The New Jersey Devils look harmful, sitting on the prime of the Metropolitan Division. With top-notch goaltending and an abundance of offensive manpower, they’ve received 4 of their final 5 video games. They have to capitalize on their current success to bolster their 12-6-2 file.
The Devils had an unbelievable comeback win Saturday evening in opposition to the New York Islanders. Then, they swept the Florida Panthers this week with two consecutive wins. Every sport showcased the resilience and grit of the 2024-25 Devils. Nonetheless, the crew has a difficult stretch of video games forward of them. They may face some tough opponents, together with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, and the Washington Capitals. Listed below are some key components for the Devils to take care of momentum.
Particular Groups Dominate
The Devils’ particular groups have been distinctive as of late. Their penalty kill ranks fourth within the league with an 85.5% success charge. By minimizing shot makes an attempt and high-danger scoring alternatives, their penalty kill has been on a heater. Specifically, Nico Hischier’s 200-foot play has turn out to be useful when the crew is down a person, intercepting passes and firing the puck down the ice. The Devils’ particular groups will proceed to thrive in the event that they put their intensive depth to good use.
Likewise, the facility play is ranked fourth within the league at 30.5%. The Devils have a surplus of expertise on their entrance traces but additionally possess excellent line chemistry. Protection has come a good distance as nicely, particularly with a wholesome Luke Hughes within the lineup. Hughes can skate the puck up the impartial zone, drawing opponents away to clear a passing lane. Offensively, the mixture of Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt has been unstoppable. On Thursday evening, Hughes and Bratt linked on the facility play time and time once more, maintaining the Devils within the lead. The “PB&J” line generates about 4.64 objectives per 60 minutes, with a median on-ice shot try of 91.5% in 5-on-4 situations.
Quick and Livid
One other key issue the Devils should keep is their velocity. At their greatest, the crew can outskate their opponents. In current video games, they’ve been in a position to win essential puck battles and race into the offensive zone. Timo Meier’s aim in opposition to the Edmonton Oilers is a chief instance of it. Off a feed from Dawson Mercer, Meier raced throughout the ice, batting the puck out of the air and scoring on Calvin Pickard.
The Devils even have numerous heavy hitters who get the job carried out. For instance, Bratt ranks within the 97th percentile for pictures on aim, together with a prime shot velocity of 91.32 miles per hour. On the identical line, Hughes sits within the 98th percentile for prime skating velocity. New Jersey additionally has numerous gamers ranked extremely for velocity bursts over 20 miles per hour, together with Hischier, Hughes, Mercer, and Paul Cotter. There are numerous fast performs that create prime scoring possibilities, together with three shorthanded objectives this season. The Devils put on down their opponents, making them harmful on the push.
Outperform Underperforming Groups
It’s self-explanatory that the Devils must win video games, however the larger image is that they should outshine underperforming groups. Sunday evening in opposition to the San Jose Sharks was an ideal instance. Though the Devils have struggled taking part in back-to-back video games, there was no excuse for shedding to a crew with a 4-9-3 file. Particularly when the Sharks’ solely aim was a deflection off Meier’s stick.
Nonetheless, the crew has been nice at shaking off unlucky bounces and staying centered on the larger image. After their first win in opposition to the Panthers, head coach Sheldon Keefe counseled the crew’s perseverance. “That’s what it takes. That’s the way you compete with the most effective groups. Any dip under that, and also you make it actual laborious on your self.” The Devils are good at rebounding from disappointment, however they should keep constant regardless of who they’re taking part in.
Fourth Line Struggles
An essential situation that must be resolved is the Devils’ fourth line. Within the absence of Nathan Bastian and Curtis Lazar, the crew known as Justin Dowling up from the Utica Comets. Nonetheless, the present construction of the fourth line isn’t sustainable. In current video games, the Devils deployed Dowling, Kurtis MacDermid, and Tomas Tatar on the fourth line, with little success. The important thing to successful video games is to have all cylinders firing for all three intervals. If the crew overworks their top-six forwards, it leaves room for error, as proven by the Devils’ irritating loss to the Sharks.
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Bastian is predicted to overlook a number of extra weeks, and Lazar received’t return to the lineup till the spring. Within the meantime, the Devils’ choices are restricted. They may purchase a middle through commerce, or carry up one other contender from Utica, like Max Willman. Final season, Willman collected 4 factors throughout his NHL stint, and his tenacity may do a greater job at changing Lazar’s gritty type of play. Nonetheless, they need to add depth to their fourth offensive pairing.
Preserve Momentum
The Devils have a tough set of video games forward, however they’ve all the proper items for fulfillment. If they will hold taking part in the best way they did at Amerant Financial institution Area, there isn’t a denying they will stay in a playoff place. Between their penalty kill, energy play, and velocity, the crew is on the verge of nice issues. If they will hold a successful streak alive, there’s no telling how far the Devils will go this season.
