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Thursday, November 24, 2011

New Jersey Devils By the Numbers

Since playing the Washington Capitals on 11/11/11, the New Jersey Devils have been outscored by there opponents 12-5 in the third periods. With the exception of the 11/11 game the Devils have not had more than 7 shots on goal in the third periods either. The Devils have been outshot in the 3rd periods 78-43. Before interjecting an opinion, these numbers favor the opponents. So what could be causing this third period slump? Fatigue? Penalties? The real answer is probably a little bit of a few things.

What I do notice is that the Devils have had 6 PKs to fend off in 3 consecutive games. In my opinion the team is taking too many penalties. It is absolutely great that the Devils PK is number 1 in the league, 32 for 33 since the 11/11 game. However, you can't keep playing with fire. The team has to be more disciplined. Having to kill so many penalties could be making some of the players tired by the time the third period comes around. Kovalchuk, Parise, Elias, Zubrus, Henrique are all getting a lot of ice time, but if it is to kill penalties this could simply make the players tired by the end of the game.

Overall, since 11/11 New Jersey is 4-3. Which isn't bad, however we could have been 5-2. I think this team has a lot of potential. I believe with Henrique, Clarkson, Zubrus all producing it really helps ease the pressure off of other players. Elias and Sykora seem to have been rejuvenated, which is obviously a great thing. This team has a great forecheck. In my opinion possibly one of the best in the league at this time. Currently, the top three goal scorers are Elias (8), Clarkson (7) and Zubrus (7).

A few places I think need improvement:

1. Power Play. I'm not the first to say this, nor am I the last. Since 11/11, the devils are 4 for 34. Some games we move the puck very well. I think we hesitate to take the shots though, looking for the perfect play. To me, it has always seemed that way with this team. I would like to see them fire more pucks on net during the PP.

2. Transition from Defense to Offense. Up to this point, we have turned over the puck in the neutral zone a good amount (had trouble finding numbers). Larsson has been pretty good with finding the right breakout pass. But overall I think this will help tighten up their game.

3. Discipline. We need to stay out of the box to give our players a chance to produce offensively. Spending more than half of a period in the box could be one of the reasons the team sits back late in the games.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Devils comfortable taking it to the shootout over Columbus

Devils now 5-1 in shootouts! Kovalchuck and Parise scored the first two in the shootout to help seal two points. It is a big deal for a team to pick up as many points outside of the conference as possible. Tonight's two were huge, as well as being a big bounce back after a disappointing loss in Florida. As a fan I started to worry when Columbus tied the game. I thought,  "I hope we don't start this trend of giving up leads and loosing."  However, it wasn't cause a lack of effort. Coumbus's goalie was the main reason the Devils weren't up by more than just one in the first period. A goalie is supposed to be your best PK person and Sanford was just that for the Bluejackets. There is an interesting stat that the Devils need to turn around. What is it you ask? Shots. Two games in a row the team struggled to put pucks on net in the third period. Tonight just 3 again like they did against Florida. Two games in a row the Devils came out strong, but they need to continue to play that way for a full 60.


Below is a Game Recap for those of you who missed it:


I have some good things I'd like to point out too, but I'll save that for a weekend recap. Adam Henrique is one! It's late I'm tired just watch the video. Happy Thanksgiving to all the fans.