All About The Jersey - New Jersey Devils 3, New York Rangers 1: Game 9 CoverageA world class blog for Jersey's team: the New Jersey Devilshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47083/lou-fave.png2013-02-06T11:00:08-05:00http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/rss/stream/37173172013-02-06T11:00:08-05:002013-02-06T11:00:08-05:00Devils 3, Rangers 1: Game 9 Corsi Charts
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<img alt="Despite where they are in this shot, Andy Greene got wrecked in possession while Carl Hagelin was one of the Rangers' best last night." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pq2IJCAo-IyBr_37GlxkZHoGvF4=/0x130:4000x2797/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7710659/160785139.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Despite where they are in this shot, Andy Greene got wrecked in possession while Carl Hagelin was one of the Rangers' best last night. | Paul Bereswill</figcaption>
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<p>After recapping last night's 3-1 win by the New Jersey Devils over the New York Rangers, I got curious about what really happened at even strength and made Corsi charts to see what happened. This post shares my findings, including how the Rangers didn't dominate at even strength.</p> <p>In<a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/2/6/3957626/a-clarkson-brace-brodeurs-grace-power-new-jersey-devils-beat-new-york-rangers/in/3717317" target="_blank"> my recap of the Devils' defeat of Our Hated Rivals</a>, I brought up score effects regarding the disparity of shots at even strength. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">Devils</a> were up 2-0 after the first period so it stood to reason that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">Rangers</a> would push the issue and generate more shots and attempts from then on since they were losing. I also pointed out some players that I thought did well like <span>Adam Larsson</span> and some players that I thought didn't do so well, like <span>Michael Del Zotto</span>. </p>
<p>Of course, after putting up the recap, I got curious about what I just wrote, especially about that first point about score effects. Did the Rangers really out-perform the Devils at even strength? I also wrote quite a bit about how the Devils had opportunities to get shots on net, particularly in the second period, but didn't. That would lead one to believe the period was mostly Ranger hockey when it really wasn't that lopsided by my observation. However, why rely on observation and anecdotal evidence when we can count the Corsi events and have some actual evidence? </p>
<p>For those who don't know, Corsi counts up all shots, blocks, misses, and goals, usually at even strength in non-empty net situations. The differential of all Corsi for and against suggests whether the player got pinned back or pushed the play in a positive direction. Thanks to a template provided by <a href="http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com" target="_blank">Robert P of Jewels from the Crown</a>, I've been putting together charts of both teams. I put them into my away game recaps as I have more time to do them. I don't know if I'll make a post after home games of just the Corsi chart but I wanted to do it for this game if only to show what I've learned. The game was closer at evens than a 21-14 shot differential favoring the visitors would indicate and some of the players I thought did well or didn't do well didn't match up with the Corsi differentials.</p>
<p>First, the Rangers only led the Devils 34-27 in Corsi. It was 6-5 Rangers after the first period, 15-12 Rangers after the second, and 13-10 after the third. With period-by-period differences of one, three, and three, there's no significant indication of score effects changing the course of the game. Yes, the Rangers had the reason to push ahead but the Devils did enough to stay close with them in terms of attempts. The visitors had an edge, but they did not dominate. I think that is in favor of the team who led for 55 minutes of the game.</p>
<p>Even though the Rangers out-shot the Devils 9-4 in that second period, the attempts in that period forces me to reconsider what I wrote about missing opportunities in some sense in the recap. I thought the Devils wasted chances to get shots and there were plays where open lanes were left begging. However, it appears they made more attempts than I thought and they just didn't get to the net. That would have been a more accurate observation (though still a little bothersome).</p>
<p>Now let's get to the charts. First, here's the Rangers:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2126737/2-5-2013_Rangers_Corsi_Chart.png" target="_blank"><img alt="2-5-2013_rangers_corsi_chart_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2126737/2-5-2013_Rangers_Corsi_Chart_medium.png"></a> <br id="1360128763424"></p>
<p>Needless to say, I did <i>not</i> give the due that their second line deserved. While <span>Marian Gaborik</span>, <span>Rick Nash</span>, and <span>Brad Richards</span> had effective shifts and racked up shots on net, they were only somewhat positive in terms of Corsi tonight. The unit of <span>Derek Stepan</span>, <span>Carl Hagelin</span>, and <span>Taylor Pyatt</span> really put in a lot of work and spent more time in New Jersey's zone than I thought. I did recall Hagelin getting stoned in the third period but I failed to realize how much I really saw 14, 21, and 62 in New Jersey's end. </p>
<p>I also should apologize to Del Zotto. While there were times where he looked ineffectual, he was a positive Corsi player. He was utilized late in the game quite a bit for his offensive capabilities since the Rangers were down two scores. Del Zotto did not hurt them in that regard. Additionally, <span>Anton Stralman</span> took a lot of those shifts where the Rangers generated offense and so he came out very well in terms of Corsi. Stralman was alongside <span>Ryan McDonagh</span> for this game and the duo was successful at evens.</p>
<p>I will point out that the Devils were successful in some small part against their bottom six and their third pairing. <span>Matt Gilroy</span> got wrecked, Darroll Powe's first game as a Ranger wasn't very good, and they generated so few events for the Rangers that a few Devils events surpassed them.</p>
<p>Onto the Devils chart, where I'm going to facepalm myself in advance for noting how solid Adam Larsson looked in my recap:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2126753/2-5-2013_Devils_Corsi_chart.png" target="_blank"><img alt="2-5-2013_devils_corsi_chart_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2126753/2-5-2013_Devils_Corsi_chart_medium.png"></a> <br id="1360129341263"></p>
<p>A more accurate way to describe Larsson's and <span>Andy Greene's</span> performance was solid despite spending so much of their ice time in their own end. They took the brunt of the Rangers' top two lines and didn't really get things moving forward at evens. In a way, it's impressive that they played so much in their own end and that they didn't make any really horrific errors. At the same time, if anyone should congratulate <span>Martin Brodeur</span> for his excellent night, then these two are near the top of the list. At least, <span>Mark Fayne's</span> +2 justifies my calling of him solid. So does <span>Bryce Salvador's</span> -3 since Salvador is usually far worse than -3 this season.</p>
<p>Surprisingly, <span>Anton Volchenkov</span> and <span>Marek Zidlicky</span> had very high Corsi differentials. They each played less than 12 minutes at evens. They may have saw the worst the Rangers had to offer plus were out there for some good shifts by the Devils. </p>
<p>The Devils' Corsi chart also shows that the line of <span>Patrik Elias</span>, <span>Adam Henrique</span>, and <span>David Clarkson</span> were the best in possession tonight. OK, the fourth line of <span>Bobby Butler</span>, <span>Jacob Josefson</span>, and Krys Barch combined for +2 like the Henrique unit. However, the Henrique unit had far more ice time at evens, they generated more Corsi events for the Devils, and they did score two goals. Therefore, I'm comfortable giving them an edge over the fourth line. It could have been much better had the two players not named Clarkson fired the puck more when they had the chance. The other top line of <span>Travis Zajac</span>, <span>Dainius Zubrus</span>, and <span>Ilya Kovalchuk</span> were negative tonight. They did see plenty of the Rangers' top players but they just were caught back quite a bit while not generating as much going forward. Zajac and Zubrus were big offenders of "passing when they should be shooting," so it didn't have to be this negative. But it was.</p>
<p>Lastly, I want to point out the CBGB line. As much as I liked Gionta's hustle and his PK work, it didn't really go anywhere. <span>Ryan Carter</span> and <span>Steve Bernier</span> followed suit by being doubled-up in the wrong direction for Corsi. Gionta, Carter, and Bernier were -3, -3, and -4, respectively. This is their fourth game where all three forwards were negative in Corsi. Here's their previous eight games from this season:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2121131/2-4-2013_Devils_Third_Line_Corsi_by_Game.png" target="_blank"><img alt="2-4-2013_devils_third_line_corsi_by_game_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2121131/2-4-2013_Devils_Third_Line_Corsi_by_Game_medium.png"></a> <br id="1360129803743"></p>
<p>They were about as bad as they were against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Flyers</a> back on January 22nd. It's worth noting that the entire line hasn't been on ice for a goal against at evens. Carter and Gionta have, but not Bernier. Still, they were . Not only that, but they generate very few Corsi events (shots, misses, blocks, and goals) for the Devils tonight. It was low relative to most of their previous seven games. So, yes, they didn't give up a lot of events against, but like the Rangers' bottom six, they weren't effective enough going forward so they still ended up defending more than attacking at evens. It's further proof that the line is truly a fourth line. </p>
<p>The main point from these Corsi charts from last night's game is that the Devils were not definitively beaten at evens. The Rangers had an edge but they were small and only built up period-by-period. Few Devils really did well in Corsi but only Larsson and Greene were deep in the red. On the flipside, the Rangers' second line performed far better than I thought; Del Zotto wasn't the black hole that, say, Matt Gilroy was; and their bottom six was just as ineffective as the Devils'. Again, I'm not sure if I'll be doing this as a regular feature, but let me know what you think all the same. Does the Corsi counts at even strength from last night change your opinion on last night's win, or did it confirm what you thought? Who surprised you by their Corsi differential, good or bad? Why do you think the Rangers didn't start dominating at attempts after they went down at least one goal? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about the Corsi from last night's game in the comments. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/2/6/3957946/new-jersey-devils-vs-new-york-rangers-game-9-corsi-chartsJohn Fischer2013-02-06T00:01:06-05:002013-02-06T00:01:06-05:00Clarkson, Brodeur, Devils Poach the Rangers 3-1
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<img alt="Look good, feel good. David Clarkson scored two goals tonight." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8xGk9N3BJjZ0OHO54Gaw7C_EoGo=/0x200:3176x2317/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7708977/160785304.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Look good, feel good. David Clarkson scored two goals tonight. | Paul Bereswill</figcaption>
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<p>The New Jersey Devils defeated their hated rivals, the New York Rangers, 3-1 thanks to David Clarkson's two goals and Martin Brodeur's wonderful performance. This recap goes over what happened tonight with thoughts about how the Devils played.</p> <p>Beating a hated rival is always a reason for a fan to smile. You get bragging rights. You get to keep them down in the standings. You get to feel good knowing that your favorite team went into a tough game and came out with a positive result. The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> played Our Hated Rivals, the <a href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Rangers</a>, at The Rock this evening. They beat them 3-1 in a game that should have most Devils fans smiling. </p>
<p>And why not? Last year's overtime hero in Game 6, <span>Adam Henrique</span>, scored the game's opening goal five minutes into tonight's game. After the Devils weathered the storm brought by eight minutes of shorthanded play, they got back into it at evens and <span>David Clarkson</span> made the most of a Rick Nash fumble to make it 2-0. Aside from the penalties, it was the sort of first period any Devil fan would take against Our Hated Rivals. The Rangers upped the pressure in the second period but <span>Martin Brodeur</span> was massive in denying them, the skaters cleaned up most of the rebounds, and they attempted to counter-attack to limited success. Seriously, the Devils just passed up opportunities to shoot or just otherwise missed. But it ended 2-0 and that's where one would want to be.</p>
<p>Early in the third, the Devils took quick advantage of an Aaron Asham hooking penalty. <span>Patrik Elias</span> found <span>Andy Greene</span> at the left point, his shot was stopped by Henrik Lundqvist's pad, and David Clarkson pounced on the rebound to make it 3-0. A second Devils power play had some nice looks but shortly after it ended, <span>Brad Richards</span> found <span>Chris Kreider</span> wide open on the right side and Kreider sniped a shot shortside to make it 3-1. Yet, the Rangers just couldn't sustain a lot of pressure, even with a power play after an absolute robbery by Broduer on <span>Carl Hagelin</span>. Attempts at an empty net by (in order) Martin Brodeur, <span>Ilya Kovalchuk</span>, and David Clarkson were thwarted - the last one resulting in a closed-hand-on-the-puck call by <span>Michael Del Zotto</span>. It sealed the 3-1 win and made a lot of Devils fans happy.</p>
<p>Interestingly enough, there were many people leaving with minutes left in the third period. It wasn't a majority of the crowd and it was a mix of Devils and Rangers fans heading to the exits. Maybe they had a train to catch or something; but I think it was because they knew what the result would be. In some way it summed up the feeling of the game. Even though the game was still very much a game, the Rangers just weren't going to get that fortunate bounce, break, or beauty of a chance to score another goal. There were people confident enough in the Devils - or lacking in confidence of the Rangers - that they were willing to leave before the end of a game between two hated rivals. That's telling, even though the Devils really didn't dominate the game. All the same, the win is worth two points but the feeling of defeating Our Hated Rivals makes it that much sweeter.</p>
<p><b>The Stats: </b> The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/GS020128.HTM">NHL.com Game Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/ES020128.HTM">NHL.com Event Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/PL020128.HTM">NHL.com Full Play by Play Log</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/SS020128.HTM">NHL.com Shot Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20122013/TH020128.HTM">NHL.com Devils Ice Time Report</a></p>
<p><b>The Opposition Opinion: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2013/2/5/3957260/rangers-vs-devils-recap-brodeur-steals-the-show-as-devils-top-rangers">Bryan Winters at Blueshirt Banter praises Martin Brodeur in his recap of the game.</a> That's how good Marty was tonight, even the Ranger blog is giving him love.</p>
<p><b>The Game Highlights: </b>Henrique! Marty! Clarkson! Marty! Clarkson again! Marty! All that and more in the NHL.com highlight video of this game:</p>
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<p><b>Let's Talk About Score Effects: </b>If there's going to be a criticism of the Devils tonight, then it's likely their shooting. That is, they didn't do it enough. They only got 22 total and were out-shot at even strength 21-14. That looks pretty bad but I wouldn't get too annoyed about it. The reason for that is score effects. It's the notion that a team with a lead isn't going to attack as much because the losing team is pressing the issue out of necessity. That's what we saw in the second period, where the Rangers out-did the Devils 9-4 in shots and 8-5 at even strength in the third period. Would I have liked to seen more Devils shots? Absolutely. But getting outshot with a two goal lead for two periods is something that shouldn't be surprising.</p>
<p><b>Come On, Shoot, You're Open So Shoot Come On Awwww...: </b>That said, I am annoyed that the Devils had more opportunities to shoot but didn't. I noticed this mostly in the second period. Either the Devils would have an odd man rush but instead of the puck carrier taking a shot or going forward with an open lane, he makes a pass which can kill. For example, <span>Dainius Zubrus</span> had a two-on-one opportunity germinating in the neutral zone and his decision to pass it way too early just went to the defending one. It killed what could've been a great moment in the second period to really put the screws to the Rangers (and get Kovalchuk going production-wise). More irritating is that when the puck carrier makes a good decision and a good pass, the receiver then makes another pass despite having space to shoot and the opportunity is lost. I noticed <span>Travis Zajac</span> and Patrik Elias as the biggest offenders in that regard.</p>
<p>But the larger lesson really applies to the rest of the team. Sometimes, you just got to take the shot. Even if it was going to go right into Henrik Lundqvist's chest, it would at least force an offensive zone faceoff and a chance for a safe line change, which can be helpful in that second period. Most of all, it would have better represented the action in that period. Yes, the Rangers had more dangerous attacking moments but the Devils could have had some more of their own if other forwards were a bit more selfish. Seriously, Devils forwards, when you get a pass across or to the middle, they want you to shoot. We want you to shoot. So shoot.</p>
<p><b>Clarksonned: </b> David Clarkson is making me look a bit foolish, though it's one I'll take. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/2/2/3942722/david-clarkson-is-hot-now-lets-take-a-closer-look">I said last weekend that we should temper our expectations of him</a>, that he was just on a hot streak. That's going to be a little harder with two goals tonight and nearly picking up an ENG for a hat trick. He only had three shots on net but when two go in, you can't help but be happy about his performance. The goals themselves were akin to a poacher. The puck bumbles around <span>Rick Nash's</span> legs, Clarkson darts in and puts it in the net for his first. His second came off a rebound where he was the first one to it, he was in close, and he had enough time to respond. They were good goals and they helped make the difference tonight. As did his won battle along the boards before the first goal.</p>
<p><b>Chant the Name!: </b>Adam Henrique scored the second straight goal in the ongoing Devils-Rangers rivalry five minutes into tonight's game. It was a beaut of a one-timer. Elias just backhanded it out to a mostly open Henrique (so close, <span>Marian Gaborik</span>!), who just slammed it to the top corner. The popular "Henrique" chant ensued after the goal celebration and it felt so good to do so. Elias' pass was great and it was the first of three assists for him. Needless to say, this line appeared to do quite a bit of good work. I'll have to check the Corsi on that, though.</p>
<p><b>A King of the Second Best Team at the Rock: </b>Lundqvist got beat on a point-blank one-timer, a loose puck in the slot, and a rebound. I almost felt bad for him. But I remember who he plays for so I really don't.</p>
<p><b>Solid Defending: </b>The Rangers did have a few glorious scoring chances but they came few and far between thanks to a good team defensive game. The Devils didn't have to chase the Rangers all over their zone so much; they battled for pucks and won them; and the skaters cleaned up a lot of rebounds. It wasn't perfect by the defense. Sure, it wasn't fun seeing Rick Nash blow past Andy Greene on the first shift of the second period. <span>Adam Larsson</span> had a bad giveaway in the third that he ultimately blocked out the chance. The decision to close in on Richards heading into the zone left Kreider open for his brilliant shot-and-score in the third was poor. But for the most part, I really don't have a lot of complaints. After witnessing games with awful periods and that terrible Pittsburgh game, it appears the defense has righted itself.</p>
<p> Larsson did very well and had the fourth most minutes on the team's blueline. <span>Bryce Salvador</span> didn't look like a pylon. Greene and <span>Mark Fayne</span> were their usual selves for the most part. And I liked how the forwards dropped into the slot or swarmed to the play to either deny a loose puck or keep the puck moving out of their zone. Given that the Rangers have averaged over thirty shots per sixty minutes at evens, keeping them to 21 at evens and 25 overall is quite good.</p>
<p><b>The Gracefulness of Brodeur: </b>While the Devils defending was good for the most part, there were moments where the Rangers surely were going to score. Martin Brodeur and one post denied nearly all of them. Nash took it hard to the net and was denied once by Brodeur and a net being dislodged by the aforementioned going hard to the net. He was later denied on the first shift of the second by waiting a bit too long after going around Brodeur so the puck sailed across the crease. It appeared to go off the right post; hence, the angle it took. After that post, it was Brodeur stopping all five of Gaborik's shots, including a point-blank rebound late in the second. It was Brodeur's right pad smacking a shot from <span>Marc Staal</span> down instead of in on a second-chance during a first period power play. It was Brodeur's glove that snagged plenty of shots, most notably a one-timer right in front by Hagelin. Brodeur was only beaten by a perfectly placed shortside shot by a wide open Kreider for his only notable moment in 6:52 of ice time tonight. I don't think many would fault him on that goal (maybe I would in the summer, but not now). He was fantastic.</p>
<p>Some of those saves (and Nash's miss) were fortunate, but he really was in the zone. And when a goalie is in the zone, it's almost picturesque to see him. There's a grace to it even though it is soundly rejecting the other team's advances. While he didn't get the shutout, even tonight's attending media were so impressed that he received the first star of the game. I don't disagree. There was no way the Devils win this game by comforable margin without his performance this evening.</p>
<p><b>Hustle Plays: </b>I'd like to note that I appreciated the hustle by one (1) Ilya Kovalchuk and one (1) Stephen Gionta. While both didn't put too much on net, they made plays, won pucks, and got the puck going in the right direction as needed. For Kovalchuk, things went much better than they did against the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Islanders</a> on Sunday. For Gionta, it's further evidence that he belongs in this league. </p>
<p><b>Faced Off: </b> As I watched the game, I thought the Devils won quite a few faceoffs. As it turned out, I was wrong. The Devils were 26-for-58, or 45% on faceoffs tonight. <span>Jacob Josefson</span> (9-for-13) and Travis Zajac (8-for-15 after starting off really well) were positive, but Gionta (2-for-7) and Henrique (6-for-18) were just beaten badly. As it turned out, no one Ranger really dominated. Stepan (10-for-18) and Richards (11-for-20) were good but it wasn't automatic for them. Chalk it up to matchups spreading out the wealth for New York.</p>
<p><b>The Strength of Special Teams: </b>The Devils survived the first period with an absolutely wonderful penalty killing effort. They took two tripping calls (the one on <span>Steve Bernier</span> was questionable, it looked like <span>Ryan McDonagh</span> just skated into his stick) and a double-minor for high-sticking (Greene) in the first period alone. The Devils clamped down and went to work. Other than one glorious leg stop on Stepan, the Rangers just got two other shots on net in those eight minutes of power play time in the first period. Eight minutes, three shots. Not only that, the Devils penalty killers <i>created</i> three shots. They were aggressive but not to a point where they got caught save for one or two moments. They won pucks and cleared them out with authority. They also killed a third period penalty to <span>Marek Zidlicky</span> and allowed nothing on that one too, much in the same way. I didn't like seeing them down a man for eight minutes, I could've done without Zidlicky's high-sticking call, and I know the Rangers' power play was ice-cold going into this game. Nevertheless, the Devils were sensational on the PK. Salvador and <span>Anton Volchenkov</span> were as good as one could expect. Fayne and Larsson spelled them well. Kovalchuk, Elias, Josefson, Zubrus and Gionta were effective against the Rangers' pointmen and in support. </p>
<p>As for the power play, well, five shots over three real chances (the Devils just played out the one at the end of the game) isn't too shabby. The first one didn't really get going, but the second one scored a goal, and the third one put up four shots. They did take some advantage against a Rangers' PK that was giving up goals and so that's another plus for the Devils performance tonight.</p>
<p><b>One Last Point: </b> The Rangers seriously missed <span>Dan Girardi</span> tonight. Michael Del Zotto <i>most definitely</i> missed him. </p>
<p>What did you think of the Devils performance tonight? How impressed were you by Brodeur's play in net? How about Clarkson? Who else on the Devils did you think had a good game? What about the Devils' performance do you think they need to work on? Will they follow Clarkson's lead and try to shoot more in the future based on what happened tonight? Doesn't it feel good to see the Devils beat the Rangers? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about tonight's win in the comments. Thanks to everyone who followed along in the Gamethread and on Twitter though @InLouWeTrust. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/2/6/3957626/a-clarkson-brace-brodeurs-grace-power-new-jersey-devils-beat-new-york-rangersJohn Fischer2013-02-05T18:00:03-05:002013-02-05T18:00:03-05:00Gamethread #9: Devils vs Rangers
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<p>This is the ninth gamethread of the New Jersey Devils 2013 season, in which the Devils are visited by the Rangers. Users can discuss the game as it happens here.</p> <p><strong style="color: #292929; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.59375px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">The Time:</strong><span style="color: #292929; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.59375px;"> </span><span style="color: #292929; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.59375px;">7:00 PM ET</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.59375px; color: #292929;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">The Broadcast Info: </strong>TV- MSG+2 (MSG if you want your earballs to bleed from listening to the Nickelback of Play-by-play announcers), Radio- WFAN 660 AM</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.59375px; color: #292929;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">The Matchup: </strong><a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link" style="color: #292929; font-weight: bold; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: #292929;">New Jersey Devils</a> (4-1-3) vs the New York Rangers (4-4-0)</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.59375px; color: #292929;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Game Previews: </strong><a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/2/5/3952150/new-jersey-devils-vs-new-york-rangers-game-9-preview" target="_blank"><strong>John has his preview up here</strong></a>, while Bryan Winters wrote <a href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2013/2/5/3954968/rangers-vs-devils-preview-rangers-look-to-build-on-win-over-tampa-bay" target="_blank"><strong>a preview over at Blueshirt Banter</strong></a>.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.59375px; color: #292929;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">Gameday Information: </strong><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">The Devils will use the same lineup they used on Sunday, except with <span>Martin Brodeur</span> in net. The <a href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rangers</a> will have some lineup changes of their own- the newly acquired <span>Darroll Powe</span> will be in for the Rangers, while <span>Chris Kreider</span> will most likely return for the Rangers, meaning that if you have the Rangers feed, prepare to hear about how Chris Krieder could beat up the Justice League with his hands tied behind his back or something equally outrageous.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.59375px; color: #292929;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">A Song For Tonight: </strong><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;"> Today's song comes from a popular cartoon (No, not that popular cartoon. Or that one) which involves a fictional metal band. Because we haven't heard enough about stuff on TV I watch. Today's song is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbIGuLXCziU" target="_blank">Hatredcopter by Dethklok</a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.59375px; color: #292929;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NItTBfA_BM" target="_blank" style="color: #8f0f14; font-weight: bold;"></a>Again, just remember the rules. No swearing, no personal attacks (this is pretty important seeing as it is a rivalry game), no discussion of illegal streams and try and limit off-topic discussion to a minimum. -Please title your pictures and .gifs so that people can minimize them if they're too large (or slowing down the gamethread).</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.59375px; color: #292929;">I'll be providing commentary here while John will be tweeting live from the rock from<a href="https://twitter.com/inlouwetrust" target="_blank" style="color: #828282; font-weight: bold;">@inlouwetrust</a>.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1.2em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.59375px; color: #292929;">Go Devils.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/2/5/3955928/gamethread-9-new-jersey-devils-vs-new-york-rangersBlurred Cat2013-02-05T07:00:03-05:002013-02-05T07:00:03-05:00Devils vs. Rangers: Game 9 Preview
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<img alt="This picture is from the last Devils-Rangers game at the Rock. It ended well." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/M98dhRi4FYT_cb7NgTq-qIoufmo=/0x0:1000x667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7637047/145299567.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>This picture is from the last Devils-Rangers game at the Rock. It ended well. | Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>The New Jersey Devils will host their hated rivals, the New York Rangers tonight. This post previews the game by highlighting what's confusing about the Rangers season so far and what the Devils need to do better for tonight among other thoughts.</p> <p>Embrace the hate as Our Hated Rivals come back to the Rock for the first time since May 25, 2012.</p>
<p><b>The Time: </b>7:00 PM EST</p>
<p><b>The Broadcast: </b>TV - MSG+2 (MSG for the Other Side); Radio - 1130 AM WBBR</p>
<p><b>The Matchup: </b>The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> (4-1-3) vs. the <a href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Rangers</a> (4-4-0; SBN Blog: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com">Blueshirt Banter</a>)</p>
<p><b>The TiqIQ Ticket Link: </b>This will be a sell out, so the secondary market's your only way to get seats for this one. Alternatively, you can buy some tickets for other games: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.tiqiq.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils-tickets/?publisherid=1011101">New Jersey Devils tickets.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Devils Game: </b>The Devils visited Long Island on the second half of a back-to-back for an afternoon game against the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Islanders</a>. The Devils got creamed on the power play by the Isles in their prior meeting so one would hope they wouldn't give them a lot of power plays. Instead, the Devils handed seven to the Isles in the first two periods, with six of them being legitimate calls against the Devil. Amazingly, the penalty killing units held the Isles to very little success and whatever did get through was denied by Johan Hedberg. The Moose was on fire stopping the routine shot to a very difficult and impressive right pad stop to deny <span>Michael Grabner</span> on a shorthanded breakway. The attempts were fairly even at evens in the first two periods, but the Devils took over the game in the third. They got rewarded on their third power play of the period when an <span>Andy Greene</span> shot was deflected by <span>Adam Henrique</span> to the right place for <span>Steve Bernier</span> to roof the loose puck past Steve Bernier. About a minute later, Bernier doubled his account by stashing a puck in by the right post. The Isles made a last minute push, but all that led to was a <span>David Clarkson</span> empty net goal to seal a 3-0 win and snap a four game winless streak. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/2/3/3948708/johan-hedberg-steve-bernier-pk-lead-new-jersey-devils-3-0-win-new-york-islanders">In my recap, I pointed out the three main factors in the win were the Moose, Bern, and the PK.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Rangers Game: </b>Back on Thursday night, the Rangers visited the <a href="https://www.rawcharge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tampa Bay Lightning</a>, who were then on a five-game winning streak. After a scoreless first period, the Lightning struck first in the second period with a power play goal from Steve Stamkos in the slot. The Rangers responded just before halfway through the period with Derek Stepan's first of the season. The visitors kept up the pressure by out-shooting the Bolts 15-9 in the middle period. The breakthrough came in the third period when <span>Rick Nash</span> powered through the zone, cut across the crease, and stashed one in to make it 2-1. Despite the Lightning heavily out-shooting and out-controlling the Rangers, <span>Carl Hagelin</span> stretched and poked a <span>Taylor Pyatt</span> pass through Mathieu Garon's legs to make it 3-1. The Lightning scrambled and Stamkos got a late goal to make it 3-2, but the Rangers held on for the win. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2013/2/2/3945790/rangers-vs-lightning-recap">Bryan Winters recapped the win with plenty of praise of the Rangers' effort over at Blueshirt Banter.</a></p>
<p><b>The Goal: </b>Press the issue and attack. The Devils really need to get their forechecking game going and put up more shots on net. As great as they did in the third period against the Isles on Sunday, they did head into that period with only 14 on the board. Yes, they had seven shorthanded situations to deal with, but it's hard to win games with so few shots unless they're going in. And they're not. Fortunately for them, they're playing the Rangers. While they're not as loose as the Isles defense, the Rangers have averaged 30.5 shots against per 60 minutes according to Behind the Net. That's one of the higher rates in the league and it suggests that the Devils could put rubber on net. But they're not going to do that if they let the play come to them and not take shots when they could on offense. I'm not saying putting up 30+ will equal a win, but it'll help their cause more than what they did in most of the last few games.</p>
<p>I'm admittedly trying to figure out this Rangers team. I think they're a team of quality. They do have three great talents on their first line: Rick Nash, <span>Marian Gaborik</span>, and <span>Brad Richards</span>. The trio leads the team in scoring: Gaborik (5 G, 3 A), Nash and Richards (2 G, 5 A each). They have a solid second line player in Stepan and Taylor Pyatt has had a good start with three goals and two assists on his wing. <span>Ryan McDonagh</span> and <span>Dan Girardi</span> anchor their defense against the toughs. The Rangers are one of the better teams in the league in generating shots at 5-on-5 with <a href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/2012/team_data3.php?sort=15" target="_blank">a 30.7 shots per 60 rate according to Behind the Net.</a> Also from Behind the Net, their <a href="http://behindthenet.ca/fenwick_2012.php?sort=6&section=close" target="_blank">close-score</a> and <a href="http://behindthenet.ca/fenwick_2012.php?sort=1&section=close" target="_blank">tied-score</a> Fenwick percentages are very good 52% and 54% respectively. Additionally from Behind the Net, their penalty kill is <a href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/2012/team_data3.php?sort=48" target="_blank">fourth in the league when it comes to shots allowed per 60 in 4-on-5 situations.</a> Backstopping it all is <span>Henrik Lundqvist</span>, who's been very good in past seasons. This is all evidence of a good team. Some of this may not last, but for now, it is what it is.</p>
<p>However, it's not all good for the currently second best New York team in the Atlantic Division. Despite a penalty kill that has done a very good job limiting shots, their success rate is below the league median at 78.4%. Lundqvist has <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?gameType=2&position=G&season=20122013&sort=evenStrengthSaves&status=A&team=NYR&viewName=specialTeamSaves" target="_blank">a strong 92.3% even strength save percentage and an atrocious-looking 82.1% on the PK</a>. Needless to say, it's an issue. The other side of the Rangers' special teams has just been shooting blanks. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20132ALLSAAAll&sort=powerPlayPercentage&viewName=powerPlay" target="_blank">They're 3-for-30 going into this game</a> and <a href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/2012/team_data3.php?sort=25" target="_blank">below average in shots for per 60 minutes in 5-on-4 situations according to Behind the Net.</a> While they have excellent Fenwick percentages, remember that this a John Tortorella-coached team and Fenwick doesn't include blocks. Corsi does and <a href="http://www.behindthenet.ca/2012/new_5_on_5.php?sort=28&section=corsi&mingp=&mintoi=&team=NYR&pos=" target="_blank">only five Rangers are above zero in on-ice Corsi according to Behind the Net:</a> Aaron Asham, <span>Benn Ferriero</span> (who's now sent down to the AHL), <span>Michael Del Zotto</span>, and Girardi. While a lot of the players aren't in too deep, it suggests that most Rangers have played more defense at evens. On top of all that, this is a team that relies heavily on it's better players. Seven active Rangers have averaged twenty or minutes per game including four of their defensemen. The rest are more limited, indicative of some weak depth. This is all evidence of a flawed team. They may overcome some of this over time, but for now, it is what it is.</p>
<p>The Rangers have recently addressed their own depth issues at forward. Yesterday, <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/rangerrants/rangers_send_rupp_to_wild_for_powe_palmieri/" target="_blank">as Andrew Gross reported at Ranger Rants</a>, the Rangers dumped <span>Mike Rupp</span> on Minnesota in exchange for <span>Darroll Powe</span> and <span>Nick Palmieri</span>. Powe will start with New York; he's a fourth liner who can block shots (Tortorella is pleased) and do some PK work. While he's not all that great, I think he can be of more use than Rupp. On top of that, the Rangers called up <span>J.T. Miller</span> and <span>Brandon Mashinter</span> from Connecticut, <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/rangerrants/miller_mashinter_recalled_from_whale_ferriero_sent_down/" target="_blank">as reported here by Gross.</a> Both have done well in the AHL and I can't imagine they were called up to sit. <a href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2013/2/4/3951642/new-york-rangers-news-new-york-rangers-recall-j-t-miller-and-brandon" target="_blank">As Bryan Winters hoped in this post about the news at Blueshirt Banter</a>, it's now entirely possible the Rangers can have an actual fourth line without any goons tonight. I was hoping the Devils can pick on, or at least neutralize their forward depth, but I fear it'll be a bit more difficult than that.</p>
<p>Either way, the Devils may have to approach the Rangers like they have with the Islanders. They have to be focus the most in trying to limit their top line, make sure they handle their second line, and don't get stupid against the thirds and fourths. That's pretty much the idea against both teams. While I think the Rangers' defensemen are more talented than the Islanders, the numbers suggest the Devils can get shots against them. They'll need to do that to somewhat neutralize their possession game while challenging Lundqvist. When the Devils do get a power play, they really should bomb away because Lundqvist has been vulnerable there. The Rangers have given up at least one power play goal in each of their last seven games.</p>
<p>The Devils should be familiar with that as <span>Martin Brodeur</span>, <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/devils_to_get_first_look_at_rangers_with_nash_darche_still_waiting_benefits_to_matteau_staying/" target="_blank">tonight's starter according to Tom Gulitti at Fire & Ice</a>, has been similarly vulnerable. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?season=20122013&gameType=2&team=NJD&position=G&country=&status=&viewName=specialTeamSaves" target="_blank">He's at 91.1% at evens and 84.6% on the PK</a>; both huge dives from where he started no thanks to his last three starts. Given that he's only had one real bad game (last Thursday against the Isles), I wonder whether Lundqvist's numbers are more of the result of the players making mistakes in front of them. I do think both goalies are better than their current overall save percentages because they've got such ugly and unsustainable PK save percentages. With that in mind, the Devils' discipline also needs to be better than what it was on Sunday. Even though the Rangers' power play has been cold as the New Jersey weather, I don't think handing them power play after power play would end well. Even if they kill it off, it's time the Devils won't be able to attack the Rangers as they really should. It's going to be hard given that this is a huge rivalry and emotions run pretty high in these games. They still have to try.</p>
<p><a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/optional_practice_for_devils_today4/" target="_blank">Since the Devils had an optional practice on Monday according to Gulitti</a>, it's unknown whether the Devils will make any other changes. I thought <span>Adam Larsson</span> had a good game against the Islanders, so I don't think we'll see him taken out. I'd like to see the Devils' own top six re-organized as the top two lines against Pittsburgh and the Islanders, to an extent, weren't as effective as I would have liked. The unit of <span>Patrik Elias</span>, <span>Travis Zajac</span>, and David Clarkson did well in possession on Sunday and combined for six shots on a goaltender; but the shots came in spots as opposed to consistently good play. <span>Ilya Kovalchuk</span> really needs to get going, and it's not helping that <span>Dainius Zubrus</span> hasn't been all that offensively effective in recent games and Adam Henrique is still getting in form. As much as the players themselves all have to be at least a little more aggressive and selfish with the puck, I don't think the combinations have really worked. We shall see what Peter DeBoer does tonight. He'll have the last change so he can work the match-ups to a point.</p>
<p>As a last point, I believe this game is a real measuring stick for where this team is right now. They're in the midst of a tough run of games and they're playing a team they're likely going to compete with for a playoff spot in this shortened season. If the Devils do get a result somehow, then it's more than just more bragging rights. It would be keeping the Rangers down in the Atlantic. It would be a sign that this team can hang with teams that do have quality. Given who's right after the Rangers, that's a feeling I'd rather have the team have than coming off a loss. Go out there, get shots, don't be dumb on defense and dumber with penalties, and the opportunity should be there.</p>
<p>How do you want the Devils to match-up against the Rangers tonight? Will they win those match-ups? How much of an effect will the new-look bottom-six have for the Rangers? Can the Devils' beat those potential lines? Will the Devils be able to press the issue and attack more against the Rangers than they have in recent games? What will they need to do to do so? Can they keep Nash, Gaborik, and Richards relatively quiet? Can they not take seven penalties in the first two periods? Will the Devils make a statement against Our Hated Rivals? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about this game in the comments. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/2/5/3952150/new-jersey-devils-vs-new-york-rangers-game-9-previewJohn Fischer