All About The Jersey - New Jersey Devils 1, Pittsburgh Penguins 5: Game 7 CoverageA world class blog for Jersey's team: the New Jersey Devilshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47083/lou-fave.png2013-02-02T19:44:15-05:00http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/rss/stream/37072532013-02-02T19:44:15-05:002013-02-02T19:44:15-05:00Scoring Chance Report, Game #7 Devils at Penguins
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<img alt="This pretty much sums up today's game" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nZVxFiw_E6S5laDc8i5YxQdJgOc=/0x95:3675x2545/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7540259/160548352.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>This pretty much sums up today's game | Justin K. Aller</figcaption>
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<p>A scoring chance report, broken down by player and situation for Game #7 of the 2013 NHL season. NJ Devils at Pittsburgh Penguins.</p> <p>Today's scoring chances were not a pretty sight from a <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Devils</a> perspective. What you saw on the ice pretty much translated into the numbers here. Also, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/2/2/3944980/awful-new-jersey-devils-blown-away-by-pittsburgh-penguins-5-1">if you saw the corsi chart in John's game recap</a>, those numbers are pretty predictive of what you will see here in most cases.</p>
<p>Things started out not great, but not so totally lopsided. The second period was an unmitigated disaster. The third, was a bit less lopsided if you just look at the total (7-4). But, the Devils threw in three of those four chances at the very end of the third, when the game was already well out of reach. The game was well out of reach for quite some time before they even mustered up those three late chances.</p>
<p>Taking those away, the Devils were outchanced 19 -1 over a 35 minute stretch in the second and third periods. Oh yeah, and that one chance came shorthanded. </p>
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<h4>Section 1 - List of Scoring Chances</h4>
<p>The name listed under Note is the person who had the scoring chances. P1-P6 are the players on the ice for the Devils at the time of the event. Opp1 - Opp6 are the players on the ice for the Penguins at the time of the event. Strength indicates how many skaters on the ice for each team at the time.</p>
<p>Click on the chart for a closer view<a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2109555/2.2.13_total_chances.png" target="_blank"><img alt="2" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2109555/2.2.13_total_chances_medium.png"></a> <br id="1359853022782"></p>
<h4>Section 2 - Devils Scoring Chances</h4>
<p>Here is a breakdown of all the chances for the Devils in each situation, including time on ice. The first column under each section is time on ice, followed by chances for, and then chances against.</p>
<p>Click on the chart for a closer view.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2109491/2.2.13_devils_chances.jpg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2109491/2.2.13_devils_chances_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="2"></a> <br id="1359851891821"></p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/2/2/3945710/game-7-scoring-chances-devils-at-penguinsJerry Tierney2013-02-02T16:47:25-05:002013-02-02T16:47:25-05:00Devils Play Bad, Blown Out 5-1 by Penguins
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<img alt="Yeah, it felt like this today. The Penguins just keeping the Devils down simply because they could. Incidentally, this is Roberto Bortuzzo checking David Clarkson. " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HWk-0SEEbLAlr4K49aticHXFfvs=/0x44:4000x2711/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7531517/160545460.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Yeah, it felt like this today. The Penguins just keeping the Devils down simply because they could. Incidentally, this is Roberto Bortuzzo checking David Clarkson. | Justin K. Aller</figcaption>
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<p>The New Jersey Devils played a progressively worse game and were blown out by the superior Pittsburgh Penguins 5-1. This recap goes into detail as to how bad the Devils played while praising the Penguins for their solid game.</p> <p>You won't believe me, but the <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> were in today's game against the <a href="https://www.pensburgh.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Penguins</a>. At least, it was a game on the scoreboard. The Devils and Penguins ended the first period scoreless, the Penguins were only up 8-6 in shots, and the teams were even in shooting attempts. There were some errors by the Devils with the puck, but the Penguins had a few of their own too. </p>
<p>In the second period, the Penguins began to take over. While the Devils had offensive attempts of their own, they struggled to hit the net whereas the Penguins not only put their pucks on target but they got great chances. Then the mistakes started to lead to goals. <span>Brandon Sutter</span> feathered the puck through Adam Larsson's legs, put a shot on net, and eventually got his own rebound as Larsson watched to open up the scoring. That was early and the Pens compounded the lead with pressure. Closer to halfway through the second period, Anton Volchenkov committed an atrocious turnover, gift wrapping a puck for <span>Chris Kunitz</span> who scored. The Devils got back on the scoreboard when <span>Andy Greene</span> jumped up on a shorthanded rush and put a shot five-hole through <span>Marc-Andre Fleury</span>. Yet, by the end of the second, there wasn't a lot of reason to be hopeful. The Penguins out-shot the Devils 12-4. The Corsi at even strength was 23-12 in the second alone. The defense was spotty at best, the forwards didn't help all that much, and when they did get the puck in Pittsburgh's end, Fleury didn't have to get involved with a shot.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, it was a 2-1 game. It was still a competitive game. The Devils could have used that second intermission to get their minds right. They could have communicated how they needed to be better with the puck and better positioned on defense. They could have done a lot of things. A good third period could have led to an equalizer, or even a win. However, they did not. Oh, no. Instead, they played progressively worse in the third and the Penguins took full advantage.</p>
<p>Early in the third, the Devils actually won a defensive zone faceoff and the play went behind the net. <span>Adam Henrique</span> left the slot to help <span>Marek Zidlicky</span> and they didn't win the puck. While <span>Ilya Kovalchuk</span> dropped low in the slot, there was enough space in the high slot for Chris Kunitz to find <span>Kris Letang</span>. The pass was made, Zidlicky stood right in front of <span>Martin Brodeur</span>, and it's 3-1 Pittsburgh. About five minutes later, a failed pinching attempt by Zidlicky created the space for a two-on-one with <span>Sidney Crosby</span> carrying the puck. Salvador was caught in no man's land, Kovalchuk couldn't catch the other man, and it didn't matter as Crosby sniped a shot to make it 4-1. A little later, Krys Barch loses a puck battle to Crosby (duh) and a pass was tossed all the way to <span>Robert Bortuzzo</span>. I never heard of him until today and he scored his first NHL goal ever when he fired a low shot that got deflected by <span>Jacob Josefson's</span> stick to make it 5-1. What did the Devils do in between any of these goals? Nothing on offense and just scraping by on defense. It was all Penguins hockey and it continued until the final minutes of the game. The game ended with the Penguins up 30-16 in shots, 49-33 in shooting attempts at even strength, and their first home win of the season by four goals. The Penguins took full advantage of an awful performance by the Devils and turned a close-looking score into a blowout win.</p>
<p>The underlying numbers after the first period were ugly and the third period continued that and with goals. We've seen the Devils had bad periods in past games,but I would say this was the first out-and-out bad game. The first period today was OK but nearly everything by the skaters today was just second-rate. What makes it more distressing is that this is the fourth winless game for the Devils in a row. They got points in their prior three games and perhaps getting those results covered up some of the flaws in the team's eyes. Now this is a team in the midst of a busy schedule (like everyone else in the NHL) that really needs to get two points soon. Otherwise, they'll find themselves on the outside looking in.</p>
<p><b>The Stats: </b>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/GS020108.HTM">NHL.com Game Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/ES020108.HTM">NHL.com Event Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/PL020108.HTM">NHL.com Full Play by Play Log</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/SS020108.HTM">NHL.com Shot Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/TV020108.HTM">NHL.com Devils Time on Ice Report</a></p>
<p><b>The Opposition Opinion: </b>The Penguins faithful should be pleased. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pensburgh.com/2013/2/2/3945140/penguins-beat-devils-sidney-crosby-nhl">Hooks Oripk's recap is just that over at Pensburgh.</a></p>
<p><b>The Game highlights: </b>Well, they were mostly for the Penguins today, but here's the highlight video from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com">NHL.com</a> anyway:</p>
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<p><b>The Corsi Charts: </b> It's a road game so enjoy the Corsi charts for this game. Again, it's for all shooting attempts at even strength. Surprising no one, the Penguins were the superior team at 49-33. Here's their chart.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2109097/2-2-2013_Penguins_Corsi_Chart.png"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2109097/2-2-2013_Penguins_Corsi_Chart_medium.png" class="photo" alt="2-2-2013_penguins_corsi_chart_medium"></a> <br id="1359839033532"></p>
<p>Sidney Crosby was a beast. So was <span>Evgeni Malkin</span>, but Crosby was beastlier. Far more beast. Everyone else on the Penguins did well except for some members of their bottom six. Given that they didn't see a lot of ice time, the Devils just kept getting beaten in possession by Pittsburgh's best. Therefore, their chart is appropriately terrible looking.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2109105/2-2-2013_Devils_Corsi_Chart.png"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2109105/2-2-2013_Devils_Corsi_Chart_medium.png" class="photo" alt="2-2-2013_devils_corsi_chart_medium"></a> <br id="1359839191533"></p>
<p>Peter DeBoer tried to get the CBGB line out against the Crosby line at times. That was a big mistake. Today was another piece of evidence that <span>Ryan Carter</span>, <span>Stephen Gionta</span>, and <span>Steve Bernier</span> are truly fourth liners. But you knew that already. And that Crosby line regularly crushed almost everyone they saw at evens today. <span>Bryce Salvador</span> was once again horrendous in terms of possession. </p>
<p>As for the rest, I'm surprised <span>Henrik Tallinder</span> was actually positive while <span>Dainius Zubrus</span> and Ilya Kovalchuk were out there for as many Corsi for events for New Jersey as they were. Still, this chart is a quick summation of how bad today's game was. </p>
<p><b>Crosby is Incredible, It's Hard to Deal With It: </b> As for the Penguins, well, they are who I thought they would be. Crosby played like one of the best players in the world. One goal, two assists, a drawn penalty, five shots on net out of eight attempts, 14-for-21 at the dot, and 19:56 of ice time. His only real errors were taking two tripping calls that he really didn't need to commit. The Devils had no answers for #87, much less his usual line with Chris Kunitz (one goal, two assists, three shots) and Pascal Dupuis (two assists).</p>
<p><b>General Penguins Praise: </b>Look at the Event Summary for today's game. You'll see a lot of Penguins with multiple shots on net. You'll see that all of their centers that took multiple faceoffs won at least half of them. You'll see that no one really played an incredible amount of minutes, due in part of a large scoreline allowing both teams to give shifts to lesser players. In general, the Penguins were who I thought they were: a great possession team with a strong offense. Crosby will deservedly get attention for his performance but their big win was a total team effort. They got better as time went on and made the Devils pay for their errors.</p>
<p><b>Avogadro's Turnover: </b><span>Anton Volchenkov's</span> turnover in the second period was a 6.023 x 10^23 on a scale of one to ten of how bad it was. I'm amazed the scorer didn't give him the primary assist on Chris Kunitz' goal. Volchenkov was benched after that play and didn't return to the ice until the third period when it was 5-1 Pittsburgh. </p>
<p><b>The New Lines Flopped: </b>Peter DeBoer adjusted the forwards for today's game and I thought they would do pretty well on paper. Adam Henrique was moved up to center Zubrus and Kovalchuk. <span>Patrik Elias</span> slid to left wing as <span>Travis Zajac</span> center him and <span>David Clarkson</span>. <span>Peter Harrold</span> replaced <span>Matt Anderson</span> on the fourth line. Early on, DeBoer limited Henrique's minutes by switching him with Jacob Josefson on some shifts. That's six top-six caliber forwards, or at least five with Clarkson playing really well. Harrold could be used as a defender in a pinch, which would be useful given how strong Pittsburgh is on offense, an extra defender could be good if/when the fourth line gets pinned back.</p>
<p>Well, it all didn't work. The Devils mustered 13 shots on Fleury as the Penguins went up 5-1. Elias, Zajac, and Clarkson put up nothing on net until the third period, a close shot by Clarkson early that was followed up by nothing at all by the Devils. The team's top shooter had no shots on net or attempts in the first 40 minutes of this game. Elias got no shots on net out of two attempts in all 60 minutes of this game. Zajac didn't even have any attempts. That line was just straight up bad today. </p>
<p><b></b>Henrique didn't have a good game at all. He was beaten badly at the dot by going 5-for-16 and put up one mere shot. Zubrus' lone offensive contribution of any note was hitting a cutting Greene for the team's lone goal. Ilya Kovalchuk had three shots on net out of five attempts. I wouldn't say he did all that well, he lost the puck as much as any of the other forwards, but he was miles ahead of the rest of the forwards. So that's the top two lines doing nothing, the CBGB line getting creamed in possession, and the lone bright spot was that Harrold was there to play defense after Volchenkov was rightfully benched. </p>
<p>As much as I agree the Devils need another good forward and that there should be some other changes among the lines (namely, put Elias at center, keep Henrique at wing until he's fully back in form), the forwards were just ineffective on offense. The lineup can look good, but the players got to perform and they simply did not. Missed passes, missed shots, poor decisions, and moments of indecision; all of it hurt the cause. Save for Greene catching Fleury by surprise, Pittsburgh could have had an easy shutout today.</p>
<p><b>D(ogvomit)efense: </b>I don't own a dog. I don't want to own a dog. I'm not a dog person. But I'm pretty sure the Devils' defensive effort was the equivalent of dog vomit. Just an oddly colored, stinky pile left dripping all over the place. They had turnovers in their own end. They got caught in the neutral zone and on changes multiple times. They had pinches at their own blueline. It was almost like the first period of the Montreal game, except it happened over the second and third periods of this game. The Penguins getting easy odd-man rushes and scored on one. They lost puck battles that led to two goals. There was Volchenkov's epic failure in the second period. They made the game that much harder for Martin Brodeur, who at least deserves a sympathy card from the skaters for what they did to him and his numbers. (Aside: I felt Brodeur probably should've had Crosby's goal. The rest certainly weren't his fault.)</p>
<p>There's really not a lot positive here. Marek Zidlicky continues to frustrate fans with his mix of awful plays and a few decent plays. I'm actually still mad at him for standing right in front of Brodeur for Letang's goal as I write this recap. Bryce Salvador is just past it; I know it's early but I suspect he's going to buried in Corsi this season. Volchenkov continues to prove he's a third pairing guy at best. Larsson makes enough fundamental errors that I'm beginning to understand why he was on the outside of this blueline looking in at the start of this season. Andy Greene and Henrik Tallinder try, but it's not enough. I know <span>Mark Fayne</span> is good but was he really the key man on this blueline? This group - with Fayne - held teams to such few shots early this season, but in this past week, their lowest amount of shots allowed was the Boston game with 28 - and that included a third period of getting picked apart. What happened? I wish I could give you an answer but to my eyes, it's just stupid mistakes, poor positioning, and not getting enough help by the forwards. Tonight was more of that. It was more dog vomit.</p>
<p><b>Silver Lining: </b>The penalty kill was great. They killed all three penalties, they kept Pittsburgh to only three shots on net, and they scored a goal. This is the lone silver lining of today's game. </p>
<p><b>So What Now: </b>The Devils need to get their minds right or whatever else they have to do to raise their game. They got the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Islanders</a> on Sunday, Our Hated Rivals on Tuesday, a high-scoring Tampa Bay team on Thursday, and then a home-and-home with this Penguins team next weekend. They are all tough games and they're going to be a lot more losses unless the coaches and the players get it sorted. Bad games will happen, but unless the bad performances are addressed, they will continue. Let's hope.</p>
<p>That's my take on today's big loss. Now I want to know your opinion. How impressed were you by the Penguins today? What do you think is wrong with the defense? What can the Devils do about it? Would you make changes to the Devils' lines for tomorrow? If so, what would they be and why? Can the Devils rebound from this game? Will they? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about today's terrible game in the comments. Thanks to everyone who followed along in the Gamethread and on Twitter with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/inlouwetrust">@InLouWeTrust</a>. Of course, thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/2/2/3944980/awful-new-jersey-devils-blown-away-by-pittsburgh-penguins-5-1John Fischer2013-02-02T12:00:09-05:002013-02-02T12:00:09-05:00Devils at Penguins: Gamethread #7
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<p>This is the gamethread for the February 2, 2013 game between the New Jersey Devils and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Users are free to discuss the game as it happens in this post.</p> <p><strong>The Time:</strong> 1:00 PM EST</p>
<p><strong> The Broadcast:</strong> TV - MSG+, NHL Network (US); Radio - 660 AM WFAN</p>
<p><strong>The Matchup:</strong> The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> (3-0-3) at the <a href="https://www.pensburgh.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> (4-3-0)</p>
<p><strong>The Game Previews: </strong>My preview from earlier this morning <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/2/2/3942938/new-jersey-devils-at-pittsburgh-penguins-game-7-preview">is right here.</a> For the opposition's point of view, please check out <a href="http://www.pensburgh.com/2013/2/2/3944236/gameday-8-pens-host-new-jersey">Hooks Oripk's preview at Pensburgh.</a></p>
<p><strong>The Song for Today: </strong> Normally for a game against Pittsburgh, I use a song by Don Caballero. I'll use them later this season. Today, I think we need something a little heavier. <strong> </strong>Very few are heavier than Those Who Fear. This is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp99bV_iJjg">"Burn"</a> from their upcoming album <em>Unholy Anger</em>. Note: We at ILWT not responsible for any damage caused by how hard this song goes. Especially at about 2:11.</p>
<p><strong>Gameday Info: </strong>Tom Gulitti has reported quite a bit of news for the Devils lineup this morning at Fire & Ice. <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/henrique_back_to_center_elias_to_left_wing_today_in_pittsburgh_harrold_to_play_right_wing/" target="_blank">Here's the summary from his morning report.</a> First, <span>Peter Harrold</span> will make his season debut at forward today. He'll line up on the fourth line at wing, replacing <span>Matt Anderson</span>. It will be his first game this season. Second, <span>Mark Fayne</span> will not play today so <span>Adam Larsson</span> will definitely be on defense again. Lastly, there will be some changes within the top six. <span>Adam Henrique</span> will center <span>Dainius Zubrus</span> and <span>Ilya Kovalchuk</span> and <span>Patrik Elias</span> will slide to left wing on a line with <span>Travis Zajac</span> and <span>David Clarkson</span>. I prefer Elias at center and I'd like to see Henrique get back into a groove at wing first, but we'll see how this works. Peter DeBoer has never shied from making in-game changes so if it doesn't work well, it probably won't last.</p>
<p>As for the Penguins, <a href="http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/3379181-74/boychuk-penguins-didn#axzz2Jl4pzVHn" target="_blank">Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune reported last night</a> that <span>Zach Boychuk</span> will suit up for his first game as a Penguin at left wing alongside <span>Evgeni Malkin</span> and <span>James Neal</span>.</p>
<p><strong>The Reminder of Rules: </strong>This is a place where you can comment about this game before, during, and after it's played before the recap is up. This is a place where we <em>primarily</em> discuss the Devils game. An odd mention of other NHL games is OK, but it shouldn't dominate discussion. All comments will be clean (read: no cursing), respectful of each other (read: no dissing), relevant to the game, and legal (read: no streams).</p>
<p>Also, and pay attention to this, please do not use any pictures without titles. I'm not opposed to all pictures, but they do slow down the Gamethread for others. For those who don't know, titles go in the small box above the comment box. Users who don't want to see/load the picture can click on the title to make it go away. Please be considerate for others and use titles. And for today to ensure you paid attention to that, <strong>no .GIFs.</strong> If you all can follow the former, then we'll allow the latter.</p>
<p>I will provide commentary here and through <a href="http://www.twitter.com/inlouwetrust">@InLouWeTrust</a> throughout the game. Go Devils!</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/2/2/3944210/new-jersey-devils-at-pittsburgh-penguins-gamethread-7John Fischer2013-02-02T07:00:06-05:002013-02-02T07:00:06-05:00Devils at Penguins: Game 7 Preview
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<img alt="A scene from the last Devils game in Pittsburgh back in 2012. Let's hope the result's better this time." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1leM4YvKhqPVCfejdayYRdq6R5k=/0x16:1000x683/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7500449/20120325_kkt_al8_147.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>A scene from the last Devils game in Pittsburgh back in 2012. Let's hope the result's better this time. | Charles Leclaire-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The New Jersey Devils begin their first back-to-back set of the season with a road game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. This preview explains why the Devils need to be strong on defense today, notes the changes to the Devils lineup, and features some insight into the Penguins by Hooks Orpik of Pensburgh.</p> <p>The Devils will begin the first half of their first back-to-back set of games this season. And it starts off against the team with two of the best players in the world.</p>
<p><b>The Time: </b>1:00 PM EST</p>
<p><b>The Broadcast: </b>TV - MSG+, NHL Network (US); Radio - 660 AM WFAN</p>
<p><b>The Matchup: </b>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> (3-0-3) at the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> (4-3-0, SBN Blog: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pensburgh.com">Pensburgh</a>)</p>
<p><b>The TiqIQ Ticket Link: </b>Home or away, you can find some at TiqIQ: <a href="http://www.tiqiq.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils-tickets/?publisherid=1011101" target="_blank">New Jersey Devils tickets.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Devils Game: </b>On Thursday night, the Devils hosted the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a>. The Islanders displayed their strong special teams and high-scoring ways at the Rock. Despite a good first half of the first period, the visitors converted their first two power plays and things looked grim for the Devils early in the second period. That is, until the CBGB line generated not just one, but two goals off rebounds to tie it up. The tie was short-lived as <span>John Tavares</span> broke away from <span>Bryce Salvador</span> and swept a puck around a diving <span>Martin Brodeur</span> for his second of the night and a 3-2 lead. That lead didn't last into the second intermission as <span>Henrik Tallinder</span> finished off a strong shift by the Devils with a wrist shot to make it 3-3. The Isles re-took the lead in the third when <span>Adam Larsson</span> re-directed a shot from <span>Mark Streit</span>; but the Devils equalized for a third time when the returning <span>Adam Henrique</span> picked up a quasi-pass from <span>David Clarkson</span> and roofed one past <span>Evgeni Nabokov</span>. Overtime was necessary. The Devils couldn't convert early on despite pressure and the late part of a power play and when the Isles got a power play, they converted it quite quickly thanks to a botched play by Brodeur behind the net and a scramble in front. The Devils lost in overtime 5-4 and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/1/31/3939670/new-jersey-devils-5-4-ot-loss-to-new-york-islanders-bad-special-teams-marty-defense/in/3699341">I explained in detail how the bad (Brodeur, special teams) outweighed the good (four ES goals, Henrique) in my recap.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Penguins Game: </b>While the Devils were involved in an up-and-down, firewagon hockey game with the Isles, the Penguins were at the World's Most Overrated Arena to play Our Hated Rivals. The Penguins started off on the right foot with <span>Evgeni Malkin</span> scoring from beyond the left dot 1:24 into the game. The Penguins went on to out-shoot the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">Rangers</a> 11-6 in the first, but the home team did start playing like they were down with a 6-13 shot count in the second. They didn't get anything through <span>Tomas Vokoun</span> as both teams combined for six penalties in the middle period. Within the first minute of the third period, <span>James Neal</span> scored his fifth of the season off a deflection to give the Pens a stronger 2-0 lead. Simon Depres would make it 3-0 halfway through the third as the Rangers couldn't beat Vokoun for a goal. They hit the post twice, but nothing got in. The Pens held on for a 3-0 win. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pensburgh.com/2013/1/31/3939006/vokoun-shutout-city-pens-beat-rangers-3-0">LauraZ described the game in her recap at Pensburgh in such a way that it wasn't as decisive as the score would indicate.</a></p>
<p><b>The Goal: </b> Everyone needs to be committed on defense. The Penguins aren't just <span>Sidney Crosby</span> and Evgeni Malkin running the show. They're one of the top possession teams in the NHL in both <a target="_blank" href="http://behindthenet.ca/fenwick_2012.php?sort=6&section=close">close-score</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://behindthenet.ca/fenwick_2012.php?sort=1&section=close">tied-score</a> situations in Fenwick% per Behind the Net. They are second in the league in shots for per 60 minutes in 5-on-5 situations with 34.6 shots per game, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/2012/team_data3.php?sort=15">also according to Behind the Net.</a> They go three lines deep with shooters. Crosby leads the team with 29 shots and centers one line. Neal and Malkin have 27 and 22, respectively, and they skate on the same line. Their third line features <span>Tyler Kennedy</span> with 19 shots (1 goal, he's been cold) and <span>Brandon Sutter</span> with 17 shots. The only time they aren't dominant on offense is on the power play. There they are a little above the league median in effectiveness (21.8% success rate) and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/2012/team_data3.php?sort=25">below the league median in shots for per 60 minutes in 5-on-4 situations per Behind the Net.</a> Their power play can do some damage, it's just not dominant. My point is that this is a team that can and will attack, attack, and attack some more. Therefore, everyone on the Devils needs to be sharp and useful in their own end. Wingers who just stand around could get burnts. Defensemen not in position or take unnecessary risks will be burnt. There needs to be a constant presence of white jerseys in the slot. This needs to hold true in all situations, evens or shorthanded. If the skaters aren't on their game in their own end, then we have to hope A) Martin Brodeur plays like he did in his first three starts and/or B) the Penguins are off their game. Even if true, they'll break through with enough chances. If the Devils want to start this back-to-back with a win, then the skaters will need to solidify their defensive effort.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/devils_trying_to_make_the_most_of_limited_practice_time_brodeur_to_start_in_pittsburgh/">Tom Gulitti did confirm after Friday's practice on Fire & Ice that Martin Brodeur will start today's game.</a> I'm fine with that decision. While he did have a bad game against the Islanders, I doubt he's going to be so awful playing the puck again. Besides, Moose will get to see a hot offense on Sunday anyway. Gulitti also reported in that post that starting opposite of Brodeur will be <span>Marc-Andre Fleury</span>. Fleury has not played well this season as indicated by his overall save percentage of 89%. I know save percentages can change really quickly early in the season but that's pretty awful. And it sticks out like a sore thumb next to Vokoun's save percentage of 94%. Either way, I hope the Devils forwards will be able to make Fleury work because it seems to me he can be beaten often. They should collectively feel good after putting up four on the Islanders.</p>
<p>On the other hand, the Penguins do have a much stronger defense than the Islanders. They have allowed 28.6 shots per 60 minutes at 5-on-5, which is about average in the league. They have three big-minute players in <span>Kris Letang</span> (who brings it at both ends), <span>Paul Martin</span> (who can drive the play), and <span>Brooks Orpik</span> (who can be physical) on their blueline, a smattering of depth, and forwards who can help out in their own end. Their strong possession game helps keeps the shots against low, too, but their defense isn't a paper tiger. The Devils forwards will have to work to beat them, especially when the trio of Letang, Martin, and Orpik are on the bench.</p>
<p>Going back to the Devils, they'll have a few changes in their lineup today. <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/henrique_practicing_at_left_wing_on_devils_top_line_today/">Gulitti reported that Adam Henrique has been moved up to the left wing position alongside Ilya Kovalchuk and Travis Zajac.</a> What's done in practice usually carries over to the next game, so I would expect to see #14 with #19 and #17. I think this is very good news. As much as I appreciate Jacob Josefson's work in spots, Henrique will be a better fit for the line. He was on a top line for much of last season where he played extensively with Kovalchuk. He's got a good shot and he can be a two-way guy as needed. It'll be a big test given the opponent and the fact it's his second game back from injury, but I'm hopeful for him. Plus, should he do well, the Devils can finally have two strong lines: Henrique, Zajac, and Kovalchuk for the first and <span>Dainius Zubrus</span>, <span>Patrik Elias</span>, and David Clarkson for the second. Those are two lines that can move the puck well, get stops as needed, and score.</p>
<p>There are some other roster decisions that won't be decided until later today. <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/devils_trying_to_make_the_most_of_limited_practice_time_brodeur_to_start_in_pittsburgh/">In this post-practice report by Gulitti</a>, Peter DeBoer wouldn't commit to whether Adam Larsson stays in the lineup and/or <span>Mark Fayne</span> returns. Fayne sat out last game due to an arm injury, but the defenseman says he's ready to go. We shall see if there are other changes. For what it's worth, Larsson practiced with <span>Andy Greene</span> while Fayne practiced with <span>Peter Harrold</span> <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/henrique_practicing_at_left_wing_on_devils_top_line_today/">according to Gulitti's first report from Friday's practice.</a> If that's any indication, then that will remain. There will definitely be a new forward in the lineup. On Friday evening, <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/devils_send_matt_anderson_back_to_albany/">Gulitti reported that the Devils sent down Matt Anderson to Albany.</a> Anderson just played in limited minutes on the fourth line and got his first NHL point on Thursday. He wasn't a liability but he wasn't doing much either. Gulitti thinks this means <span>Mathieu Darche</span>, who has been practicing with the team as of late, will get a contract. That would be a reasonable response; the veteran could shape up the Devils' bottom six. It could also mean someone else gets called up, or <span>Stefan Matteau</span> gets back in the lineup. I wouldn't like the latter as that would start Matteau's contract and it's not worth doing that for a fourth line. We'll know what it is later today.</p>
<p>Going back to the Penguins, I exchanged some questions with Hooks Orpik of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pensburgh.com">Pensburgh.</a> You can see his questions about the Devils and my answers over there. I had three about Pittsburgh that I wanted his take on. Here they are, with his responses quoted.</p>
<p>1. The Penguins have been a strong possession team so far this season, they have two of the best players in the world leading a strong group of forwards, and they're average or better in most team statistics. Why, then, is their record only 4-3?</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I think rust has been a real factor in the Penguins inconsistent performances. Pittsburgh only had one player play during the lockout, Evgeni Malkin over in the KHL. Some key veterans like <span>Chris Kunitz</span> and <span>Pascal Dupuis</span> just haven't looked up to full speed early in the season. Sidney Crosby has flashed at times- but his timing is occasionally slightly off. I think he's still working back into prime game-shape after missing so much game action in the past 25 months.</p>
<p>At times the Pens have looked great with complete 60 minute efforts, like their last game against the Rangers in a 3-0 win. But they've also come out totally flat and been slow, lazy and out of position, like the absymal 4-1 effort the game before last versus the Islanders. Which team will show up next? I haven't a clue and that's sort of concerning, but I guess the hope is things become a little more cohesive as the team gets used to being back in the grind of an NHL season.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>2. Kris Letang leads the defense in average ice time per game at 26:10. He's followed by Paul Martin and Brooks Orpik with 24:53 and 23:16, respectively. Is Pittsburgh's depth on defense that suspect beyond that trio, or is it because those three are so important to the team that they just log that many minutes?</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Those stats are a little skewed because of two situations they only had five defensemen (<span>Matt Niskanen</span> got injured in the 1st period, in another <span>Deryk Engelland</span> got his eye busted during a fight and missed time). But there's no doubt the Penguins tend to use their top defensemen a LOT. They're careful to try to match Orpik and Martin up with the other team's top line at even strength- so bet that Kovalchuk sees them a ton, and then from there they ride Letang for basically as much as he can handle, because that gives them the best chance at creating offense.</p>
<p>With Niskanen still sidelined for 2-4 more weeks, the Pens depth is questionable. <span>Simon Despres</span> shows promise, but he's 21 years old with 23 games of NHL experience, so he's prone to mistakes and penalties. Engelland is decent for a bottom pair player, but he's not without limitations. <span>Ben Lovejoy</span> hasn't impressed anyone so probably expect <span>Robert Bortuzzo</span> to be dressed as the 6th defenseman and probably play 8-10 minutes in some highly sheltered situations.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>3. We know Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and James Neal are the big threats. Who else should the Devils be worried about on offense?</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Well, the rest of the forwards have combined for just four goals all season (one of those being an empty netter too), so secondary scoring past the stars has been a real issue. The best answer could be a guy that might find himself as a healthy scratch. <span>Dustin Jeffrey</span> has played well in spurts on the wing with Malkin and Neal, but the coaches haven't given him a ton of shifts there, for whatever reason. Jeffrey might be scratched in favor of dressing <span>Zach Boychuk</span>, who the Pens just picked up this week. He's a young, high-skill guy who never found a niche in Carolina and has questions about his defense and physicality, so who knows what his first impression could be. Still, Jeffrey has had the best performance of any so far with Malkin and Neal, so if he gets the opportunity I could see him finally cashing in.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Thanks to Hooks for his responses. Despite how strong the Pens have looked on offense and how pretty good they've been on defense, it hasn't been all glitter and gold. They're still figuring out their depth, missing Matt Niskaen does hurt them a bit on the blueline, and some players just haven't put it together yet. Hopefully that won't be today.</p>
<p>As a last point, I would like to encourage the Devils' power play to take the next level and turn their possession into shots. They've had a few power plays in each of their last three games where they managed to get in the zone and successfully move the puck around. They haven't had as many man advantages where they struggle to get past the blueline. That's good. Now they need to be a bit more selfish and shoot. I get that trying to set up Kovalchuk or Zidlicky on the right point for a one-timer is a good shot. I understand the idea making that additional pass to a wide-open player on the goalie's flank would be very effective. However, making that pass is often difficult as it has to be perfectly placed or thrown through traffic. The shot from the right point isn't always there. It's OK to take good shots instead of searching for perfect shots. So far <a href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/2012/team_data3.php?sort=25" target="_blank">the Devils are improving at shots for per 60 minutes in 5-on-4 situations</a>, but they can be better - and from there, goals will come. It would be rather helpful to get one or two today; they may need it given how strong Pittsburgh can be on offense.</p>
<p>Will the Devils be stronger in their own end today? How do you think Henrique will fare at starting from the top line? What do you think the Devils need to do to keep Pittsburgh's top three forwars - Crosby, Malkin, and Neal - fairly quiet? Is such a thing possible? Can the Devils come out of Pittsburgh with a win? Please leave your answers and other thoughts on today's game in the comments. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/2/2/3942938/new-jersey-devils-at-pittsburgh-penguins-game-7-previewJohn Fischer