New Jersey by the Numbers: Week 2

After a perfect week 1, the Devils and their offense fell a bit back to normalcy finishing week 2 with one win in three games.

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The Devils’ second week had New Jersey finishing their four game road trip in Tampa and Washington, then opening at home against San Jose. Tampa gave New Jersey their first close game of the season, but thanks to a Mike Cammalleri goal in the third, New Jersey won 2 to 1. The next two games, the Devils began to slide. 2 Damon Severson’s goals was the only offense New Jersey could produce in Washington, and lost to the Capitals 6 – 2. Saturday, New Jersey lost their home opener for the 6 time in the last nine tries at the Prudential Center, falling to San Jose 4 – 2.

No one expected New Jersey to go undefeated, but the strong start was a great way to open the season. After five games, most should be happy with a 3-2 record, especially since it took 12 games to reach 3 wins last season. Also in the first 5 games, the Devils played 3 former playoff teams, and won 2 of those games. Although New Jersey is currently in the midst of a two game losing streak, they are still in a great place with 6 points this early in the season.

Line Evaluations
Line 1: Mike Cammalleri (GP: 3, G: 2, A: 2), Travis Zajac (GP: 2, G: 1, A: 1), Jaromir Jagr (GP: 3, G: 0, A: 1)
The Devils top line was again fun to watch this week. Chemistry between these 3 players is very noticable, thanks to the line totaling 12 points in 5 games (6g & 6a). Mike Cammalleri leads the line and team with 5 goals and 7 points. Early in the season, Mike Cammalleri has shown that he might have been the best pick up of the Free Agency Frenzy. With Cammalleri red hot and both Zajac and Jagr off to solid starts, this line will have the potential to be the most dominant offensive combination on the roster every week.

Line 2: Dainius Zubrus (GP: 3, G: 0, A: 0), Patrik Elias (GP: 2, G: 0, A: 1), Martin Havlat (GP: 2, G: 0, A: 1)/Damien Brunner (GP: 1, G: 0, A:0)

Oct 18, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Patrik Elias (26) passes the puck during the third period of their game against the San Jose Sharks at Prudential Center. The Sharks defeated the Devils 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

When they were on the ice together, the pairing of Elias and Havlat has been fun to watch. Both have a sense of finding each other on the ice and create get scoring opportunities for those surrrounding them. A great example was the power play in Tampa, which the two both got assists on Cammalleri’s game winner. Unfortunately, Havlat took a serious hit in Washington, and had to miss the home opener with extreme facial lacerations. He will be day-to-day, and hopefully ready for the next game on Tuesday. Brunner took his slot Saturday and looked hungry. In his time on the ice, he posted 2 shots on goal and created plenty of quality scoring opportunites.

Line 3: Ryane Clowe (GP: 3, G: 0, A: 1), Adam Henrique (GP: 3, G: 1, A: 1), Michael Ryder (GP: 2, G: 0, A: 1)
After leading the team in scoring last week, the 3rd line finished second to the red hot first line. We cannot say enough good things about Adam Henrique. The center looks to be in mid-season form, and currently has 2 goals and 3 assists after 5 games. A point per game average is a great way to start the year, and this line will rely on him if they hope to be productive. A hot Henrique will lead to productive starts for Clowe and Ryder. Clowe currently has 4 points on the season, and Ryder has 5.

Line 4: Tuomo Ruutu (GP: 3, G: 0, A: 0), Stephen Gionta (GP: 3, G: 0, A: 0), Jordin Tootoo (GP: 3, G: 0, A: 0)
After 5 games, this line has 1 point to its name, thanks to a goal by Tuomo Ruutu. Last week when the Devils averaged 5.5 goals a game, having this line not produce was not a problem. However, with New Jersey’s offense averaging 2 goals a game in Week 2, New Jersey cannot find success while having a line that produces 0 offensive output. This line needs a offensive spark, which they will not have to look far for. Damien Brunner got his first minutes of the season, and thanks to a strong showing should find himself a spot on this line by the start of week three.

Defense
Pairing 1: Andy Greene & Damon Severson

Oct 16, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Damon Severson (28) celebrates with Devils center Travis Zajac (19) after scoring his first goal against the Washington Capitals in the first period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

A strong week two has gotten Severson’s name into the Calder talk already. This week alone he scored two more goals on the season, and established himself a shooter from the point. He posted 13 shots in 3 games, giving him a shooting percentage of 15.4%. Greene looks to mentoring the twenty year old well as his line mate, as the pairing finished the week with a combined +/- of 4.

Pairing 2: Marek Zidlicky & Bryce Salvador
This was a rough week for the elders of the Devils’ blue line. Both Marek Zidlicky and Bryce Salvador finished the week with 0 offensive output and in each of the Devils three games finished with a +/- of -1.

Pairing 3: Eric Gelinas & Jon Merrill
The youthful pairing had an average Week 2 of the Season, with ups and down in each game. The pairing had an obviously rough game against the Washington Capitals, seen by their combined +/- of -4. One aspect of defense which this line has been leading the team in is throwing hits. In the three games this week, the pairing had 8 hits.

Goaltending – Cory Schneider (1-2)

Oct 16, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (35) is beaten by a shot from Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (not pictured) in the third period at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Cory Schneider started all 3 games for the second straight week. Unable to maintain his play from week one, Cory was only able to stop 75 of the 84 shots he faced. Cory will need to find his A-game quick, especially with a tough schedule in the near future, consisting of 2 former playoff teams.

We also got our first taste of Scott Clemmensen. During a rough third period in Washington, DeBoer pulled his starter and inserted the back up for 16 and a half minutes. In his minimal time on ice, Clemmensen defended 6 of 7 shots. With the Devils scheduled to play back to back games this coming Friday and Saturday, Clemmensen’s first start may take place in Ottawa.

Statistics worth noting this Week
The Good
Mike Cammalleri – This is a prime example of why Lou is a genius. A lot of flashy names were available July 1st, but he brought in the one which would fit best in their system, along the top line to pair with the Devils’ top duo. A goal per game average has been a great start, and if the top line continues to work, he may continue close to average late into the season.

Damon Severson – The young kid is getting extremely comfortable on the ice, especially with his shot. He had a few rookie mistakes, but his great play out-shined those few goofs. 2 goals this week puts him at 3 for the year, which puts him second on the team.

The Bad
The Power Play – In ten opportunities this week, the Devils were only able to capitalize on the man advantage once. It was a timely score, but a 10% success rate is not great for a club whose power play finished in the top-10 last season. New Jersey offense in general underachieved, so when given the advantage, then need to capitalize if they plan to succeed.

Jordin Tootoo – Tootoo has spent five games on the Devils fourth line and has contributed no offense in his time on the ice. In the three games alone, he did not even register a shot. The only stats which Tootoo tallied was 1 fight, and 4 hits. DeBoer may like an “enforcer” on the starting roster, but when the offense is faulting, a player who contributes nothing will only make things worse.

The Ugly

Oct 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Valtteri Filppula (51) and New Jersey Devils right wing Martin Havlat (9) go after the puck during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Martin Havlat’s Injury – The true definition of “ugly”. Havlat covered the ice in blood after a huge hit, and in turn kept him out for the rest of the Capitals’ game and the Devils’ home opener. It was also ugly as it seemed to throw the balance off for the Devils’ offense. Since he left the ice, the Devils have been outscored 7 to 2 in four periods. Hopefully he will be ready for Tuesday, and the Devils’ offense will get back on track.

Bryce Salvador – The Captain cannot catch a break. A +/- of -3 and 0 offensive output this week, it just does not make sense to keep him in the line-up. The penalty-kill especially is hurting when Salvador is on the ice, out of the three goals the Devils allowed while on the penalty, he was on for two of them. Larsson should get a shot, unfortunately the likelihood of that happening is low, so Salvador will remain in the “ugly” category.

Looking Ahead: Week 3
10/21: New Jersey Devils @ New York Rangers (3-3-0)
10/24: New Jersey Devils @ Dallas Stars (2-1-2)
10/25: Ottawa Senators (4-1-0) @ New Jersey Devils

The Devils will look to get back on track in Week 3. They start of with a home match against a huge rival in the Rangers, then face another former playoff team in the Dallas Stars. On Saturday, New Jersey will go back on their road and face a tough team in the improved Ottawa Senators. The Devils have a tough schedule ahead, but hopefully get back to their winning ways, especially against the Rangers!

Cannot wait to see you back here next week, and of course LETS GO DEVILS!?!

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