The New Jersey Devils are 0-1-1 and the biggest problem is that they haven’t really been good when the opponent has the puck and it needs to improve.
The New Jersey Devils already have a candidate for the worst loss of the season after being dominated in a 7-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Buffalo welcomed the Devils into their building for their home opener and ran them out of it as the game went along. The Devils were able to generate some scoring chances and had actual goals from Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac, but there was a real problem playing at even strength without the puck.
The top line of Taylor Hall, Nico Hischier, and Kyle Palmieri was an exception. They all played pretty well at even strength and generated lots of offense and the Sabres didn’t really threat much when they were on the ice. This line was able to control the pace of play on most occasions at even strength, especially Taylor Hall who was all over the puck when he was out there. The same cannot be said for the other three lines.
They were able to create scoring chances when they were able to get the puck but when they didn’t have the puck. One line, in particular, that looked bad without the puck was the line with Jack Hughes in the middle. Of course, it was only his second game in the National Hockey League but his game in his own end along with his linemates is something that needs to improve.
The reality is the whole team outside of the top line needs help in that department and it is going to take some time for them to get that proper chemistry going. It could be a while before they truly get it down, but there are a lot of new players on this team and it will take a lot of getting used to. The Sabres and Jets were each able to have sustained pressure for long stretches and many times they led to goals against for the Devils. If they can begin to play well with and without the puck, they will start winning games in bunches.
This is overreaction season, so everybody sees this is like the Devils failing to meet expectations for the season. The bottom line is that some bad play in their own end and sloppy decisions led to them having a bump in the road early. They are going to try to get it right next time they play on Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Flyers. It will be a good opportunity against one of their biggest rivals on national television.