Pucks and Pitchforks
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New Jersey Devils 3 Keys To Victory Vs. New York Rangers

By Nick Villano

The New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils watch the closing seconds of their game at the Prudential Center on March 30, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Rangers 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils watch the closing seconds of their game at the Prudential Center on March 30, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Rangers 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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New Jersey Devils goaltender Vitek Vanecek (41): Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

New Jersey Devils key to victory #3: Make The Easy Saves

Yeah, sure. Duh. The Devils and Vitek Vanecek must stop the puck from entering the net. That much is obvious when Shesterkin is on the other side of the rink. However, the real power comes in stopping all the easy shots. Vanecek has been splendid against low-danger chances this season. It’s a breath of fresh air after years of softies going into the back of the net.

Among goalies with at least 20 starts, Vanecek is ninth in average goal distance. The average goal is scored from almost 19 feet away (again, according to NST).

Vanecek is going to allow goals on high-quality chances. Like we said earlier, his HDGSAA is -5.6, good for 51st in the league. The good news is the Devils don’t allow too many high-danger chances. They’ve allowed the fewest high-danger chances at all strengths by a considerable margin.

Next. Four Devils Who Desperately Need A Championship. dark

Of the 222 goals against the Devils this year, 103 were of low or medium danger. That’s not terrible, but Vanecek has to be a little better. (To be fair, that number includes Mackenzie Blackwood and Akira Schmid.) He needs to ensure that the only goals that get by him are saves nobody can make. The Devils will make sure the great chances are few and far between. Vanecek is key in making sure the Rangers stay off the board.

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