Here are my quick hits following the Devils’ 5-1 W vs. BOS, heading into tonight’s game in MTL:
2nd Period
What a huge win it was for the Devils on Wednesday night, snapping the 4-game winless streak, and finally exploding offensively to end the drought of 11 games without scoring more than 3 goals (…which was the longest streak since 2016-17). Other than the Marky injury a few minutes in, I especially loved the 2nd period specifically in this game, the Devils taking over the game with four goals and putting on a clinic by controlling play and out-changing BOS in the OZ for large stretches of this period. Bigger picture, it’s been great to see the Devils continue to be dominant in the long-change second period this season, as they own the second-best 2nd-period Goal DIFF (+26) and most 2nd-period PPGs (20) in the league entering tonight.
Power Play
In my last article, I talked about the fact that, with the Devils scoring at the lowest rate in the league over their last 11 games (entering Wednesday’s game), it was going to need to start with the PP executing again in order to get the offensive production clicking again. Well, that’s exactly what they did, putting up 3 PPGs on 7 opportunities. Now, nobody’s asking for 3+ PPGs every game (although, it would be nice — the Devils haven’t lost a home game in regulation with 3+ PPGs since Oct. 1999!), but it’s going to be critical that they carry over this momentum and execution into Montreal tonight on the road. Tune in at 6:30 p.m. as we deep dive into it all on tonight’s pregame show!
Jake Allen’s Net
As unfortunate and disappointing it was for everyone to watch Marky to go down injured on Wednesday night, it seems like worst-case scenario has been avoided for Marky, as the team announced he will be sidelined 4-6 weeks with an MCL Sprain. This means that until the Four Nation’s break (at minimum), it’ll be Jake Allen’s net over the next 7 games. For me, what’s most encouraging about this situation is that Allen came in cold and exuded confidence. This should go a long way for everyone mentally, especially for Allen, heading into his first start back against his former team tonight. Make no mistake about it, this will be an extremely important game for Allen to set the tone and prove to everyone that he’s a guy you can trust to get the job done until Marky’s back!
Big Test
In terms of the matchup, this is certainly going to be a big test for Allen and the Devils tonight to follow up the W vs. BOS. This is a Habs team has come alive (from being last place in the East on Dec. 16) and surprised everyone as arguably the hottest in the league right now, going 13-4-1 over their last 18 games since mid-December. At home specifically, they’re 5-1-1 in this span while scoring at a clip of 4.00 Goals/GP. It’ll be critical that the Devils have their legs again right from opening puck drop!
Be sure to join Rachel and me on our pregame show tonight, as we recap Wednesday night’s W vs. BOS, discuss the goaltending situation, and continue to break down the PP execution. It all starts at 6:30 p.m. on MSGSN2!
Let’s Go Devils!
-Sal
Here are some graphics from Wednesday night’s Ring of Honor broadcast!
