All About The Jersey - Game Stream #65: New Jersey Devils at Nashville PredatorsA world class blog for Jersey's team: the New Jersey Devilshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47083/lou-fave.png2016-03-04T00:03:36-05:00http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/rss/stream/109144652016-03-04T00:03:36-05:002016-03-04T00:03:36-05:00Devils Stun Predators with 5-4 OT Win
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<img alt="Since there's no picture available from the Devils-Predators game tonight, here's OT hero Adam Henrique looking at a puck in the air." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CyR74FcmTMUZQZyJp59XM8RioHA=/0x263:3029x2282/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48994459/usa-today-9073498.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Since there's no picture available from the Devils-Predators game tonight, here's OT hero Adam Henrique looking at a puck in the air. | Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The New Jersey Devils started poorly but responded well, forced overtime, and took overtime to beat the Nashville Predators 5-4. This recap goes over the performance, which was better than their last three games.</p> <p>After the first period, I thought this was not going to be a good game for the <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a>. The home team, the <a href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nashville Predators</a>, were up 2-1 due to two PPGs and during even strength play often did whatever they wanted to the Devils. <span>Keith Kinkaid</span> drew a lot of "Oooohs" from the crowd from being forced to make several tough saves early. That's not a good sign for the skaters, who haven't put up a good performance since their last win. After the second period, I was more hopeful. While still down 2-3, the Devils actually played like a competent hockey team that was down a goal. After the third period, I was pleased the team forced a late equalizer to earn their first point since their last win. After <span>Adam Henrique</span> slammed in his second rebound of the night on Pekka Rinne's left, I was ecstatic. The Devils stunned Nashville late in regulation and took the game in overtime with a 5-4 score. Which Devils fans can't be happy with that?</p>
<p>The win certainly does not help their cause to drop in the standings for the 2016 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">NHL Draft</a> (neither did the <a href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Flyers</a> getting owned by Edmonton (Aside: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdOPBP9vuZA">Ha ha!</a>)). However, that was the furthest thing from my mind tonight. Recall the three straight games the Devils lost before this game. They were outscored by a combined total of two to thirteen. They haven't scored more than one goal in any of those games. Most of all, the Devils looked like people who were new to the game of hockey going up against people who knew what they were doing on the ice more often than not. Tonight, I got to see a Devils team actually sharpen their game as it went on, not look like total scrubs for the most part, score multiple goals, and pull out an unexpected victory. That's hardly something to complain about.</p>
<p>In general, Nashville certainly enjoyed the better run of play. While Nashville ended up out-shooting the Devils by only one, they certainly held an edge in attempts. In even strength play, they led 57-43. The lead did not come from just the first period. They out-attempted the Devils in all three periods. However, the Devils made them pay on special teams. They put up more of a fight in the latter two periods; so much so that shots for that period were sitting at 3-2 in favor of Nashville for a long, long time. They got favorable breaks for their goals. In retrospect, this was similar to how the Devils won a good number of their games this season. Whereas the other team arguably played a good game overall, the Devils found a way to win despite some issues with how the game played.</p>
<p>While I would normally point out how that's bad, I will refrain from that. The Devils played a much better game than they did in the previous three nights - I know they out-attempted and out-shot Carolina but it wasn't exactly threatening. It was better to watch as a fan. As time went on, I felt it was a game and not just on the scoreboard if you catch my drift. I would not have complained if the late goal by <span>Filip Forsberg</span> held up as the winner since this was world's better than those blowout losses to Columbus and Tampa Bay. Do I think this is the start of some kind of surge? Let's not go that far. For now, let's appreciate the win before the Devils head to Dallas.</p>
<p><b>The Game Stats: </b>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20152016/GS020960.HTM">NHL.com Game Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20152016/ES020960.HTM">NHL.com Event Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20152016/PL020960.HTM">NHL.com Play By Play Log</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20152016/SS020960.HTM">NHL.com Shot Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20152016&game=20960">Natural Stat Trick Advanced Stats</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://hockeystats.ca/game/2015020960">HockeyStats.ca Advanced Stats</a></p>
<p><b>The Opposition Opinion: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ontheforecheck.com/2016/3/3/11158548/new-jersey-devils-5-nashville-predators-4-ot-power-play-goals-and">Jonathan Garcia has this recap at On the Forecheck</a>, noting that Adam Henrique broke hearts. Scoring the late equalizer to force overtime and scoring the overtime winner will do that.</p>
<p><b>Important Note: </b>Nobody killed a penalty tonight. Nashville got two power plays. <span>Shea Weber</span> made an awesome pass across the Devils' zone, using a very wide and straight passing lane, right to <span>Craig Smith</span>. Smith beat Kinkaid to convert the first one. Late in the first period, <span>Roman Josi</span> took a long shot and <span>Mike Ribeiro</span> got a tip in front to make it 1-2. They went 2-for-2 and should feel good about that.</p>
<p>The Devils got three power plays. That goal in the first period? <span>Jacob Josefson</span> took a low shot and the rebound caromed right to <span>Kyle Palmieri</span> in the right circle. Palmieri buried it and made it 1-1 at the time. Just before midway through the third period, <span>David Schlemko</span> made a bold and beautiful diagonal pass to <span>Travis Zajac</span> in the right circle. Zajac fired a low laser to beat Rinne and make it 3-3 at the time. Lastly, there was the overtime winner. <span>John Moore</span> made the initial play, Travis Zajac forced a close shot on Rinne, and Henrique buried the rebound to end the game. It was very much a feast for the Devils' power play as they went 3-for-3.</p>
<p>I'm sure the coaches responsible for the PK aren't at all happy with that result. The power play coaches will take it.</p>
<p><b>Another Thing About that Last Power Play...: </b>This one came off a very odd decision by Rinne. Shortly after <span>David Warsofsky</span> took a shot on net, Rinne came way out of his crease. He covered the puck, lifted his glove to try and play it, and then covered it again. Rinne was by the hashmarks, mind you. The referees determined this was a delay of game call given that Rinne was nowhere near the paint. It turned out to be a costly decision by the goaltender. It's my understanding Nashville's head coach wasn't happy about the call. Bummer.</p>
<p><b>The Worst One: </b>Given the emphasis on power plays, I do have to note that one of Nashville's goals was one of the worst I've seen in some time. The Predators are rushing up and they gain the zone. <span>Austin Watson</span> is by the left side of the zone with the puck and Warsofsky tries to engage. Stupidly, <span>Jon Merrill</span> decided to come over to help. Even more stupidly, <span>Tyler Kennedy</span> did not pick up <span>Paul Gaustad</span> going down the middle of the ice. Watson made an easy pass to an incredibly wide open Gaustad. He smoothly beat Kinkaid with a backhander and made the game 1-3 at the time. The play got Kennedy a benching during the game. I don't know if Merrill was punished, but I don't think it's a coincidence that he played fewer minutes than all of the Devils' defensemen.</p>
<p>Speaking of, <a href="http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/3/3/11156606/the-sitting-of-severson" target="_blank">I agree with Gerard</a> and his post earlier on Thursday. <span>Damon Severson</span> needs to be in this lineup. For all of his issues this season, Merrill has plenty of his own. For the first half or so of this game, he displayed them ranging from bad positioning, slow decision making, and not making good decisions on the puck. While Andy Greene and <span>Adam Larsson</span> got pinned back more often than not, when things get tough, I can feel fine with 5-6 not panicking. Merrill? Who knows when he gets into trouble. In my view, Warsofsky was the better player of their defensive pairing tonight and I wouldn't mind seeing Severson come in for Merrill for the Dallas game.</p>
<p><b>DSP +2: </b><span>Devante Smith-Pelly</span> made his debut on a line with Adam Henrique. With some of the line shuffling, this combination lasted for most of Smith-Pelly's ice time tonight. I don't think it well in the run of play. They got to see plenty of Forsberg, Smith, and Ribeiro and Nashville won that matchup. That said, Smith-Pelly contributed to two goals tonight. The first was his first goal as a Devil. Merrill took a shot from just past the blueline. Rinne stopped it but the puck got loose behind him. Smith-Pelly jammed his stick blade just under Rinne's left pad and poked the puck over the line. Not the prettiest goal, but any goals are beautiful if you're a Devils fan. It was important as it turned the score to 2-3 and the Devils performed like they thought they had a chance to win the night (they did). Smith-Pelly picked up an assist that was arguably more important as it came with less than a minute to play and in a 6-on-5 situation. Palmieri sent in the puck towards the middle and it hit the Devils' latest forward's leg. Smith-Pelly corralled the puck and swept it towards Rinne, forcing a left pad save. Henrique was in perfect position for the rebound and he roofed it to tie up the game at 4-4. It eventually forced overtime, where the Devils won it. While Smith-Pelly against significant competition and playing eighteen minutes is probably too much for him (it was at points tonight), the Devils don't have any real answers at right wing. With that in mind, I'd say he had a notable debut given his goal and assist tonight. I want to see more from him. And if I'm feeling snarky, I think this already means the Devils won the trade with Montreal as DSP outscored Matteau this season.</p>
<p><b>A Poll: </b>During the first intermission,<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/AATJerseyBlog/status/705571588951949312"> I put up a Twitter poll on the AATJ account asking who Devils fans on Twitter thought was the least useful forward.</a> Tyler Kennedy won it by a plurality and I can't disagree. I chose <span>Jordin Tootoo</span> and <span>Stephen Gionta</span> as other name choices, though I wish I chose <span>Tuomo Ruutu</span> instead. And I got some individual votes for Farnham and Tlusty as well. It speaks to the Devils' poor depth at forward. Tonight, most of the least useful ones were, well, not that useful. Ruutu had one decent shot and that's it. Gionta and Tootoo added not much. Kennedy, well, he left the gate open and got a benching for a part of it.</p>
<p><b>The Mighty: </b>Twelve of the thirty-three shots on net by the Devils came from two players: Palmieri and Henrique. Each had six shots on Rinne. They combined for three goals, as well. This is an important development. Without Stempniak and Cammalleri, the Devils' offense is weaker than ever. As much as I like Travis Zajac and I liked his goal tonight, he's not someone to rely on for production. Henrique and Palmieri need to bring it if only to help the Devils stay competitive, much less win thrilling games in Tennessee. Tonight, they did it. Let's hope it continues.</p>
<p><b>Praise for the Opposition: </b>That Shea Weber-Roman Josi pairing is for real. I noticed their defensemen do jump on offensive rushes and most of them can contribute to the attack, whether it's to keep pucks in play in the face of pressure or firing away from various locations. <span>Ryan Ellis</span> was especially notable, and not just for jawjacking with <span>Joseph Blandisi</span> throughout the secod period. Up front, the Smith line did very well against the Henrique line. <span>Viktor Arvidsson</span> impressed me with his four shots and his breakaway in the third period. Given that forward depth is an issue for the Devils, I'm a little envious of a player like him. He won't necessarily decide games, but he'll help the drop off from being so deep after the top lines. He certainly did tonight. Lastly, they made Kinkaid work real hard with 34 shots, many in dangerous locations, and I thought Forsberg's well placed shot to make it 3-4 late would be the decider. Nashville's a very good team. I suspect they will be a tough out in the playoffs - assuming they get their goaltending in order. Seriously, Rinne with a penalty in overtime and five goals allowed to <i>New Jersey</i>? That helps nobody.</p>
<p><b>One Last Highlight: </b>Kinkaid really came out better than a four GA night would suggest. Early on, he was forced to scramble to make saves on strong shots and second efforts. His mask even fell off early. While one could argue he could have stopped the Gaustad goal - I think he was hung out to dry there - and the Forsberg goal - ehhhh... - he certainly did a good impression of <span>Cory Schneider</span>. He made big stops on big blasts from Nashville's defense, he held up well under pressure when the Predators crashed the net, and he denied Arvidsson on a breakaway in the third. All that and he played through some pain. In the third period, Kinkaid came out of his net to play a puck behind it. Ribeiro was skating towards the endboards, lost an edge, and fell into the boards while taking out Kinkaid's left leg. It was an accident, but it provided a moment of pause that Kinkaid suffered an injury. Kinkaid remained in the game and finished decently. I was generally pleased with his performance despite the amount of goals allowed.</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b>The Devils came from behind, forced a game-tying goal within the last minute, and took the second point in overtime. I'd say that was quite good to see. What about you? What was your reaction to the game's result? How happy were you when Henrique scored the equalizer? When he scored the game winner? Be honest, did you turn off the game after Forsberg's goal? Who did you think had a good game for the Devils? What did you think of the new players? What do you want to see differently for the Dallas game? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about tonight's win in the comments.</p>
<p>Thank you to everyone who commented in the Gamethread tonight and/or those who followed the site's Twitter account, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/aatjerseyblog">@AATJerseyBlog</a>, during the game. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/3/4/11159260/new-jersey-devils-stun-nashville-predators-with-a-thrilling-5-4-ot-winJohn Fischer2016-03-03T21:38:44-05:002016-03-03T21:38:44-05:00Smith-Pelly scores his first goal as a Devil<iframe src="https://www.nhl.com/video/embed/smith-pellys-first-devils-goal/t-278900570/c-42129603?autostart=false" width="540" height="360"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Devante Smith-Pelly scores a tap in goal, in front of the net to bring NJ with in one. This tally marks Smith-Pelly's first goal as a Devil.</p></p></div>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/3/3/11158836/smith-pelly-scores-his-first-goal-as-a-devilNicholas D'Alessio2016-03-03T19:00:03-05:002016-03-03T19:00:03-05:00Gamethread #65: Devils at Predators
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<p>The New Jersey Devils begin a difficult road back-to-back by going to Tennessee to play the Nashville Predators. This game thread is a place for users to discuss tonight's game until the recap is up.</p> <p><strong>The Time: </strong>8:00 PM EST</p>
<p><strong>The Broadcast: </strong>TV - MSG+2; Radio - 660 AM & 101.9 FM WFAN</p>
<p><strong>The Matchup: </strong>The New Jersey Devils (30-27-7) vs. the <a href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nashville Predators</a> (32-21-11; SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.ontheforecheck.com/">On the Forecheck</a>)</p>
<p><strong>A Song for Tonight: </strong>For no particular reason, this is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDIcO_ItKwQ">"We the Machines"</a> by Affiance from <em>The Campaign</em>. It's metalcore that relies more on riffs and a really, really good singer. It's a nice change of pace from the constant "chugga, chugga, chugga, growl, breakdown, growl" metalcore bands that have become somewhat commonplace in the genre.</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 <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Devils</a> 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, let's keep the .GIFs away (they slow things down), and <em>let's focus on the game.</em> Thank you for reading and commenting. Go Devils!</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/3/3/11150456/gamethread-65-new-jersey-devils-at-nashville-predatorsJohn Fischer2016-03-03T07:00:03-05:002016-03-03T07:00:03-05:00Game Preview #65: Devils at Predators
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<figcaption>Tuomo Ruutu! Filip Forsberg! I hope I don't see this matchup too much tonight! | Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The New Jersey Devils begin a difficult road back-to-back by going to Tennessee to play the Nashville Predators. This game preview goes into the Devils' lineup changes and how the Predators have been this season.</p> <p>A long six-game march to the middle of, well, March begins in Tennessee.</p>
<p><b>The Time: </b>8:00 PM EST</p>
<p><b>The Broadcast: </b>TV - MSG+2; Radio - 660 AM & 101.9 FM WFAN</p>
<p><b>The Matchup: </b>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> (30-27-7) at the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Nashville Predators</a> (32-21-11; SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.ontheforecheck.com/">On the Forecheck</a>)</p>
<p><b>The Last Devils Game: </b>The Devils hosted in Carolina. Typically, the phrase is "Who wants this game more?" For the first ten minutes, it appeared the answer was nobody as both teams just played a sloppy game. The Devils broke through when <span>Andy Greene</span> had the bold idea to shoot the puck when he had the opportunity to do so. The puck hit off Tyler Kennedy and then Adam Henrique to beat Eddie Lack to the far post. The Canes responded with not much in the first period as the Devils took over in terms of control, ugly as it was. Carolina got back into it in the second period. After what was mostly an excellent penalty kill, <span>Derek Ryan</span> got the puck in the left circle. He had time, space, and opportunity to fire a well-placed shot past an inadvertently screening Greene and <span>Cory Schneider</span>. And so he did with seconds left on the power play to make it 1-1. After further folly, such as the Devils wiping out a delayed penalty for Carolina with a too many men on the ice call, the Devils amped up their shooting on Lack. Some were dangerous, most weren't. This continued in the third period. A few dangerous one timers and looks close to the net, but there were more shots from distance and at a non-threatening angles. So while the Devils got up to thirty shots, it certainly didn't seem like they were taking it to Carolina. The Canes, who spent most of the third getting beaten in the neutral zone, did get a favorable bounce near the end. Jaccob Slavin sprung Elias Lindholm to lead an attack. He took a low shot, two defenders prevented Lindholm from getting the rebound, and nobody had Joakim Nordstrom, who swooped in, took one touch to take the loose puck, and then took another to fire it past Schneider late in the third. The Devils pulled Schneider for a desperate equalizer and put up one of the lamest 6-on-5 efforts. It ended with Nathan Gerbe stripping <span>David Schlemko</span> of the puck and going off on a breakaway for one of the easiest ENG's he ever scored. The Devils lost their third in a row, 1-3. My recap of a poorly played game is here.</p>
<p><b>The Last Predators Game: </b>I'm going to start with the recap from On the Forecheck. <a href="http://www.ontheforecheck.com/2016/3/1/11139572/nashville-predators-5-dallas-stars-3-webers-return-ignites-preds" target="_blank">It's from Anish Patel and he said this was a statement game against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.</a> I cannot disagree. Nashville hosted Dallas and got on the board first with a strike by <span>Craig Smith</span>. Dallas immediately answered back with a goal by Antoine Roussel. The second period was when things went in Nashville's favor. <span>Calle Jarnkrok</span> made it 2-1 early in the second. <span>Shea Weber</span> hammered in a power play goal at 9:17 to make it 3-1. <span>Mattias Ekholm</span> made it 4-1 at 9:48. Talk about a turnaround in a game. Dallas added some hope when Jason Spezza converted a 5-on-3 power play to make it 4-2 towards the end of the second period. <span>James Neal</span> made sure that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/">Stars</a> wouldn't get within one so easily with a goal early in third period. Vernon Fiddler added one to make it 5-3 about halfway through the third. However, that would be that in terms of any comeback effort. The Predators won 5-3.</p>
<p><b>The Last Devils-Predators Game: </b>Way back on October 13, 2015, the Devils hosted Nashville for what would be their home opener. This one didn't go so well. And not just because the two lived up to the stereotype of being defensively competent teams with strong goaltenders and less than impressive offenses. The Devils managed to give up more empty net goals than not in this game. <span>Roman Josi</span> scored a power play goal in the first period. Then there was no scoring until less than three minutes in regulation. The Devils had a power play, so they pulled the goalie. Josi scored a shorthanded empty netter. Seconds later, <span>Kyle Palmieri</span> converted the power play to make it 1-2. With time running out, <span>Keith Kinkaid</span> was pulled again. <span>Eric Nystrom</span> put home another empty netter to kill any hopes of a comeback for a 1-3 final score. <a href="http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2015/10/13/9528549/empty-net-blues-new-jersey-devils-dumped-by-nashville-predators-1-3" target="_blank">Here's my recap of that game.</a> For the opposition's side, <a href="http://www.ontheforecheck.com/2015/10/13/9527071/nashville-predators-3-new-jersey-devils-1-preds-escape-newark-with" target="_blank">here's Jonathan Garcia at On the Forecheck</a>, who was less than impressed by the 'W.'</p>
<p><b>The Goal: </b>Other than <i>do everything better</i>, I suppose a goal for tonight's game would be to just fire away more often. While the Devils eventually did put up thirty shots against Carolina, there many instances where a Devil had a clear shooting lane, time and space to shoot, and then proceed to do something else. Often it led to some promising possession shifts ending with not a shot on net or even an attempt, which is just wasteful. I can understand it if someone was open in more advantageous position or if the goalie fully filled in the lane to ensure it wouldn't be a goal. Given the state of their team, it's not a bad idea to be more willing to take those shots anyway. Even if the goalie is ready for it, shoot it hard and low and hope for a nearby teammate to pile in a rebound. The Devils certainly don't have the offensive talent to hang with most teams, so whatever they can get on offense, they should just accept it and work off of it instead of looking for something better. Even if that means getting a few of those "ugly" goals. Without it, I don't see how the Devils will spoil playoff-bound Nashville - or any of the next five opponents after this one.</p>
<p><b>Oh, I Miss You Lee: </b>While I can respect the decision to move <span>Lee Stempniak</span> for picks, it did create a massive hole at right wing. It's arguable that Stempniak may not be a true top two line right winger in that he could play in that spot for most of the league. But he certainly was in New Jersey. Now, there's Kyle Palmieri and spare parts. As a result, <a href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/smith-pelly-on-top-line-for-first-practice-with-devils-1.1520912" target="_blank">I'm not terribly surprised at the lines Tom Gulitti posted at Fire & Ice yesterday.</a> The team's new forward, <span>Devante Smith-Pelly</span>, was skating with <span>Reid Boucher</span> and Adam Henrique. Joseph Blandisi didn't fit well at right wing and is back to the left wing for the third line, I don't want to see anymore of Tyler Kennedy if I have to, and <span>Jordin Tootoo</span> really can't stray from a fourth line role. While Smith-Pelly is a bottom-six winger, the hole still needs to be filled. So he will get his shot to earn that spot tonight. Welcome to the team and good luck, Smith-Pelly.</p>
<p><b>Meanwhile on Defense...: </b><a href="http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/3/1/11144562/new-jersey-devils-drop-it-near-end-carolina-hurricanes-sloppy-game" target="_blank">In the recap to the Carolina loss</a>, I noted that one of the users (FrankG929) had a good line on Jon Merrill's performance. To paraphrase it, he wanted to see if he could play off the roster in favor of <span>David Warsofsky</span>, who the team recently picked up off waivers. Lo and behold, <a href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/smith-pelly-on-top-line-for-first-practice-with-devils-1.1520912" target="_blank">according to Gulitti's lines at practice</a>, Merrill and Warsofsky were rotating in practice. I think Merrill may still play, but maybe Warsofsky closer to playing than I would have thought.</p>
<p><b>A Change in Net: </b>As this is first game of a back-to-back set, the Devils will split the use of their goalies. Hopefully, this will go better than the last back-to-back. <a href="http://fireandice.northjersey.com/fire-ice-1.174987/smith-pelly-adjusting-to-life-after-trade-to-devils-excited-to-make-debut-in-nashville-1.1521048" target="_blank">Gulitti reported in this post at Fire & Ice that Keith Kinkaid</a> will start this game and Schneider will play in Dallas. While Kinkaid did really well in his last start against Los Angeles, his last appearance was taking <a href="http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/2/25/11117940/f-minus-again-new-jersey-devils-blown-out-columbus-blue-jackets" target="_blank">the second half of a 1-6 beatdown by Columbus.</a> We'll see.</p>
<p>Opposite him, it could be <span>Pekka Rinne</span>. He did pick up the win against Dallas, after all. While his numbers aren't like they were in the past, <a href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=season&report=goaliebystrength&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=evSaves&aggregate=0&teamId=18&pos=G" target="_blank">he's been OK with a 92.1% save percentage at even strength.</a> His backup <span>Carter Hutton</span> has posted a little better at evens and he's got a way better PK save percentage. I wonder how much of that even strength save percentage got hit in non-5-on-5 even strength play. War on Ice has their team save percentage in 5-on-5 play at <a 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=2016-03-03&splitseasons=1&usedaterange=0&tablegroup=1" target="_blank">a strong 92.9% per War on Ice.</a> Maybe that's a key for New Jersey? Get into more 4-on-4 situations? Well, maybe not given the now-larger dearth of talent the Devils have.</p>
<p><b>I Hope You Like Possession <i>and</i> Offense: </b>While Nashville hasn't been blowing off team's proverbial doors with goalscoring and a <a 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=2016-03-03&splitseasons=1&usedaterange=0&tablegroup=1" target="_blank">7% 5-on-5 shooting percentage</a>, they are around league average with <a href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/team?reportType=season&report=teamsummary&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=goalsForPerGame&aggregate=0" target="_blank">a 2.64 goals per game average.</a> Their power play has been potent. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/team?reportType=season&report=powerplay&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=ppPctg&aggregate=0" target="_blank">Their success rate of 19.7% ranks tenth</a>, behind the Devils. Just as importantly, <a href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/team?reportType=season&report=powerplay&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=ppOpportunities&aggregate=0" target="_blank">they've been on the power play 208 times</a>, which is the fifth highest in the league. They draw calls and they can make you pay for them. Their <a href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/team?reportType=season&report=penaltykill&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=pkPctg&aggregate=0" target="_blank">penalty killing hasn't been as sharp with a 79.7% success rate</a>, but they are one of the better teams at not taking calls as they're tenth with the fewest amount of shorthanded situations. While I can't say they won't get into penalty trouble, I wouldn't bet on it.</p>
<p>Of course, what makes them a difficult opponent is that they're a good possession. Yes, so was Carolina and the Devils out-did them in that regard on Tuesday to little avail. However, Carolina played like garbage on Tuesday. Nashville didn't sell, they're very much in "it" that they don't have to go for it, and they're coming off a big win against Dallas. <a 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=2016-03-03&splitseasons=1&usedaterange=0&tablegroup=1" target="_blank">So when I tell you they're a 52.5% CF% team per War on Ice</a>, it means they need to be respected. Likewise to the fact that <a href="http://war-on-ice.com/teamtable.html?mansit=3&scoresit=2&homeawaysit=1&tablegroup=4&playoffs=All&xaxis=3&yaxis=27&saxis=48&caxis=4&start0=20152016&end0=20152016&start1=2014-10-01&end1=2016-03-03&splitseasons=1&usedaterange=0&tablegroup=4" target="_blank">their CF/60 is a about a solid 55 compared to a CA/60 of about 50.</a> They <a 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=2016-03-03&splitseasons=1&usedaterange=0&tablegroup=6" target="_blank">typically out-shoot their opponents at evens.</a> In other words, this is not going to be an easy matchup for a possession-poor team like New Jersey.</p>
<p><b>The Defense Provides the Offense: </b><a href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=season&report=skatersummary&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=points&aggregate=0&teamId=18&pos=S" target="_blank">The Predators' leader in points is currently a tie</a> between forward <span>Filip Forsberg</span> and defenseman Roman Josi. Josi has been a point machine this season with Nashville. Eleven goals, thirty five assists, twenty two power play points, six PPGs, and 146 shots on net. Josi is going to bring it. His usual partner is Shea Weber, very much a do-it-all, do-it-all-very-well, and do-it-all-for-about-twenty-five-minutes-per-night defenseman. He's "only" got sixteen goals, twenty three assists, twelve PPGs (!!), twenty-one power play points, and 142 shots on net. Weber is just fifth on the team in points. These two play a lot together, they clearly contribute plenty to their potent power play, and these two will absolutely attack.</p>
<p>Even beyond this excellent first pairing, the Nashville defenders will be helping out in distribution on offense. Mattias Ekholm and <span>Ryan Ellis</span> each have seven goals to go with twenty-one assists and nineteen assists, respectively. They are also in Nashville's top ten in scoring. This is fine production for a second pairing. Especially one following Weber-Josi. The Devils need to be prepared to watch the pointmen and perhaps limit Nashville's forwards from making passes back to their defenders. Easier said than done, but it's worth the effort to avoid having Josi, Weber, Ellis, or Ekholm make a potentially long night even longer.</p>
<p><b>As for Nashville's Forwards: </b><a href="http://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=season&report=skatersummary&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=points&aggregate=0&teamId=18&pos=S" target="_blank">Forsberg is the leader in terms of production.</a> He's tied with Josi's 46 points and he leads the team with twenty six goals. He's a couple of shots behind James Neal for the team lead in that. Yet, the 21-year old has certainly lived up to his initial hype after being drafted and he looks to be the offensive leader for Nashville for a long time coming. <a href="http://leftwinglock.com/line-combinations/nashville-predators/?team=nashville-predators&strength=EV&gametype=1" target="_blank">According to Left Wing Lock</a>, he's been recently skating with Craig Smith and <span>Mike Ribeiro</span>. <a href="https://www.nhl.com/player/craig-smith-8475225" target="_blank">After two 20+ goal seasons</a>, Smith has hit a bit of snag with only fifteen goals and twelve assists so far. There's still plenty of hockey left and if stays with Forsberg and Ribeiro, he could get the opportunities necessary to get five more goals and make more contributions. Ribeiro remains a great distributor of the puck. His six goals are dwarfed by his thirty seven assists. He very much is the straw that stirs the drink on both the power play and in overall play. On production alone, this is a difficult line for any team to deal with. Even worse, <a href="http://war-on-ice.com/playertable.html?mansit=3&scoresit=2&homeawaysit=1&tablegroup=1&playoffs=All&names=&team=NSH&pos=5&start1=2015-10-01&xaxis=61&yaxis=96&caxis=9&saxis=103&mintoi=0&tab=1&usedaterange=0&start0=20152016&end0=20152016&end1=2016-03-03&splitseasons=1" target="_blank">the three have been <i>very</i> good in possession per War on Ice. </a> would hope the Devils are able to get Andy Greene and <span>Adam Larsson</span> against them for more than a few shifts.</p>
<p>Then again, Nashville's other scoring line may command just as much attention. Again per Left Wing Lock, that would be Neal, Calle Jarnkrok, and <span>Ryan Johansen</span>. Neal is second to Forsberg in goals with twenty-two and he's the team leader in shots with 201. Neal just fires away, he's very good at creating and firing his own shots, and he will provide volume as needed. The 24-year old Jarnkrok having 21 points doesn't exactly jump off the page. It does when one realizes this tops his rookie season in points and he did it with thirteen goals and eight assists. I think he's still developing a bit into a player and it remains uncertain whether he's really a top-six player. For now, he's in the spot, and he's doing OK. Johansen is definitely one to watch out for. He was traded straight up for <span>Seth Jones</span> earlier this season. Johansen has fit in to a degree. In 24 games in Nashville, he's got four goals and thirteen assists with 63 shots. Given his talent level, I can understand expectations for him to do more. I think once he's fully settled, he may have a big 2016-17 with the Preds. Even so, I wouldn't doubt his talent if he were still on Columbus. I won't start now - especially if he's on a unit with Neal. It may end up that Greene-Larsson gets to see them more instead; that may not be such a bad thing. Even though it may be much harder for John Moore and David Schlemko (or worse, Merrill and <span>Damon Severson</span>) to draw Forsberg's line.</p>
<p>Their bottom six is filled with some of their future (e.g. 22-year old <span>Viktor Arvidsson</span> with his seven goals and five assists) and some veterans (e.g. <span>Mike Fisher</span> and his eight goals and eight assists). I get the sense it's a hard working group. Not really units that will get run over. It's closer to the M.O. of past forward groups in Nashville. They may not score a lot, but they're going to provide a good effort every night and not at all play like doormats. Given the weaker forward group of the Devils, that may prove problematic for the team's depth.</p>
<p><b>One Last Thought: </b>Kinkaid will need to watch himself when Shea Weber unloads a slap shot on him. Apparently, on Tuesday, <a href="https://twitter.com/Shippyfunsports/status/704869267863445504" target="_blank">Weber felled Kari Lethonen with a slap shot that got him in the groin.</a> Owwwwwwwwwww. (<a href="http://www.ontheforecheck.com/2016/3/2/11144936/wednesdays-dump-chase-earning-the-attention" target="_blank">Credit to this post at On the Forecheck</a>, which is where I found the Tweet with the Vine of the near-kill shot.)</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b>The Devils will finish up their season series with Nashville tonight with this road game. What do you expect out of the Devils after three really bad losses? Can they get out of their losing streak? How? (Other than the obvious "score more than them, silly.") Does anyone on Nashville concern you? Who and why? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about tonight's game in the comments. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2016/3/3/11149724/game-preview-65-new-jersey-devils-at-nashville-predatorsJohn Fischer