All About The Jersey - New Jersey Devils vs. Winnipeg Jets: Game Stream #24A world class blog for Jersey's team: the New Jersey Devilshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47083/lou-fave.png2013-11-26T06:28:50-05:00http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/rss/stream/49062272013-11-26T06:28:50-05:002013-11-26T06:28:50-05:00Jets at Devils:Zone Exit and Passing Stats
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<figcaption>Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>This is a look at how the New Jersey Devils fared at zone exits and how effective their passing was. Both were very good against Winnipeg, and should have resulted in a win. </p> The New Jersey Devils played a high-event game against the Winnipeg Jets. They posted some of their most efficient stats for zone exits and passing. This led to lots of shot attempts, but due to a high amount of blocked shots and less-than-desirable passing accuracy in the offensive zone, it left the fans wanting, and perhaps expecting, more from the Devils. In the end, it wasn’t enough as the Devils fell 3-1. In this article, we’ll take a look at the game through zone exits and passing stats.<p>
<strong>Passing Stats</strong></p>
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<strong>Forwards:</strong></p>
<p> Overall, this was one of the Devils forwards’ most productive games. Every forward not name Cam Janssen had at least 1 SAG. Unfortunately, it was also one of their more wasteful games as the forwards finished 11% lower than their season average in terms of offensive zone completion percentage. The usual forwards were busy in the offensive zone, but the accuracy wasn’t there to capitalize on the Devils’ possession. In the other two zones, the Devils finished above 92%, which would be season highs. </p>
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Dainius Zubrus went 9/15 with 3 SAG. Steve Bernier went 8/11 with 4 SAG. Travis Zajac, Patrik Elias, and Jaromir Jagr also each attempted 13 or more passes, completing 11, 10, and 9 respectively. Ryan Carter played perhaps his best game, completing all 13 of his passes and generating 4 shot attempts. </p>
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<strong>Defensemen:</strong></p>
<p> In terms of shot attempts generated, the defensemen more than doubled their season average and finished with 13. Marek Zidlicky led the way with 5 and each had at least 1. The blue liners as a group went 24/26 in the offensive zone, well above their season averages of 13/16. Needless to say, the defensemen were very involved with the offense against the Jets. </p>
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In the defensive zone, Andy Greene was the busiest, going 15/20. Mark Fayne had fewest pass events, going 6/6, but he had the most in the neutral zone, finishing at 5/6. Eric Gelinas had a rough night in the defensive zone, but was 2nd only to Zidlicky in terms of offensive zone efficiency, generating 3 shot attempts. Peter Harrold had a decent game, generating 2 shot attempts. Jon Merrill played well, missing on only 1 pass all game, finishing 16/17. </p>
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<img alt="Game_24_devils_jets_passing" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3633383/Game_24_Devils_Jets_Passing.jpg"><strong>Passing Data Explained:</strong></p>
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Pass: A reasonable and deliberate attempt to get the puck to a teammate which maintains possession or results in a shot attempt. This excludes zone clears, dump-ins, and anything that is akin to a desperate swipe at a loose puck. If a player passes a puck into space or off the boards, it finds a teammate, and it appears it was done deliberately, that shall be a pass. When in doubt, common sense will prevail. </p>
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What you see above is a chart illustrating pass completions, pass attempts, and pass percentages for each player in all three zones. A pass that goes across a zone or two will be marked as occurring in the zone it originates from. </p>
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Each completed pass, or tipped pass on goal, that results in a shot taken by a teammate counts as one “shot attempt generated” or “SAG” in the chart below. This is tracked to attempt to determine which teammates are better at generating opportunities to shoot. </p>
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<strong>Zone Exit Stats:</strong></p>
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<strong>Forwards:</strong></p>
<p> Zubrus, Zajac, Elias, and Jagr all had at least 5 carries, and contributed to a season high 75.5 PE% for the forwards. Based on season averages, the forwards attempted about the same amount, so it was simply a very efficient night. Andrei Loktionov finished at only 57 PE%, which would be great on any other night, but was one of the lower percentages. Henrique finished at 50%. No finished lower than that, which is amazing. </p>
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<strong>Defensemen:</strong></p>
<p> This was one of the best games the defensemen played in terms of zone exits and keeping possession. Unfortunately, it was also one of their busier games as they had 10 more successes and 11 more attempts than their season average. So, while they were incredibly efficient (61.3 PE%) they spent more time than they should have in their own zone. </p>
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Mark Fayne was 100% all around, but only had 2 attempts. Eric Gelinas and Jon Merrill had very good games, going 9/10 and 10/11 overall, and finishing at 70 and 72.7 PE% respectively. Andy Greene had a very solid game as well. Marek Zidlicky and Peter Harrold had a few turnovers, but otherwise played well. Harrold, on a night where the defensemen collectively averaged 61.3 PE%, still couldn’t finish higher than 45%. </p>
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<img alt="Zone_exits_game_24_devils_jets" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3633375/Zone_Exits_Game_24_Devils_Jets.jpg"><strong>Zone Exits Explained:</strong> Any attempt made by a player to advance the puck from their defensive zone. These actions fall into the below categories (as illustrated on the below chart). </p>
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<strong>Possession Exits:</strong></p>
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(P) Pass: When a player passes the puck out of the zone and it successfully finds a teammate. </p>
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(C) Carry: When a player skates with the puck out of the zone, maintaining possession. </p>
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<strong>Successful Zone Exits without Possession:</strong></p>
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(FP) Failed Pass: When a player passes the puck out of the zone, but it fails to find its target. </p>
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(FC) Failed Carry: When a player skates with the puck out of the zone, but loses possession shortly thereafter. </p>
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(CH) Chip: When the player lifts the puck out of the zone or throws it off the boards and out. </p>
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(X) Other: Any action that results in a successful zone exit not already covered. </p>
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<strong>Unsuccessful Zone Exit:</strong></p>
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(PT) Pass Turnover: When a player fails to clear the zone with a pass and it results in a turnover to the opposition. </p>
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(CT) Carry Turnover: When a player fails to skate out of the zone with the puck and loses possession. </p>
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(I) Icing: An attempt to clear results in icing the puck. </p>
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(T) Turnover: Any action that results in a turnover not already covered. </p>
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Every 10 games or so, I’ll post a separate article looking at overall play up to that point. </p>
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What reactions do you have to this data? What's your feeling on it? Does it match your thoughts during the game? </p>
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https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/11/26/5146102/winnipeg-jets-at-new-jersey-devils-zone-exit-and-passing-stasRyan Stimson2013-11-25T23:53:32-05:002013-11-25T23:53:32-05:00Devils Blocked Out by Jets 3-1
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<img alt="Something I'd never thought I'd see: Peter Harrold trying to throw an open-ice hit on Evander Kane." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/o-btU71Jfg8BnrFM9Sk7briZSPI=/0x70:3485x2393/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23972591/451989651.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Something I'd never thought I'd see: Peter Harrold trying to throw an open-ice hit on Evander Kane. | Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>The New Jersey Devils may have had the puck more often but they were blocked again and again by the Winnipeg Jets as they lost 3-1. This recap goes into special teams, Jon Merrill's first full game, frustration with Damien Brunner & Michael Ryder, and so much more.</p> <p>Blocks, in the bigger picture of a season, are not usually worth that much. They are examples of an attempted shot that didn't get through to the net, much less on it. Over a season, these instances don't matter so much. Within the context of a single game, they can be important. It could stop a great chance for a goal. It could stifle an offense. With the right bounce and players in certain position, they can even create offense. And when you see it over and over, you just develop a headache and wonder why these guys keep trying to shoot through plastic, fabric, flesh, and bone.</p>
<p>The official scorer at the Rock undercounts events. Officially, there were 14 blocks by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arcticicehockey.com/">Winnipeg Jets</a> tonight. There were easily many more than that. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> had plenty of zone entries, pucks won, and even control. They won more pucks in the neutral zone. They pushed forward more often. This was evident in the second and third periods. It was also necessary as the Devils were chasing the score. Yet, so many blocks denied so many potential opportunities to score. Some were a result of a Jet just getting in the way just in time of the shot; the Devils only helping them in that regard as the skater often had to take an extra touch or second before shooting off a pass. Some were just poor decisions, as if the puck-holder decided they were going to fire one off, regardless of whoever in front of them. Either way, the Devils' offense was undercut by it and it played a big role in what happened in my eyes.</p>
<p>The Devils lost tonight's game 3-1 to the Jets, with the third goal being an empty netter to ice a frustrating night for the Devils' offense. Even though they out-shot the Jets 26-22, there easily could have been more shots by the home team had they not fired so many pucks into skates, shins, bodies, and sticks. Exacerbating the problem was how the Devils insisted on going lateral with their passes. That in of itself isn't a bad thing but it is when the pass isn't right on target. Instead of a potential one-timer, the receiver often had to take a moment to collect a puck and then attempt a shot. By that time, <span>Ondrej Pavelec</span> got into position as did a Winnipeg skater. Throw in an array of passed up shooting opportunities - especially on the power plays - and it's an underwhelming and sometimes stupid-looking attacking performance.</p>
<p>Surpisingly, the one goal the Devils got was off a deflection. Andy Greene's shot hit <span>Patrik Elias</span>' stick in the slot just right to beat Pavelec. They had other great opportunities to score, such as <span>Jaromir Jagr</span> to Pavelec's right in the second period off a give-and-go, two shorthanded two-on-ones, and other shots off the rush. But the Devils largely have themselves to blame for not getting many more shots on net despite having the puck more often.</p>
<p>The Jets faithful can't exactly boast either as their high-shooting team was held to only 21 shots on <span>Martin Brodeur</span> and 26 attempts overall. Of course, they scored on their opportunities. The first period goal came on a 3-on-3. Mark Schiefele was the wide man and somehow Michael Frolik's pass got to him. The rookie had all the time and space to shoot and he beat Brodeur. I wonder whether the Devils saw that and figured they needed to keep going lateral themselves, only they rarely had a man open to hit him with a pass. The second goal was right off a defensive zone draw. <span>Olli Jokinen</span> won it cleanly from <span>Travis Zajac</span>, <span>Evander Kane</span> got the puck right by the side boards, and slammed a shot that beat Brodeur. It wasn't a good goal to give up and it just put the Devils in a deeper hole. After that, the Jets had some lovely chances that Brodeur did deny before deciding to mostly dump-and-change the rest of the game until the net was pulled.</p>
<p>Overall, I can't say the performance was bad because it wasn't. It certainly was lackluster given how little the Devils made with the most of their chances. Despite a Jets team just conceding possession for the final five minutes or so, the Devils fittingly managed to do so little with six skaters. Instead of carrying the puck in the zone like they were able to do so much tonight, they just dumping it away. They lost the corner battle, the winger is able to get a chip out, and repeat. Again, a bad decision amplified by not getting the puck. <span>Devin Setoguchi</span> put the Devils out of their misery, to be frank about it. In a word, "Blegh."</p>
<p><b>The Game Stats: </b>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/GS020357.HTM">NHL.com Game Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/ES020357.HTM">NHL.com Event Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/PL020357.HTM">NHL.com Play by Play Log</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/SS020357.HTM">NHL.com Shot Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/TH020357.HTM">NHL.com Devils Time on Ice Log</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.extraskater.com/game/2013-11-25-jets-devils">Extra Skater Game Stats</a></p>
<p><b>The Opposition Opinion: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.arcticicehockey.com/2013/11/25/5145992/winnipeg-jet-new-jersey-devils-recap">KMcClintock85 has this quick recap up at Arctic Ice Hockey.</a></p>
<p><b>The Game Highlights:</b> From <a href="http://www.nhl.com" target="_blank">NHL.com</a>, here are the highlights for tonight's game:</p>
<p align="center"><iframe height="395" width="640" frameborder="0" src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2013020357-X-h"></iframe></p>
<p><b>The Shooters: </b> Despite such a low event game, each team had a player rack up the shots. Jaromir Jagr had 5 for the Devils while Evander Kane had 6 for the Jets. Kane's output was buoyed by his teammate Setoguchi putting up 3 shots of his own. That Setoguchi-Jokinen-Kane line was clearly Winnipeg's best going forward. It's no surprise they were three of the five Jets to rise above even in possession. On the flipside, Jagr and his line <i>didn't</i> do so well in possession. That's because Jagr, Zajac, and <span>Dainius Zubrus</span> did see a lot of that Jokinen line at evens. Still, Jagr did his part trying to get the scoring going. I can't fault him for that. It would have been cool had Zajac registered a shot on net, but Zajac did make some of those plays possible for #68.</p>
<p><b>Who I'm Sick Of: </b><span>Damien Brunner</span> and <span>Michael Ryder</span> are really drawing my ire as of late. It's one thing to not put up points. Hey, lots of Devils don't. But guys like <span>Adam Henrique</span>, Zajac, Zubrus, and even <span>Andrei Loktionov</span> (who had a nice little game, two shots, good possession, nice shorthanded 2-on-1, etc.) manage to do some other things like lead breakouts, play on the penalty kill, actually come back on defense, fight for pucks, and so forth. I don't expect Brunner and Ryder to do all that but I do expect them to do <i>something</i>. Neither got a shot on net. Ryder was officially blocked three times and likely a few more times, while Brunner couldn't find the target. When either player isn't getting pucks on net, then what good are they? At least <span>Steve Bernier</span> (who also had a nice game, three shots, good possession, nice screens) isn't a waste of ice time if he's not pushing up. I don't want to see either of them together late in games with Elias because that's not working because they're not getting it done prior. I don't know what the solution is for either player, partially because I'm not seeing either put in a full effort to their capabilities. Float out to the circles to give the guys in deep an option that's not the point. Look when passing the puck. Recognize when to shoot instead of hestitating. Whatever. Do something different because whatever you're doing now is not working.</p>
<p><b>Scares: </b>At some point in the first period, <span>Peter Harrold</span> looked to be really hurt while clutching his forearm. He would return to play a full game. <span>Eric Gelinas</span> hit Kane's leg while going across him at the blueline in the third period and went right to the ice clutching his leg. The refs tagged him for kneeing while it looked like Gelinas got the worst of it. Gelinas did return to the game in the third period and told the media after the game that it was just a "charley horse," <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/gelinas_able_to_return_after_suffering_charley_horse_in_right_thigh/">per this post-game post by Gulitti.</a> I was glad to see both continue to play. With Adam Larsson out, one of the last things the Devils need are more injured defensemen.</p>
<p>On the opposite side, Setoguchi took a shot to the face and went right down in the third. After an important stop by Brodeur (or a miss by a Jet) off the loose puck, the play was blown dead as he was attended to. Setoguchi didn't leave for too long and did return to action later in the third. Good to see he was able to continue, though I wish he didn't pocket the empty netter.</p>
<p><b>Merrill's First Full Game: </b><span>Jon Merrill</span> was called up on an emergency basis to replace Larsson and he did get through the entire game tonight in one piece. He played 15:17 and registered two shots on net without being negative in possession. He played mostly with Harrold and I'd say his performance was nervy. That's to be expected, I suppose. It was his first full NHL game, he was thrust back into the lineup, and he had to play plenty of minutes against the Jokinen line. He had plenty of pucks bounce off his stick and there were a few cases where he got caught flat-footed. He did play with some calmness so he wasn't just frantic out there. My takeaway is that he really does need to be the AHL now to get further seasoning. He's got some game but he needs more professional experience before he can stick around.</p>
<p><b>Little Line Playing Small: </b>If you want to talk about missed opportunities, then consider that the Devils pretty much pinned back Winnipeg's top line. That is, their top three scoring forwards: <span>Bryan Little</span>, <span>Blake Wheeler</span>, and Andrew Ladd. While they combined for five shots, they got housed in shooting attempts - giving up at least twice as many as they took at evens. Of course, a good chunk of them didn't get on net due to the blocks but keeping the opposition's best trio on paper on defense is a good thing. It also helped that <span>Dustin Byfuglien</span> had to settle for being big in his own end. Given how top-heavy the Jets are, one would hope to take advantage of them not attacking. Of course, the Devils decided to shoot themselves in someone else's feet instead.</p>
<p><b>A Thought about a Need: </b>You know, when the Devils' defense gets healthy, they may need to move someone. Surely the Jets would be interested in some help on defense. I know they are without <span>Zach Bogosian</span> but their depth looked awful. <span>Mark Stuart</span> and <span>Keaton Ellerby</span> were owned by the Devils and as I understand it, they're prone to being owned by other teams. Just a thought.</p>
<p><b>Special Teams Were Good: </b>I have to say I liked what I saw out of the Devils' penalty kill tonight. They did more on the Jets' first power play than the Jets. Alas, Elias hit the corner of the frame on a flubbed one-timer and Loktionov was denied by Pavelec. But I'll take that over being overrun. The Jets would get some shots on net on their second penalty but the Devils got plenty of good clears and Martin Brodeur saw everything without issue. Very good stuff, even if the tripping call on Zubrus was weaker than Ryder within six feet of the boards. What I was most impressed by was that the coaches went with <span>Jacob Josefson</span> and Loktionov as forwards - and they weren't bad.</p>
<p>The power play, well, I'm going to get some heat for this but I wouldn't say they were bad. Oh, they passed up a lot of good looks on net. They made some unwise decisions with the puck. They kept trying to make one additional pass only to handcuff or prevent a shot being taken. But consider this: the Devils actually got set up in the Jets' zone and had control of the puck for a significant amount of time on each power play. Given how wretched they have been at just gaining the zone to set up on the power play this season, seeing this was refreshing to my eyes I sympathize with the frustration over the lack of shooting. They could and should have had more than two shots on net. But in the larger context of power plays in this season, this was a step in a positive direction. If the Devils can get in the offensive zone like they did tonight more often, then the shots - and goals - will come. Of course, the Jets may just be not all that good on the PK so it's whatever.</p>
<p><b>On Goalies: </b>I thought both Brodeur and Pavelec were good. Pavelec was obviously better, he had no chance on his goal. I feel Brodeur should've stopped Kane's shot. He did make some important saves later on so it's not like the carriage turned into a pumpkin, so to speak, after that goal. Of course, when there's only three total non-empty net goals in the game obviously the goalies did their job. It's on the skaters to do more.</p>
<p><b>Attendance: </b>Officially, attendance was announced at 12,253. Really? I know the Jets aren't a big draw, especially for a Monday night game on a holiday week. But the Rock looked and sounded more filled than that from where I sat. Then again, I have no idea what goes on with that number, much less what management is doing at this point on the sales side. Just an observation more than anything else.</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b>Well, that wasn't the way the Devils wanted to start off this final week of November. What did you make of tonight's performance? Would you agree about the myriad of blocks and how it undercut the Devils? Who do you think looked good for the Devils and Jets? What would you do about Ryder and Brunner at this point? What did you think Merrill? What should the Devils work on going into their Wednesday game based on what you saw tonight other than "score more goals?" Please leave your answers and other thoughts about this loss in the comments. Thanks to those who commented in the Gamethread and followed the sparse tweets from <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.twitter.com/inlouwetrust" target="_blank">@InLouWeTrust</a>. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/11/25/5146532/new-jersey-devils-blocked-out-of-a-result-by-winnipeg-jets-3-1John Fischer2013-11-25T18:00:02-05:002013-11-25T18:00:02-05:00Devils vs. Jets: Gamethread #24
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<p>This is the gamethread for today's game between the New Jersey Devils and the Winnipeg Jets. This is a post where users can discuss what happens before, during, and after the game until the recap is up.</p> <p> </p>
<p><strong>The Time:</strong> 7:00 PM EST</p>
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<p><strong> The Broadcast:</strong> TV- MSG; Radio - WFAN 660 AM & 101.9 FM</p>
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<p><strong>The Matchup:</strong> The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/"></a><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> (9-9-5) vs. The <a href="https://www.arcticicehockey.com/"></a><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Winnipeg Jets</a> (10-11-4; SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.arcticicehockey.com/">Artic Ice Hockey.</a>)</p>
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<p><strong>The Game Previews: </strong> John's preview from earlier <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/11/27/5149650/new-jersey-devils-vs-carolina-hurricanes-game-preview-25">this morning is right here.</a> For the opposition's point of view, feel free to read Daniel Lipson's post at <a href="http://www.arcticicehockey.com/2013/11/25/5141848/winnipeg-jets-new-jersey-devils-nhl-game-day-preview">Artic Ice Hockey.</a></p>
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<p><strong>The Song for Tonight: </strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1FTwajdqnc">"Jet Lag" by The Sultans.</a> Twofer right there kids...get it? The Devils return from their almost epic road trip to face the Winnipeg Jets. Let us hope the "lag" effects the men in the red and black to a lesser degree tonight.</p>
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<p><strong>Gameday Info: </strong><span>New Jersey will be without defensemen <span>Bryce Salvador</span> (foot), <span>Anton Volchenkov</span> (lower body) and <span>Adam Larsson</span> (lower body) and also forwards <span>Ryane Clowe</span> (concussion) and <span>Stephen Gionta</span> (ankle). Winnipeg Jets defenseman <span>Jacob Trouba</span> (upper body) will return to the lineup this eve. Trouba has missed the past 14 games since injuring his neck against the Blues in October.</span></p>
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<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, respectful of each other, relevant to the game, and legal (read: no streams). Please refrain from super-big pictures and .GIFs to keep the gamethread moving for everyone. If you do post pictures make sure to post a title in the comment. Go Devils.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/11/25/5144376/new-jersey-devils-vs-winnipeg-jets-gamethread-24JT Sroka2013-11-25T07:00:02-05:002013-11-25T07:00:02-05:00Devils vs. Jets: Game Preview #24
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<img alt="The Jets and Devils will face off again tonight - only it'll be in Newark this time." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pPpbvJa0ePGQHzEGAI_nePO8f3g=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23896347/20131013_jla_af3_847.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The Jets and Devils will face off again tonight - only it'll be in Newark this time. | Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The New Jersey Devils return home to take on the Winnipeg Jets, the first of four games in six nights. This game preview highlights how strong the Jets are at the top of the lineup and makes some guesses at the Devils' lineup.</p> <p>Back at the Rock, the final week of November begins with one more game against a Western Conference opponent.</p>
<p><b>The Time: </b>7:00 PM EST</p>
<p><b>The Broadcast: </b>TV - MSG; Radio - 660 AM & 101.9 FM WFAN</p>
<p><b>The Matchup: </b>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> (9-9-5) vs. the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arcticicehockey.com/">Winnipeg Jets</a> (10-11-4; SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.arcticicehockey.com/">Arctic Ice Hockey</a>)</p>
<p><b>The Last Devils Game: </b>On Saturday night, the Devils wrapped up their California road trip against San Jose. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthefin.com/">Sharks</a> dominated the first period. It was even strength but it resembled a power play for the high-shooting team in teal. <span>Scott Hannan</span> scored from distance and an open <span>Tyler Kennedy</span> beat <span>Martin Brodeur</span> with an open one-timer for a 2-0 lead. The Sharks could and should have made it a larger lead but they couldn't do it. The second period saw some signs of life but the Sharks controlled the majority of play again. Brodeur stopped all shots, however. The Devils made it a game in the third period. <span>Patrik Elias</span> scored at the final second of their lone power play through a screen to make it 2-1 and the Devils actually got some offense going. It's funny how stringing two or three passes together can do that. Anyway, <span>Antti Niemi</span> and the Sharks responded to the pressure. While the Devils had some chances, there would be no dramatic equalizer in the Bay Area. So the Devils lost 2-1 in a game that probably should've been a blowout from the opening frame. <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/11/24/5138968/no-sweep-california-new-jersey-devils-fall-san-jose-sharks-2-1" target="_blank">My recap of the loss is here.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Jets Game: </b>Before the Devils took to the ice, the Jets visited Minnesota. The opening of the game was very good for the visitors. The Jets got out to a lead in possession and never let up all game long. The team looked crisp, but it wouldn't be until the second period where their work was rewarded. <span>Michael Frolik</span> banged in a rebound off a <span>Matt Halischuk</span> to make it 1-0 Winnipeg. The score held until the third period when both teams got on the board. <span>Nino Niederreiter</span> provided an equalizer. The Jets' third line responded with another score, this time from Matt Halischuk lighting the lamp. However, a late power play for the Jets turned sour when they conceded an odd-man rush. <span>Zach Parise</span> finished it with a game-tying shorthanded goal. Both teams tried to create the breakthrough but that only came in a shootout. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hockeywilderness.com/">Wild</a> took that so it was the Jets' their fourth winless result in a row, 3-2. <a href="http://www.arcticicehockey.com/2013/11/23/5138020/wild-scramble-jets-win-3-2-in-shootout" target="_blank">Daniel Lipson provided this instant recap at Arctic Ice Hockey</a> and <a href="http://www.arcticicehockey.com/2013/11/23/5138136/winnipeg-jets-minnesota-wild-corsi-fenwick-post-game-fancystats" target="_blank">garret9 put up some advanced metrics from the game.</a> Appears the Jets did a lot right, yet they lost. So it goes.</p>
<p><b>The Last Devils-Jets Game: </b>Way back in October, the Devils visited Winnipeg as part of their five-game road trip through Canada. For those who remembered that stretch, then you know it didn't go well. The Devils' defense was poor. The Devils' offense was poor. Their power play performances were a waste of time. The Jets controlled most of the game by doing things like "making passes," "keeping pucks in play," and "communicating with each other." <span>Cory Schneider</span> was great as he was only beaten by a fluke of a goal from <span>Evander Kane</span> for a majority of a game. The Devils responded to this one-goal situation by doing very little to make <span>Al Montoya</span> work. The Jets got the empty net goal and <span>Andrew Ladd</span> pounded a loose puck after that to pad the score to 3-0. It was a disgraceful game from the Devils, their sixth winless game in a row, and nobody was happy after watching that, <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/10/13/4835840/winless-six-new-jersey-devils-flop-falter-and-fail-winnipeg-jets" target="_blank">as indicated in my recap.</a> On the flipside, <a href="http://www.arcticicehockey.com/2013/10/13/4835790/recap-winnipeg-jets-new-jersey-devils-shutout-3-0-montoya" target="_blank">Derek Gagnon had this obviously more positive recap at Arctic Ice Hockey.</a></p>
<p><b>The Goal: </b>Set the match-ups and win them, especially against Winnipeg's depth. The Jets are winless in their last four and one of the recent losses <a href="http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/trying-might-help-233124871.html" target="_blank">caused an article in the Winnipeg Free Press to be entitled "Trying might help,"</a> suggests a team on the downside. But a closer look reveals that the Jets have plenty going for themselves. Check out <a href="http://www.arcticicehockey.com/2013/11/21/5127720/winnipeg-jets-forwards-defensemen-rolling-corsi-byfuglien-kane-setoguchi" target="_blank">this post by garret9 at Arctic Ice Hockey </a>that focuses on the possession play by the Jets' most used players. Many are doing really good. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?season=20132014&gameType=2&team=WPG&position=S&country=&status=&viewName=summary#" target="_blank">They're also the ones producing. </a> Their top line of <span>Bryan Little</span> (12 goals, 11 assists), Andrew Ladd (6 goals, 13 assists), and <span>Blake Wheeler</span> (5 goals, 11 assists) are 1-2-3 among Jets forwards in scoring<a href="http://www.extraskater.com/players/on-ice?sit=5v5&min_gp=1&pos=F&season=2013&team=wpg" target="_blank"> while pushing the play forward.</a> Defenseman and noted big man <span>Dustin Byfuglien</span> has been <span>Zdeno Chara</span> in disguise. He's second on the team in scoring (6 goals, 13 assists), he plays a ton of minutes (an average ice time over 26 per game), and whether he's with <span>Grant Clitsome</span> or <span>Tobias Enstrom</span>, <a href="http://www.extraskater.com/players/on-ice?pos=D&season=2013&team=wpg&min_gp=1&sit=5v5" target="_blank">the play usually goes forward when he's out there.</a> What this all tells me that the Peter DeBoer needs to neutralize these top players as much as possible with the last change while making the most of their lower lines. The Devils should go right at any pairing that doesn't have Big Buff on it, for example. For another, when the Devils see the Mark Schiefele line out, then they need to strike at them. I doubt the Devils are going to go power-for-power and win. Now that they're home and the Jets aren't super-deep like L.A. or S.J., then they can and should and perhaps need to make the most of their match-ups to win tonight.</p>
<p><b>Oh No, Not Another High Shooting Team: </b>Unlike the Devils' last two opponents, the Jets aren't a superior possession team than the Devils at evens. In terms of all shooting attempts in 5-on-5 play, <a href="http://www.extraskater.com/teams/on-ice?sort=corsi_pct&sit=5v5&type=total" target="_blank">their Corsi percentage is 50.9% according to Extra Skater.</a> That's not too bad. It's above the league median, though not by much. (Aside: Fenwick close is less kind, <a href="http://www.extraskater.com/teams/on-ice?type=total&sit=5v5close&sort=fenwick_pct" target="_blank">putting the Jets at 48.5%</a>.) However, they are like the Sharks and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/">Kings</a> in that they fire a lot of pucks. The Jets are sixth in the NHL <a href="http://www.extraskater.com/teams/on-ice?sort=cf&type=rate&sit=5v5" target="_blank">in terms of attempted shots per 60 minutes in 5-on-5 play with 58.1.</a> Over all situations, the Jets are fourth in the NHL in <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20142ALLSAAAll&sort=avgShotsPerGame&viewName=summary" target="_blank">average shots per game with 32.6.</a> The Jets' problem is that they take almost as much as they dish out given <a href="http://www.extraskater.com/teams/on-ice?type=rate&sit=5v5&sort=ca" target="_blank">their CA/60 rate of 56.1 </a>and <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20142ALLSAAAll&sort=avgShotsAgainstPerGame&viewName=summary" target="_blank">an average shots against per game rate of 32.2.</a> While this means the Devils should be able to get rubber on net, the Jets will definitely generate plenty of chances unless they are slowed down quite a bit.</p>
<p>As with their last two games, that's a lot easier said than done. Byfuglien loves to shoot, given his 87 for the season. He will bomb away all day long if no Devil is able to get in his way to dissuade him. Their top line of Little (55), Ladd (67), and Wheeler (73) share the load of shots created. Their second line will be threatening if only because Evander Kane has been excellent at firing pucks all season. He's got 98 already and if he wasn't shooting at 6.1%, he's be right up there for the team lead in scoring instead of only having six goals and seven assists. His linemates of <span>Olli Jokinen</span> (4 goals, 9 assists, 50 shots) and <span>Devin Setoguchi</span> (4 goals, 7 assists, 51 shots) aren't slouches either, which only reinforces my point about how the Devils need to pick on the Jets' depth. They're a top-heavy team on paper in terms of shots and, not coincidentally, points. Whoever is in net for New Jersey better be prepared for plenty. It also almost goes without saying that the Devils' defensive effort and neutral zone play needs to shape up after getting worked over by the opposition in the last two games. The Jets can definitely unload shots with the best of them.</p>
<p><b>Returning Defender: </b><span>Jacob Trouba</span> had an awesome game in the previous Devils-Jets game. He also elbowed <span>Ryane Clowe</span> in the head. Clowe has been out ever since with a concussion. On Sunday, <a href="http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/Trouba-gets-green-light-to-play-233225401.html" target="_blank">the Winnipeg Free Press reported that Trouba did practice</a> and "he's a game-time decision." I suspect he'll play. I doubt the Jets would have sent down a defenseman and have him travel only to not use him. The Jets' defense has been without <span>Zach Bogosian</span> and <span>Paul Postma</span> so his return helps. While Trouba has been <a href="http://www.extraskater.com/players/on-ice?pos=D&season=2013&team=wpg&min_gp=1&sit=5v5" target="_blank">forced to defend more often than not at evens</a>, the last Devils-Jets game showed how he can threaten. He's big, quick, and packs a heavy shot. He can also be rather physical. The real threat on the Jets' blueline will likely be Byfuglien and his partner (Enstrom played with him last game, so I think it'll be him). But I wouldn't count him out. I would hope he doesn't elbow any more Devils in the head.</p>
<p><b>Possible Goalies: </b>I get a M-A Fleury vibe when I think about <span>Ondrej Pavelec</span>. Winnipeg's #1 goalie has some good numbers this season. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?season=20132014&gameType=2&team=WPG&position=G&country=&status=&viewName=specialTeamSaves" target="_blank">He's got a solid 92.4% save percentage at evens and 86.4% on penalty kills.</a> He's not an easy out. Then again, <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8471715" target="_blank">his career best overall save percentage is only 91.4% and he's currently at 91.3%.</a> That suggests that he's had some problems. Should he start tonight (I think he will), I would expect him to be good if only because he did well in Minnesota with 33 saves on 35 shots. Though, the Devils should challenge him early and often to see if he will play to that level again or not.</p>
<p>As for the Devils, they didn't skate on Sunday so it's not clear who will start. I would guess it would be Cory Schneider. The Devils have a busy week ahead and they've been splitting duties about evenly between Brodeur and him. Adding to my guess was the scary moment involving Brodeur near the end of the Sharks game. While sprawled out, Brodeur took a <span>Brent Burns</span> shot to the back of his helmet, right at the neck. He just laid right out on the ground and didn't move for a little bit. He recovered and finished off the game (skating to the bench after the Devils got the puck about ten seconds after the moment). <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/brodeur_survives_scare_after_being_hit_in_the_back_of_neck_with_shot_in_devils_2-1_loss_to_sharks/" target="_blank">While he said he was OK afterwards per this post by Tom Gulitti at Fire & Ice</a>, I don't think a night off would hurt. Besides, he won't have to wait long to get in a game since the Devils have four in six nights this week. Devils skaters: go get some shots and goals for Cory.</p>
<p><b>Banged Up: </b>The Devils suffered two other injuries in that Sharks game. <span>Stephen Gionta</span> re-injured his right ankle early in that game, <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/brodeur_survives_scare_after_being_hit_in_the_back_of_neck_with_shot_in_devils_2-1_loss_to_sharks/" target="_blank">as confirmed after the game by Gulitti.</a> The last two times he had an issue with his ankle, he missed some games. I suspect he'll miss a few now. That could mean <span>Jacob Josefson</span> remains in the lineup as <span>Andrei Loktionov</span> gets back to where he was on the third line. Or it might not since I'm just guessing since the Devils just traveled back to New Jersey on Sunday. Or we see <span>Mattias Tedenby</span> for some reason?</p>
<p>Defenseman Adam Larsson had an ugly spill into the corner boards in the third period. He finished that shift and I think took one more before going to the locker room for the rest of the game. There's no update as to the nature of his injury prior to Monday morning. I think there will be one and if he's out, then the Devils will need another defender. <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/devils_clowe_resumes_skati/" target="_blank">Given that Anton Volchenkov has been skating according to this Saturday post from Gulitti</a>, then he could step right back in if he's ready. That's also just a guess, of course. If Larsson is OK (and I hope he is), then we could see him back with <span>Eric Gelinas</span>.</p>
<p><b>Please Do Better: </b><span>Damien Brunner</span>, please, please, please recognize when to shoot, when to pass, and when to cover your man on offense. In order that's "when you get a clear look," "when you can see your teammate and he's open," and "<i>always</i> cover your man."</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b>The Devils will return to the Rock tonight. Will you be there? I should be in my usual seat in Section 1, Row 16, Seat 5. In any case, what do you think of this game? Can the Devils quell the Jets' shooting? Can they win those match-ups, especially against the Jets' top players? Who would you like to see in the lineup? What do you expect to see? Please leave your answers and other thoughts in the comments. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/11/25/5141698/new-jersey-devils-vs-winnipeg-jets-game-preview-24John Fischer