Here are my quick hits following the Devils’ 4-1 W in STL heading into tonight’s game in Columbus:
Another day, another excellent, mature, 60-minute defensive effort, and important 2 PTS banked by the Devils. You just have to love the fact that this team clearly came into STL with the memory of how the first meeting went and had revenge on their mind. No, you didn’t get the shutout, but anytime you’re able to return the favor, match the physicality and snarl of your opponent, get timely contributions from your special teams, and take the 2 PTS at the end of the night, it’s something to build upon going into your next road city. As I talk about in the clip below, the brotherhood building inside that locker room is evident right now, as we continue to watch the Devils buy into a winning process and go to war for one another night in and night out. Something special is certainly emerging here with this team!
Boy, there are so many fun storylines to talk about with this team right now! In tonight’s pregame show, Rachel and I will specifically hone in on the Devils’ tremendous success over their last 11 road games since Oct. 30. Here’s a quick snippet!
Unstoppable Since Oct. 30
On Oct. 30, the Devils went out to Western Canada and started their three-game road trip with a commanding 6-0 W over VAN. From that point on, this team has built a dominant brand of road hockey that has consistently allowed them to find ways to win on the road, and it’s been special to watch.
Special Teams
For me, I immediately point to the special teams as the prime reason the Devils have been so good on the road since Oct. 30. If you compare the first five road games (when the Devils were just 3-2-0 away from the Rock) to their last 11 road games (9-2-0), it’s no coincidence that the Devils’ PP% has skyrocketed 16.2 percentage points (25.0% to 41.2%), and their PK% has jumped 10.6 percentage points (73.3% to 83.9%). Impressive stuff!
PP on Fire 🔥
Diving deeper into the PP alone, the Devils have scored 11 (!) PPGs over their last 6 road games — including goals in four consecutive games — and that’s why they are currently on pace to be the best Road PP in NHL history (36.0%). I give lots of credit to AC Jeremy Colliton, as he’s implemented a motion-based, attack/shot-first PP mentality that forces PKs to have to make several new reads and decisions on the fly. What we’re seeing on the road lately is that the Devils are putting their work boots on, keeping it simple, adapting, and executing the opportunities that opposing PKs are giving them, which is exactly why they are coming into other teams’ buildings and torturing them on the PP right now.
Now, yes, some of these numbers are obviously unsustainable and due to regress a fair amount. But as long as the Devils can sustain their cadence on both the PP and PK (…and stay healthy!) I like their chances of ending 2024-25 as the best road team in the NHL for the second time in the last three seasons.
Another Dangerous Game?!
Generally, you’d hear me refer to a game like this, against a weaker team that’s winless in their last five games, as an extremely “dangerous” game for the Devils due to it A) being an easy game to come into thinking you’re going to steamroll your opponent and B) it being an emotional downer after a few wins against some teams with a lot more talent on paper.
As I discuss in the clip below, though, I’m not necessarily worried about this game for this Devils team right now, as they’ve proven time and time again that they’re mature enough to take no games for granted and treat every opponent the same, regardless of the preconceived expectations. Therefore, yes, I am expecting to see nothing else than the Devils (led by Jake Allen’s first start on the road since Nov. 23 in WSH) silence the cannon and take care of business tonight in Columbus!
Be sure to join Rachel and me on tonight’s pregame show as we discuss these topics in more detail and break down some video examples of the road success. It all starts live at 6:30 p.m. on MSGSN!
Let’s Go Devils!
-Sal
Here are some graphics from Tuesday night’s broadcast!