New Jersey Devils: Pavel Zacha Poised to Breakout
Pavel Zacha had a rough first quarter of the season for the Devils. Despite being projected as essentially a lock in the Devils top six, Zacha found himself a healthy scratch in four games and hasn’t been anywhere near the top six lately.
With only 6 points in 20 games, Pavel Zacha’s start has been anything but what Devils fans expected. After a full year in the NHL last year, many expected his growing pains would be long behind him. We’ve seen glimpses of Zacha’s potential over time. It was on full display in the 3rd period against Florida.
Zacha’s past three games have been his best. On the 3rd line with Brian Boyle and Miles Wood, he’s been all over the ice. Paired with Nico Hischier and Taylor Hall last night, he added an assist.
Encouraging Signs
High Danger Corsi For Percentage is a measure of how many high danger shots a team is generating when a player is on the ice versus how many they are giving up. The top three for the Devils are some names you may expect, Damon Severson, Taylor Hall, and Will Butcher.
Tied for fourth are Nico Hischier and, you guessed it, Pavel Zacha. Despite posting a negative overall Corsi, it appears the Devils are generating better chances than opponents with Zacha on the ice. His ice time remains limited and likely will fall as Marcus Johansson returns, but this could help Zacha.
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Coach John Hynes shook the lines up against Florida and it got the team going. With Johansson potentially returning to the lineup Friday night, the Devils can once again roll out four solid lines. Coach Hynes should keep Zacha on the first line for the time being. They showed good chemistry against Florida. Moving Bratt down only provides better scoring throughout the lineup.
A second line of Johansson, Zajac, and Bratt should have plenty of scoring potential. Adam Henrique, Brian Boyle, and Drew Stafford is a strong 3rd line. I’d imagine we’ll see Miles Wood, Blake Coleman, and Brian Gibbons as the fourth line as well as all have been outstanding bottom six players for the Devils all season.
All we’ve seen from Zacha is potential. I still think one day he’ll be a solid center for this Devils team, but for now it’s time to take the pressure off. Placing Zacha on a wing alongside Hall and Hischier lets him focus on his game and could get this offense going.
(All stats can be found at Natural Stat Trick.)