All About The Jersey - Game Stream #47: New Jersey Devils vs. Calgary FlamesA world class blog for Jersey's team: the New Jersey Devilshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47083/lou-fave.png2016-01-19T23:53:51-05:00http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/rss/stream/105517812016-01-19T23:53:51-05:002016-01-19T23:53:51-05:00Reid Boucher Goal helps Devil in 4-2 victory<iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2015020682-318-h" width="640" height="395"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Reider Boucher had a goal and an assist in tonights win against the Flames. Devils win 4-2 at home, in Cammalleri's first game back in over five contests. In other news Jon Merrill was placed on the IR and won't be on the ice for NJ till after the All-Star break. Devils play next this Thursday at home vs. the Senators. (Vid via NHL.com)</p></p></div>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/1/19/10796022/reid-boucher-goal-helps-devil-in-4-2-victoryNicholas D'Alessio2016-01-19T22:51:04-05:002016-01-19T22:51:04-05:00Devils Survive 3rd Period Onslaught to Beat the Flames 4-2
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<figcaption>Corey Schneider makes 1 of his 200 saves to secure victory | Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Reid Boucher scores the game winner in back-to-back games since being called up as the Devils outlast the Flames in a very entertaining home win. This is the recap of tonight's action.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/">Calgary Flames</a> came into Newark to play the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> for the second and final time this season. The Devils had lost their last 6 consecutive bouts to the western conference foes, but this match up would buck that trend. New Jersey's leading scorer <span>Michael Cammalleri</span> returned from an eight game absence due to injury and injected the offense with a much needed boost.</p>
<p>The first period started with a ton of pace and the Devils nearly jumped out to a lead in the first minute with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/157841/joseph-blandisi?_ga=1.142929781.1102526577.1442337224" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: underline; background-color: #ffffff;">Joe Blandisi</a> redirecting a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/71830/kyle-palmieri?_ga=1.73222099.1102526577.1442337224" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: underline; background-color: #ffffff;">Kyle Palmieri</a> shot off the post. The game didn't see its first stoppage until 4:15 into the first period. Not long after, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/132421/adam-larsson?_ga=1.142929781.1102526577.1442337224" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Adam Larsson</a> scored the game's first goal off of a nice give-and-go play with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/132375/reid-boucher?_ga=1.117894729.1102526577.1442337224" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: underline; background-color: #ffffff;">Reid Boucher</a>. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54477/cory-schneider?_ga=1.73222099.1102526577.1442337224" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: underline; background-color: #ffffff;">Cory Schneider</a> got his first real test about 8 minutes in shutting down <span>Johnny Gaudreau</span> and securing the rebound as well. Moments later <span>Tuomo Ruutu</span> committed a wildly unnecessary penalty that the Flames would take advantage of with Johnny Hockey setting up <span>Sean Monahan</span> for the equalizer. It was a very nice pass by Gaudreau, but Larsson and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54812/andy-greene?_ga=1.142929781.1102526577.1442337224" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: underline; background-color: #ffffff;">Andy Greene</a> both uncharacteristically got caught heading behind the net to defend. The Flames owned the middle part of the period generating several good scoring chances, but the Devs took control of the game-play towards the end of the period with strong shifts from every line and another post by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/122979/adam-henrique?_ga=1.73222099.1102526577.1442337224" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: underline; background-color: #ffffff;">Adam Henrique</a>.</p>
<p>Play got off to another fast start in the second period with Andy Greene blocking what should have been goal for the Flames right on the doorstep in the first 20 seconds of play. The Devils came right back with a nice red line step up by <span>John Moore</span> allowing Henrique to gather the puck and spring Micheal Cammalleri and <span>Lee Stempniak</span> for a 2 on 1 that Stempniak would bury to take the lead. Only 17 seconds later the Devils third line put the home team up by 2 with Reid Boucher jamming away at a goalmouth puck to tally his second point of the game. New Jersey would go on to dictate play for the first portion of the period before the Flames started firing back, pun intended. Calgary came with a fleury of chances including hitting the post on a short handed 2 on 1. Later in the period <span>David Schlemko</span> got called for a hooking penalty trying to slow down Johnny Hockey. The Devs were on their way to a good kill before a very weak slashing call landed Henrique in the box for a 23 second 5 on 3 Calgary power play. Gaudreau wasted little time in setting up another Flames power play goal. Another penalty late in the period by <span>Sergey Kalinin</span> left the Devs shorthanded heading into the third period of the back and forth contest.</p>
<p>As the third period started it became clear that the Flames were not going to hand the Devils the victory. Corey Schneider made a myriad of big time saves to maintain the Devils one goal advantage. That trend pretty much continued for the better portion of the third period, but the Devils eventually started playing with possession again about half way through the final frame. The refs gave the Flames one last chance when they decided not to call an obvious trip on Joseph Blandisi that thwarted a would be 2 on 1 with two and a half minutes to play. Calgary pulled their goalie moments later and Captain Andrew Greene put the game on ice with the empty netter.</p>
<p><b>The Game Stats</b>: The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/recap?id=2015020682&navid=sb:recap&intcmpid=sb-highlights">NHL.com Game Recap</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20152016&game=20682">Natural Stat Trick Advanced Stats</a></p>
<p><b>The Opposition Opinion</b>: You can see what the Flames fan base though at <a href="http://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/?_ga=1.81651415.1102526577.1442337224" target="_blank">Matchsticks & Gasoline.</a></p>
<p><b>The Game Highlights</b>: Here are the game's highlights from NHL.com:</p>
<p><iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2015020682-X-h" frameborder="0" width="640" height="395"></iframe></p>
<p><b>Offense</b>: The offense got their leading scorer back, and he goes by a new name. It was reported that Mike Cammalleri prefers to be called Michael Cammalleri, and when you lead the team in scoring and come back from an 8 game layoff and pick up right where you left off, you get to be called whatever you want. With Cammy slotted back in his old spot on the top line with Henrique and Stempniak, the top 6 actually looks sort of like a real NHL top 6, that is if you are as high on Joe Blandisi as I am. Blandisi has high end speed, high end skill, plays with an edge and doesn't take gruff from anybody. If he can start to bury some of the 3-4 scoring chances he generates each game, Hynes will have no choice but to keep him with the big club.</p>
<p>With Cammy back, Boucher was relegated to the third line. He had not shown too much promise as a bottom six NHLer up to this point, but was able to contribute with a very nice assist to open the scoring and the aforementioned game winner. He is only two games into his call up and its easy to become a prisoner of the moment, but Boucher putting up points is a very welcomed addition to the forwards.</p>
<p>Each line looked pretty good at one point or another throughout the game. I for one don't understand why Ruutu is ever in the line-up. I know <span>Stefan Matteau</span> hasn't set the world on fire, but you can't tell me he is a down grade from Rutuu. He is essentially the same player, just younger, faster, has more potential and will actually drop the gloves if called upon.</p>
<p>It is also worth mentioning Travis Zajac's goal drought. We all knew he would have one, but he has had so much experience with them, you would think he would be better at breaking out of them. I know other parts of his game are very good and all that, but its tough to accept a 25 game goal drought from a guy making $5.75 mil a year and playing 20 minutes a night.</p>
<p><b>Defense</b>: I thought Greene and Larsson had their typical strong games, barring the snafu on the first Flames power play I mentioned earlier. Larsson in particular looked really good joining the rush on a few occasions and scoring his first goal since October. I also thought Schlemko and Moore were steady, not spectcular but nothing in particular to complain about. Severson is not playing with the same confidence he did as a rookie, but he isn't floundering either. And as for Gelly, he made a few good defensive plays, made a few bad ones, and never got to fully unleash the Truth. With Merrill being place on IR and not being available until after the All-Star break at the earliest, Gelly has a real chance to earn a regular spot in the line-up and I hope he takes advantage of it.</p>
<p><b>Special Teams</b>: The power play continues to be unwatchable. It looks almost decent if they get it set up, but man do they struggle to get it set up. Ken Daneyko seemed to think that Jacob Josefson's absence along the half wall is a major factor in the unit's struggles, but I am not sold on that. The penalty kill gave up a couple goals tonight, but one was on a 5 on 3 and both were examples of Johnny Hockey being Johnny Hockey.</p>
<p><b>Goaltending</b>: Entering tonight's game, Schneider ranked in the top 6 in the league in GAA, save %, wins and shut outs. Take out a couple of guys who have only played in 15-20 games and he's basically top three in GAA and save %. Not much else to say about the guy. Without him in net tonight, there is a good chance we lose a game like this.</p>
<p><b>The Flames</b>: Johnny Gaudreau is a monster. I feel like I heard Cangi say his name 100 times tonight and I feel like I typed it 100 times here (there's bound to be a spelling error somewhere). Can't say enough about how good that guy is. That teenager <span>Sam Bennett</span> is also very promising.</p>
<p><b>Milestones</b>: The Devils improved to 14-0-1 when entering the third period with a lead this season; <span>Tyler Kennedy</span> played in his 500th career NHL game; Adam Henrique picked up his 100th career assist; Reid Boucher recorded his first multi-point NHL game.</p>
<p>Thanks for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/1/19/10790582/devils-survive-3rd-period-onslaught-to-beat-the-flames-4-2Shane Kinsley2016-01-19T18:00:02-05:002016-01-19T18:00:02-05:00Gamethread #47: Devils vs. Flames
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<p>The New Jersey Devils return home and seek to put up a better performance as the Calgary Flames begin their road trip. This gamethread is a place where users can discuss tonight's game until the recap is up.</p> <p><strong>The Time: </strong>7:00 PM EST</p>
<p><strong>The Broadcast: </strong>TV - MSG+; Radio - 660 AM & 101.9 FM WFAN</p>
<p><strong>The Matchup: </strong>The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> (22-19-5) vs. the <a href="https://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Calgary Flames</a> (20-20-3; SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/">Matchsticks and Gasoline</a>)</p>
<p><strong>A Repeated Song for Tonight: </strong>It's Social Media Night! There's no better song to best describe how I feel about social media. While I use it (and I used this song many times), "1,000 Eyes" from the seminal <em>Symbolic</em> by Death says it better than I could. It's a classic and to think, it was written in 1995. It's still relevant in (CURRENT YEAR).</p>
<p><strong>The Reminder of Rules: </strong>The rules remain the rules. Here's a quick reminder. Please keep your comments clean, legal, and all about the game itself. Other scores are OK, but let's make sure the comments here are primarily about the Devils and this game. Also, let's respect each other, there's no need for drama or unwelcome nature of any sort. This is a gamethread, <em>let's focus on the game.</em> Thank you for reading and commenting. Go Devils!</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/1/19/10787760/gamethread-47-new-jersey-devils-vs-calgary-flamesJohn Fischer2016-01-19T07:00:03-05:002016-01-19T07:00:03-05:00Game Preview #47: Devils vs. Flames
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<figcaption>We could see this completely routine play by Kris Russell and Travis Zajac again...tonight! | Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The New Jersey Devils return home and seek to put up a better performance as the Calgary Flames begin their road trip. This game preview goes in depth with a certain Cammalleri returning to the lineup and what the Flames do and don't have.</p> <p>A return home. Or is it #ReturningHome? Hashtags, at-signs, and more. It's Social Media Night.</p>
<p><b>The Time: </b>7:00 PM EST</p>
<p><b>The Broadcast: </b>TV - MSG+; Radio - 660 AM & 101.9 FM WFAN</p>
<p><b>The Matchup: </b>The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> (22-19-5) vs. the <a href="https://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Calgary Flames</a> (20-20-3; SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/">Matchsticks and Gasoline</a>)</p>
<p><b>The Last Devils Game: </b>The Devils played an afternoon game in Arizona just this past Saturday. It got off to a good start. <span>Travis Zajac</span> sprung <span>Reid Boucher</span> to lead a 2-on-1 with <span>Lee Stempniak</span>. Boucher played Stempniak into the zone, Stempniak passed it back, and Boucher beat <span>Anders Lindback</span> with a shortside shot to make it 1-0. Then the penalties and the domination came. It wasn't until the second period that the <a href="https://www.fiveforhowling.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Coyotes</a> just pummeled the Devils repeatedly. The ice was simply tilted in one direction. Who kept the game 1-0? <span>Cory Schneider</span>, as crucial as ever. At the start of the third period, the Devils would make one attack. On the very first shift, <span>Adam Henrique</span> forechecked on a dump-in to allow Joseph Blandisi to get the puck. He found <span>Kyle Palmieri</span> wide open at the left post, who made it 2-0. The Coyotes responded by dropping more hammers on the Devils' skaters and throwing every possible test at Schneider. He got the breaks, the blocks, and everything that got to him. The Devils were out-shot 38-16 and out-attempted 95-31, but they prevailed in a 2-0 victory thanks to #35. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/1/16/10780010/cory-schneider-carries-new-jersey-devils-to-2-0-win-over-arizona-coyotes">My recap of the less-than-impressive-other-than-Schneider-win is here.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Flames Game: </b>On this past Saturday night, the Flames visited their provincial rivals, the <a href="https://www.coppernblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Edmonton Oilers</a>. If you didn't like defense, then this was your game as the shots were 37-32 in favor of the Oilers. If you hated power plays, then you loved the Flames going 0-for-5 and the Oilers going 0-for-1. If you like those things and a tight score, then this really was your game. <span>Sam Bennett</span> continued his goal scoring streak with his sixth goal in three games at the 10:41 mark into the third period. The goal held up until about mid-way through the third period. <span>Mark Fayne</span> fired a wrister off an offensive zone faceoff win that just found its way high past <span>Jonas Hiller</span>. The deadlock held through overtime (despite Calgary getting a power play) and a shootout would decide this edition of the Battle of Alberta. <span>Teddy Purcell</span> became the hero of the night as he was the only one to score among all six shooters. That meant Edmonton beat Calgary, 2-1 via a shootout. Over at Matchsticks and Gasoline, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/2016/1/16/10781468/game-recap-calgary-flames-at-edmonton-oilers">markparkinson14 had this recap.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Devils-Flames Game: </b>Back on November 18, 2015, the Devils visited the Flames. This would be the first of a three game road trip through Western Canada. The Flames got off to the better start in the first period. <span>T.J. Brodie</span> lit the lamp first on a shot that Cory Schneider probably would like to have back. Minutes later, <span>Matt Stajan</span> jammed in a puck on a play that began with a mishap by Schneider at handling a dump-in. The Devils appeared to have hope in the second period. <span>Bobby Farnham</span> jammed in a loose puck of his own for his third of the season and made the score 1-2. Alas, Calgary got the two goal lead back when a turnover by Henrique yielded <span>Joe Colborne</span> setting up Dave Jones for a one-timer. A few minutes after that, <span>Jordin Tootoo</span> was found open enough in the slot by Lee Stempniak to convert a power play to make it 2-3. Would the Devils battle back to tie it up? No. The Flames controlled the game from then on and the Devils' offense just kept coming up lame. The hope fizzled as time went on and the score held for a 2-3 Devils loss. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2015/11/18/9753274/devils-fall-to-the-flames-in-calgary-lose-3-2">Brian stayed up that night and wrote the recap for that game at this very site.</a> Over at Matchsticks and Gasoline, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/2015/11/17/9753336/calgary-flames-host-new-jersey-devils-nov-17th-game-recap">Traci Kay had this more favorable recap.</a></p>
<p><b>The Goal: </b>Actually challenge the goaltender. The Devils' shot count from all of their games in January so far, from the first game to the last game against Arizona: 30, 22, 20, 20, 17, 24, 27, 16. Only two of those games have exceeded their 24.4 shots per game average. Needless to say, the team's marketing slogan is at least a third wrong. That said, if there's a night to try to be more aggressive, then this is the one. Calgary still has a team 5-on-5 save percentage of 91.1%, <a target="_blank" href="http://war-on-ice.com/teamtable.html?mansit=3&scoresit=2&homeawaysit=1&tablegroup=1&playoffs=All&xaxis=3&yaxis=27&saxis=48&caxis=4&start0=20152016&end0=20152016&start1=2014-10-01&end1=2016-01-19&splitseasons=1&usedaterange=0&tablegroup=1">the worst even strength save percentage in the league per War on Ice. </a> Calgary still has a shorthanded save percentage of 82.5%, <a target="_blank" href="http://war-on-ice.com/teamtable.html?mansit=5&scoresit=2&homeawaysit=1&tablegroup=1&playoffs=All&xaxis=3&yaxis=27&saxis=48&caxis=4&start0=20152016&end0=20152016&start1=2014-10-01&end1=2016-01-19&splitseasons=1&usedaterange=0&tablegroup=1">the worst in the league per War on Ice.</a> According to <a target="_blank" href="http://calgaryherald.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/flames-hiller-thrilled-to-finally-get-his-share-of-the-net">this Sunday post by Scott Cruickshank at the Calgary Herald</a>, Jonas Hiller will start this game. While Hiller had a very good game in Edmonton with 36 saves on 37 shots, he's rocking <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=season&report=goaliebystrength&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=evSaves&aggregate=0&teamId=20&pos=G">an 89.8% even strength save percentage and an abysmal 75.6% penalty kill save percentage this season according to NHL.com.</a> It's not as simple as get something like thirty shots and they'll win. However, the Devils have to do a better job of making their opponents defense. They have to force their goaltender to be great. The numbers for this season show that Hiller and other Flames goalies have been anything but. Therefore, I think it's important for them to make the effort and fire away more. I think they'll then get the goals they need to take this one.</p>
<p><b>A Secondary Benefit for The Goal: </b>Doing so will help "Crucial" Cory Schneider out. As amazing as he was in Arizona, the game plan of getting tripled in shooting attempts and more than doubled up in shots isn't going to lead to a lot of success. Spending the better part of two periods scrambling around like headless chickens in their own end is not at all a good thing for New Jersey Devils. As good as Schneider is, he's not perfect. They should make the effort to essentially avoid asking Schneider to be perfect yet again. By forcing the issue to Calgary, it'll give Schneider and the defenders some time to breathe.</p>
<p><b>A Tertiary Benefit for The Goal: </b>It'll make this game go differently than the last one. The Devils put up a weak twenty shots against a similarly goal-sieve like Flames team. A mere five shots in a one-shot third period isn't good enough. It's worse than that as the Devils conceded twelve shots. It may not really surprise me that the Devils have this tendency to not play to the score. It still irks me. By pushing forward and attacking more, they'll at least avoid a repeat of the last game.</p>
<p><b>Who Can Help Make That Goal Happen? This Guy: </b>Mike Cammalleri. Yes, Cammalleri is expected to return. According to <a target="_blank" href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/cammalleri-and-josefson-back-at-practice-with-devils-but-palmieri-and-merrill-missing-1.1494263">this post on Monday's practice by Gulitti</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/cammalleri-plans-to-return-to-devils-lineup-tuesday-palmieri-expected-to-play-merrill-out-1.1494392">this post-practice post also by Gulitti at Fire & Ice</a>, Cammalleri did participate and should play in this game. I am thrilled at this news.</p>
<p>Allow me to re-introduce you all to Cammalleri. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=season&report=skatersummary&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=points&aggregate=0&teamId=1&pos=S">Cammalleri has missed eight games and he's still the team leader in points.</a> Stempniak tied him in assists and only Kyle Palmieri has surpassed him in shots, and only Henrique and Palmieri have more goals. I've written a few posts on his production earlier in this season that show <a target="_blank" href="http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2015/12/14/9996310/mostly-legit-a-review-of-mike-cammalleris-first-30-points-this-season">his points have been mostly legitimate</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2015/12/28/10672000/the-2015-16-new-jersey-devils-the-royal-road-the-first-two-months">his passes have crossed the royal road more than any other Devil in the first quarter of this season.</a> Cammalleri has been missed a lot on offense. While it's his first game back, I fully expect him to get back to his prolific shot creating and shot taking ways in no time.</p>
<p>Based on <a target="_blank" href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/cammalleri-and-josefson-back-at-practice-with-devils-but-palmieri-and-merrill-missing-1.1494263">what Gulitti reported at practice</a>, it appears head coach John Hynes will re-unite Cammalleri with Adam Henrique and Lee Stempniak. This would be a very good decision. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2015/12/21/10631560/whos-setting-up-mike-cammalleris-shot-attempts-so-far">Henrique and Stempniak have contributed more to Cammalleri's shots in the first quarter of this season than any other Devil.</a> The line has been effective from early in the season and I think both Henrique and Stempniak suffered from his absence. I look forward to this reunion making something happen - starting tonight.</p>
<p><b>A Healthier Squad? Well, Not So Fast: </b>Cammalleri was not the only Devil to return to practice. <span>Jacob Josefson</span> also practiced and <a target="_blank" href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/cammalleri-and-josefson-back-at-practice-with-devils-but-palmieri-and-merrill-missing-1.1494263">slotted in where Kyle Palmieri would be next to Zajac per Gulitti.</a> That also means Palmieri wasn't there, which is not necessarily good news. He left the Arizona game for a bit after falling on his arm during a first period power play and he limped to the bench after blocking a shot with his knee near the final minute of the game. There is good news: <a target="_blank" href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/cammalleri-plans-to-return-to-devils-lineup-tuesday-palmieri-expected-to-play-merrill-out-1.1494392">Palmieri is expected to play.</a> Josefson, on the other hand, will not. I would anticipate Palmieri to play with Zajac. As far as who would be at left wing, that's up in the air. It could be Reid Boucher as he was against Arizona. It could be Joseph Blandisi who has played relatively well on the team's road trip. It could even be <span>Sergey Kalinin</span> as he's better at wing than center.</p>
<p>However, just as the Devils are getting a bit healthier, another player hits the injured list.<a target="_blank" href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/cammalleri-plans-to-return-to-devils-lineup-tuesday-palmieri-expected-to-play-merrill-out-1.1494392"> Jon Merrill has been ruled out from this game with an apparent "upper body injury" according to Gulitti.</a> With John Moore back and <span>Eric Gelinas</span> having been available, the Devils won't need to call up any defensemen. They have six. That should also mean the team will use twelve forwards tonight, something they didn't go with for the last two games.</p>
<p><b>What Calgary Doesn't Have: </b>Per The Goal section, the Flames' goaltending has been a massive issue all season. <a target="_blank" href="http://war-on-ice.com/teamtable.html?mansit=3&scoresit=2&homeawaysit=1&tablegroup=1&playoffs=All&xaxis=3&yaxis=27&saxis=48&caxis=4&start0=20152016&end0=20152016&start1=2014-10-01&end1=2016-01-19&splitseasons=1&usedaterange=0&tablegroup=1">According to War on Ice</a>, the Flames have shot at a potent 8.2% and they have 81 5-on-5 goals. They rank in the upper tier in the league in both stats. Alas, their goaltending woes mean they've allowed 91 5-on-5 goals, the second most in the NHL. Their possession isn't great at 47.6% CF%, but after the last two Devils games, I'm not putting a whole lot of stock in the notion that the Devils could take advantage of that. By the way, the Devils' performance in Arizona dropped them to the second lowest CF% in the league at 46.6%. <strike>Yaaaaaaay.</strike></p>
<p>Calgary also doesn't have special teams success. It's more than just going 0-for-5 on the power play against a hated rival in their most recent game. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/team?reportType=season&report=powerplay&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=ppPctg&aggregate=0">The Flames' power play conversion rate is a mere 13.9% according to NHL.com.</a> They have the fewest power play goals in the league at 19. With four shorthanded goals allowed, they have the lowest goal differential at +15. They rank much better in power play opportunities with 137. It helps that they have Sam Bennett, who <a target="_blank" href="http://war-on-ice.com/playertable.html?mansit=3&scoresit=2&homeawaysit=1&tablegroup=1&playoffs=All&names=&team=&pos=1&start1=2015-10-01&xaxis=&yaxis=&caxis=&saxis=&mintoi=0&tab=1&usedaterange=0&start0=20152016&end0=20152016&end1=2016-01-19&splitseasons=1">leads the NHL in penalty differential with a mighty +18 per War on Ice.</a> The Devils should watch their sticks around the young forward. Yet, they have not taken advantage enough times from his drawn calls or anyone else's. Other teams have been taking advantage of Calgary's fouls, though. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/team?reportType=season&report=penaltykill&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=pkPctg&aggregate=0" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Their success rate on the PK is 74.3%, the lowest in the NHL per NHL.com.</a> The good news is that they're actually closer to the league median with 27 goals allowed. The even better news is that they've been the most relatively disciplined team in the league with only 101 shorthanded situations, the fewest in the NHL. Yet, when they do go down a man, a goal happening isn't uncommon. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/1/18/10782890/new-jersey-devils-power-play-2016-1-for-21-sparse-offense">Not that I expect the Devils' power play to break their seven game power play goalless streak tonight because it's been so bad.</a> But if there's a night to make it happen, then this is a good one.</p>
<p>Lastly, Calgary doesn't have road success. Their 6-11-3 record is the second worst road record in the NHL prior to Monday's games being played. For whatever reason, Calgary is just less successful when traveling. With the Pacific Division being as it is, a few extra wins can put this team into a kind of playoff contention. As they're starting a four-game road trip tonight, this is an opportunity to make up for lost ground earlier in the season. Fortunately for them and unfortunately for us Devils fans, the Rock has been closer to a pile of sand for New Jersey. Their 9-10-3 home record is in the bottom-five in the NHL. Still, the Flames have been lacking away from the Saddledome.</p>
<p><b>What Calgary Does Have: </b>Calgary has a better defense than you may think. Despite a ~47% Corsi for percentage, the Flames have a better Fenwick (unblocked attempts) for percentage (<a target="_blank" href="http://war-on-ice.com/teamtable.html?mansit=3&scoresit=2&homeawaysit=1&tablegroup=6&playoffs=All&xaxis=3&yaxis=27&saxis=48&caxis=4&start0=20152016&end0=20152016&start1=2014-10-01&end1=2016-01-19&splitseasons=1&usedaterange=0&tablegroup=6">48.6%, 40.6 FA/60</a>) and a better shots for percentage (<a target="_blank" href="http://war-on-ice.com/teamtable.html?mansit=3&scoresit=2&homeawaysit=1&tablegroup=6&playoffs=All&xaxis=3&yaxis=27&saxis=48&caxis=4&start0=20152016&end0=20152016&start1=2014-10-01&end1=2016-01-19&splitseasons=1&usedaterange=0&tablegroup=6">49.1%, 28.9 SA/60</a>). Maybe Calgary's scorer counts blocks more than they occur? I don't know. But this isn't a team that just concedes a lot of shots; they're not Colorado or Arizona. This is largely in part of their first pairing on defense: <span>Mark Giordano</span> and T.J. Brodie. Giordano has put up Norris-worthy seasons recently only to be denied votes due to injuries. Brodie is not at all shabby himself. The two log about 25 minutes per game, they both have produced quite a few points (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=season&report=skatersummary&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=points&aggregate=0&teamId=20&pos=S">third and fifth on the team in scoring</a>, respectively), and <a target="_blank" href="http://war-on-ice.com/playertable.html?mansit=3&scoresit=2&homeawaysit=1&tablegroup=1&playoffs=All&names=&team=CGY&pos=6&start1=2015-10-01&xaxis=&yaxis=&caxis=&saxis=&mintoi=0&tab=1&usedaterange=0&start0=20152016&end0=20152016&end1=2016-01-19&splitseasons=1">they both come out well in possession in the face of tough minutes and tough zone starts.</a> Should the Devils want to break down Calgary to get at Hiller, then they'll be wise to pick on their other defenders. Players like <span>Deryk Engelland</span>, <span>Kris Russell</span>, and forcing <span>Dennis Wideman</span> to play defense should be the targets. Yet, they haven't played like pylons or one-way roads to the net either.</p>
<p>Calgary has young scoring talent. <span>Johnny Gaudreau</span> is the most successful New Jerseyan playing in the NHL right now. With <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=season&report=skatersummary&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=points&aggregate=0&teamId=20&pos=S">nineteen goals and twenty four assists</a>, Gaudreau leads Calgary in scoring, he is averaging a point per game and he is in a four-way tie for eighth in the entire league in scoring. No one else from NJ is doing better than Johnny Hockey. And he's only 22, so he's going to make a lot of Flames fans happy for a long time. He's clearly a threat for tonight. <a target="_blank" href="http://leftwinglock.com/line-combinations/calgary-flames/?team=calgary-flames&strength=EV&gametype=GD">Per Left Wing Lock's lines from Calgary's recent practice</a>, expect Gaudreau to be centered by 21-year old <span>Sean Monahan</span>. Monahan has jumped into the NHL right from 2013 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">NHL Draft</a> and has been a goal scorer for the Flames. While thirteen now puts him a bit off pace from the thirty-one he had last year, he remains second on Calgary in scoring and he's second in shots only to Gaudreau. The two of them can and will work well together; the Devils will need to monitor that line. On a separate line, there's Sam Bennett. I noted his awesomely high penalty differential. Also note his statline of eleven goals and nine assists. Six of those goals have come in his last three games, with a four-spot dropped on Florida last week. It may be only three games, but I would want the Devils to treat him like he's a hot player. And, again, watch their sticks around the 19-year old wearing #93. With these three plus any continued development out of <span>Dougie Hamilton</span> (six goals, eleven assists, can definitely chip in from the back), Calgary's future on offense looks pretty good.</p>
<p>Lastly, Calgary has secondary scoring. While Jiri Hudler possibly not playing, the team still has <span>Michael Frolik</span> (seven goals, ten assists, 78 shots), <span>Mikael Backlund</span> (five goals, twenty assists, 81 shots), and a defense with plenty of productive players (the aforementioned Brodie and Giordano, Wideman, and Hamilton each has at least seventeen points). While Matt Stajan, Dave Jones, <span>Josh Jooris</span>, and Michael Ferland may not have produced a lot, they can make life a little difficult for the Devils' soft bottom six. Ferland may be one to watch if he stays up with Gaudreau and Monahan, though. For tonight, the match-ups may not be entirely in New Jersey's favor. Not that they have been for most of this month.</p>
<p>What this all means is that despite the possession issues, the graver special teams and goaltending issues, and the road issues, Calgary has quite a few things going their way. If they can get some road wins and some improvement in those issues, then they could surprise some teams in the Pacific. Will they be bold enough to try to get that improvement? Well, we'll see. I think how they do on this road trip will go a long way for their management in making that decision. Let's hope the Devils make it a miserable start for them all the same.</p>
<p><b>One Last Thought: </b>"Crucial" Cory Schneider <a target="_blank" href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/cammalleri-plans-to-return-to-devils-lineup-tuesday-palmieri-expected-to-play-merrill-out-1.1494392">is starting per Gulitti</a> and that's better than any hashtag slogan.</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b>The Devils will play their penultimate home game this month against the Flames. What do you think will happen? Will the Devils play any better than they did in Arizona? Will they actually attack Hiller? What do you make of Calgary? Will this game go better than the last Flames-Devils game? Lastly, if you're reading this then you're probably inclined to use social medial, so do you care that it's Social Media Night? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about tonight's game in the comments. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/1/19/10787438/game-preview-47-new-jersey-devils-calgary-flamesJohn Fischer