games. It all starts at 6:30 p.m. on MSGSN!
Let’s Go Devils!
-Sal
Here are some graphics from Thursday night’s broadcast!