Here are my quick hits following the Devils’ 5-0 W in NSH, heading into tonight’s game in COL:
All-Around Great Effort
What was not to like about the Devils’ 5-0 W in NSH on Sunday night?! The Devils started on time, getting Dougie and Pally’s 500th career points out of the way just 13:45 into the game. This was the 8th of Pally’s last 10 goals that have been the Devils’ first goal of the game, and yes, the first time in NHL history that teammates combined for their 500th point on the same goal!
On top of all the other positives — including Captain’s 3-assist night, Bratter’s 50th assist, perfect special teams, and Seamus Casey showcasing his deadly release once again — Dawsy was equally tremendous, stopping 2.68 goals above expected in his first career shutout.
Above all, it was awesome to see the team get rewarded for bringing the excellent process they had in the DAL game onto the road.
Power Play
Yes, looking at the big picture, the Devils’ PP is ranked #3 in the NHL with 23 games left to play, which is extremely impressive and always something to be proud of. However, it is concerning that the execution of the PP has been going down month over month since the beginning of December. With the Devils relying on the third-highest % of total goals coming from the PP, consistency down the stretch is going to be critical. The Devils have now scored PPGs in back-to-back games for the first time since Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, and this is a great first step in building that same sustained execution on the PP we saw at the beginning of the season. Tonight will be another good test to ride that momentum, seeing they’ll be facing a COL PK that is 92.0% (23/25) in their last 9 home games.
COL Pre-Scout
Looking ahead to tonight’s game, a big key if you're the Devils is starting the game a lot better than you did in the last meeting with COL. This Avs team has way too much firepower; they will make you pay if you’re caught sleeping in the first period. You can’t afford to allow them to come out and score 2 even-strength goals in the first 15 min like they did at the Rock, which catapulted them to a 4-0 W against you in that game.
Additionally, everyone knows how big of a challenge it will be to solve Mackenzie Blackwood tonight if he gets the start for the Avs. Blackwood has been outstanding with COL since being acquired from SJS on Dec. 9, 2024 — and enters tonight with shutouts in back-to-back home games. His one other shutout this season? Yes, that 44-save shutout he had in New Jersey back on Nov. 10 to steal a 1-0 W for SJS.
You have to get in his head early, encroach on his crease, and do whatever it takes to make him uncomfortable in this game tonight. If not, he’s going to give you a continuation of the stats in this graphic!
Join Rachel and me on our pregame show tonight as we continue to recap Sunday night’s win in NSH and the last meeting with COL. We’ll also break down Seamus Casey’s first 9 career games, the PP needing consistency, and some more keys to a win tonight in COL. It all starts at 9 p.m. on MSGSN!
Let's Go Devils!
-Sal
