SAL'S QUICK HITS: METRO SWING CONTINUES

December 21, 2024

Bryce Salvador


Here are my quick hits following the Devils’ 4-2 L in Columbus heading into tonight’s game vs. PIT:

Frustrating Loss
Wow… Devils fans, this was one of those games where you just tip your hat to the opposing goaltender for stealing a game and move on to the next one. 

With that being said, you have to love the resilience and emotion this Devils team put on display yet again. The way this team competes and wills themselves to points is beyond encouraging. It doesn’t matter how any given game is going; they’re sticking to their process shift after shift and constantly battling back, even in a game like this one where they easily could have thrown in the towel and said, “Alright, it’s just not our night!” due to the fact Merzlikins was completely unconscious in this game. Again, talk about getting goalie’d…. This was one of the most outstanding goaltending performances I’ve seen against the Devils in a long, long time — and that’s saying A LOT, considering the recent body of work from opposing goaltenders in NJD losses! Yes, take a look at these graphics below, which show that, in the Devils’ last 8 losses since Nov. 1, opposing goaltenders have posted a .969 Sv% and 5 shutouts (both rank #1) despite the Devils throwing a league-high 32.5 shots/GP their way. Crazy!!!


Hughes Brothers Competing Relentlessly
As I said, it's been inspiring to watch the players on this Devils team do whatever it takes to win hockey games, and that starts with Jack and Luke Hughes competing like they did in this game. The emotion these two guys played with was infectious up and down the lineup, and it’s disappointing they didn’t get rewarded with at least a point at the end of the night. Yes, this is one of those games where you just have to have a short-term memory in that room to forget about it and move on to the next. But I have a feeling that this game will not be forgotten for a very long time due to Jack and Luke’s equally exceptional and historic performances, combining for 19 (!) shots on goal and putting on a clinic as they essentially skated circles around CBJ all night. 

Hot Offensive Team
Looking ahead to tonight’s game, it may be easy to be fooled by the Pens’ shaky start to the season and overall record, but the reality is that PIT enters the Rock tonight 8-2-1 in their last 11 games, scoring at a clip of 4.18 Goals/GP (#3) and 26.5% PP% (#10) in this stretch, making them one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the league right now. Point being, they will make the Devils pay if they are caught dwelling on the CBJ loss in the first period... but I don’t expect to be the case! 

Have to Find Ways to Score Goals!
On the contrary, a potential silver lining here is that PIT has been bleeding goals (3.09 Goals AG/GP; T-#17) in these last 11 GP, meaning, at face value, this looks like an opportunity for the Devils to make a statement offensively after struggling to solve Merzlikins on Thursday night. However, PIT’s PK has been very strong (90.3%; T-#3), and opposing teams — especially their goaltenders! — are clearly circling these games against the Devils on their calendars this season, so nobody is going to be surprised if Tristian Jarry brings his best and makes this another difficult game for you to win. Nonetheless, I’m expecting the Devils to find a way to keep this good mojo at the Rock going tonight with at least a point!

Tune in tonight to our MSGSN pregame show as Rachel and I break down the Hughes brothers’ performance vs. CBJ, their individual seasons so far, and some keys to beating a hot Penguins team. It all starts at 6:30 p.m.!

Let’s Go Devils!
-Sal



Here are some graphics from Thursday night’s broadcast!



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