Here are my quick hits following the Devils’ 3-0 W vs. PIT heading into today’s game vs. NYR:
Historic Shot Suppression
With another 2 PTS in the bank, I think it’s time to talk about this tremendous stretch of games the Devils have put together over the last handful of games in terms of limiting their opponents to such low shot totals. In Saturday night’s game, we saw the Devils hold PIT to just 12 shots on goal, which was the sixth straight with 20 Shots AG or fewer and the fourth-straight home game with 17 Shots AG or fewer. Not only that, but it was also the lowest Shots AG total in a Devils shutout win since Dec. 4, 2003, when Marty Brodeur had a 9-save SHO vs WSH! (….Geez, the Devils out-shot the Caps 41-9 in that game!)
Well, not that anything other than the W matters this afternoon, but if the Devils happen to hold NYR to 20 or fewer shots tonight, it would be the Devils’ seventh consecutive game with 20 Shots AG or fewer, which would officially give them the all-time longest streak in NHL history (since shots were first tracked in 1959-60!). Whether they get this record (or the home record listed below as well!) or not, it’s been remarkable to watch this team buy into a process and defensive structure that allows them to suppress shots at such a historic, consistent rate right now, even when they’re not necessarily on their “A Game.” To me, that’s why the stats in this graphic are so impressive!
Marky Shutout
It was Marky’s first career shutout at Prudential Center, and in fitting fashion for today’s matchup, he now passes Igor Shesterkin for the third most shutouts (17) among all goaltenders over the last five NHL seasons.
Sure, some might be quick to say Marky “only” had 12 saves in this game, but I give him a lot of credit for his performance, as he was a major factor in why the Devils came away with a W in this one. The Penguins started on time and made life difficult for the Devils in the first 20-30 minutes, and Marky did an exceptional job, especially on the PK, weathering that storm to prevent PIT from generating any momentum.
Eventually, the Devils found their legs towards the latter half of the second period and made this a “lighter” night for him, but boy, some of the saves Marky made (especially this one below on Crosby) were outstanding.
As HC Keefe talked about postgame, it’s no easy task for a goaltender when they’re facing a low volume of shots on net like we’ve seen over the recent stretch of games. Mentally, it’s hard as a goaltender to remain comfortable and engaged in a game when you can count on one hand how many shots you’re facing in a period. But Marky has been exceptional nonetheless, and that’s why he finds himself in a personal 8-game point streak (7-0-1 in Last 8 Starts) without a regulation loss and is now second in the NHL in wins this season with 17.
Noesen Career High & GWG
Another Devil who continued his outstanding season was Stefan Noesen, who now has his career-high 15th goal (yes, in just 36 GP!) and GWGs in back-to-back Devils wins. Not to mention, this was his 10th (!) goal that's come from where he resides in the inner slot and around the blue paint, an area nobody else in the league is more dominant in patrolling right now! (Image via NHL Edge).
For me, as impressive as a 34-goal pace is alone at face value, it’s the fact that these 12 of Noesen’s 15 goals have come at critical times in games when the Devils are either tied or in a one-goal game that stands out. No, this is not some fluke where Noesen is scoring to make it 6-1 with 3 minutes left! This guy has really come in here and set a new standard for himself as a leader that you can lean on when you’re in need of a big play, and it’s been tremendous to watch from ice level!
Replicate the First Meeting
Let’s turn our attention to this afternoon, as the Devils are tasked with a Rangers team that’s desperate for answers right now as they sit on a 4-13-0 record in their last 11 GP and a 3-1 L to CAR yesterday. The Devils, on the other hand, are looking for their first four-game win streak on home ice since a streak of five games they had back from March 25 - April 11 of 2023. For me, if they can combine their recent process with the intensity and competitiveness they brought to MSG on Dec. 2, I am very confident that they can finally put an end to this long, 622-day drought of not having an extended winning streak at the Rock. It should be an electric atmosphere today at the Rock, and it’s been very promising to watch the Devils start to establish a presence on home ice here over the last stretch of games. Time to leave Devils fans with the best gift they could possibly ask for heading into the holiday break, that being another convincing win over the NYR!
Jack Hughes
OK, it wouldn’t be a proper pregame article for a NJD/NYR game without highlighting Jack Hughes. So, here are a couple of graphics to get you pumped for a big-time Jack performance today! (…Yes, even on the defensive side of the puck!)
Be sure to join Rachel and me on MSGSN tomorrow as we break down Marky and Timo’s respective seasons thus far. Remember, 12:30 p.m. pregame show, 1 p.m. puck drop!
Happy Holidays, and Let’s Go Devils!
-Sal
Here are some graphics from Saturday night!