New Jersey Devils: 3 Changes We Need After Short Break
The New Jersey Devils had a rough start to the season. Well, the results aren’t terrible. They have three points in three games. It’s not the pace they want, but it’s not devastating. Still, the Devils need to pick it up. The on-ice results have matched the ho-hum standings. Currently, the Devils are in sixth place in the Metropolitan Division (although it’s way too early to look at standings).
There are a few things that have to change in order for the Devils to be competitive with the New York Islanders. The Islanders haven’t lost a game this season. They’ve averaged one goal against per game (in two games). Now, the Devils look to end a skid against a team known for its suffocating style. Here’s what we need to see from them Friday night and beyond.
5v5 Dominance
Last season, the New Jersey Devils dominated even strength. Teams could not keep up with them, both offensively and defensively. This season that hasn’t translated. According to Natural Stat Trick, the Devils have recorded 21 high-danger chances and have given up 23. They are still eighth in terms of CorsiFor Percentage in the NHL, but they need more quality chances.
Right now, the Devils have three goals at even strength. Only two teams have fewer 5v5 goals this season. One is the Boston Bruins, so that’s not terrible company to keep. However, the Devils need to start scoring at even strength. Jack Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, and Michael McLeod are the only players who have 5v5 goals. No Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, Nico Hischier, Dawson Mercer, or Alex Holtz. The Devils made some big line changes, so hopefully that gets the scoring going.
Fix Penalty Kill
When Ryan Graves and Damon Severson left for greener ($$$) pastures, most Devils fans weren’t terribly upset. They were good in their time in New Jersey, but it’s pretty clear the Devils couldn’t afford to pay their new premium. The Devils also have a ton of young defensemen who can take their place. Both Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec were top picks who are close to NHL-ready. They could jump in and replace Severson and Graves at even strength, but they couldn’t replace them on the penalty kill.
The biggest issue is somehow John Marino. He allowed a goal every 9.6 penalty minutes last season. Basically, Marino allowed a goal on one in every ten power plays against. This season, he’s allowing goals every 2.4 minutes on the PK. His five goals allowed is the most on the team, and it’s one of the higher numbers in the league. Five goals allowed in general in three games in terrible. All of them coming in 12 penalty minutes is devastating.
The Devils PK has allowed five goals, so Marino has been on the ice for all of them. Only three other teams have allowed more, and two have played more games than the Devils.
This is a section of the team that has to get clamped down. We talk about Timo Meier, the goaltending, and the defense all we want, but if the penalty kill continues to struggle, the Devils will always be playing from behind.
Start Fast
The most obvious issue with the Devils is slow starts. It’s been apparent in every game. When Detroit came to town, the Devils looked like they were skating in sand. Against the Arizona Coyotes, they went down 1-0 about six minutes in. On Monday against Florida, the Devils went into the first intermission down 2-0.
The Devils need to gain confidence in the work they’ve done this week. Lindy Ruff rode them hard in practice, and it could go by the wayside if the Islanders score early and take control of the game. The Devils can’t afford that to happen.
It’s still really early in the season, but this is where habits can form. If the Devils have another slow start after that being a focus all week, then something might actually be wrong. After how well the Devils played last season, it wouldn’t make a lot of sense if they can’t come out of the gates firing.
Next. Pucks and Pitchforks Season Preview. dark
Hopefully, the changes this week stick, and the Devils find a way to score first on Friday night. The Islanders have been holding teams off the board. The Devils need to break that system and put up points at will.