All About The Jersey - New Jersey Devils vs. Buffalo Sabres: Game Stream #27A world class blog for Jersey's team: the New Jersey Devilshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47083/lou-fave.png2013-12-01T22:00:01-05:00http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/rss/stream/49260432013-12-01T22:00:01-05:002013-12-01T22:00:01-05:00Sabres at Devils: Zone Exits and Passing Stats
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<p>This is a look at how effective the Devils were in the passing and zone exit phases of the game against the Buffalo Sabres. It was only some bad luck that prevented us from seeing more celebrations like Andy Greene above; the Devils controlled most of the game.</p> In a game played mostly in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Sabres</a> end, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">Devils</a> had 54 more pass attempts in the offensive zone than they’ve been averaging this season. This was one of those games we’ve seen the Devils dominate everywhere but the scoreboard. Fortunately, it had a happy ending in OT. Let’s take a look at how the Devils dominated the Sabres and who were the standouts. <p>
<strong>Passing Stats</strong></p>
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<strong>Forwards:</strong></p>
<p> 5 forwards attempted more than 10 passes in the offensive zone: <span>Dainius Zubrus</span> (18!), <span>Patrik Elias</span> (15), <span>Travis Zajac</span> (14), <span>Adam Henrique</span> (13), <span>Andrei Loktionov</span> (11) and they combined to generate 18 shot attempts. Those 5 forwards alone nearly equaled the forward’s group average for SAG this season. All but <span>Cam Janssen</span> generated a shot attempt. The forwards had 37 more attempted passes in the Sabres’ zone than their season average. They basically had a game-and-a-half’s worth of passes in this one game. </p>
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Unfortunately, the Devils passing in the neutral zone was terrible (62%), breaking up attacks before the Devils could get back into the Sabres’ zone. </p>
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<strong>Defensemen:</strong></p>
<p> Each defenseman generated at least 1 shot attempt for a group total of 9, 3 more than their season average. They also more than doubled their season average of attempted passes in the offensive zone. Unsurprisingly, the group finished with 25 fewer passes in the defensive zone than their averaging this season. Territorially, the defensemen made their presence felt in the offensive zone plenty in this game. </p>
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<span>Eric Gelinas</span> and <span>Jon Merrill</span> were great facilitators of the action at the Sabres’ end of the ice. <span>Mark Fayne</span>, <span>Andy Greene</span>, and <span>Marek Zidlicky</span> were involved plenty as well. <span>Anton Volchenkov</span> was the only defenseman to attempt fewer than 10 passes overall as he only had 5. Overall, a strong, offensive performance from the blue line. </p>
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<img alt="Game_27_devils_sabres_passing" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3658727/Game_27_Devils_Sabres_Passing.jpg"></p>
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<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 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> <span>Jacob Josefson</span> had a 100 PE% on his 4 attempts. Dainius Zubrus (85.7 PE%), Patrik Elias (80 PE%), and <span>Steve Bernier</span> (80 PE%) were the nest highest forwards. Andrei Loktionov and Adam Henrique were poor, finishing at 33 and 25 PE% respectively. Collectively, the forwards averaged 62.1 PE%, which would be 14% higher than their season average. Based on recent game results, I’d expect some of these averages to creep up when I do my 30-game review. </p>
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<strong>Defensemen:</strong></p>
<p> The night could have gone even easier for the defense if they’d been just a bit sharper at their zone exits. They attempted 5 fewer exit attempts than the group’s average thus far this season. They finished at 50% on the nose with Greene the standout at 66.7 PE% at one end, and Zidlicky at 20 PE% at the other. 7 turnovers were committed, and most of the Sabres offense came from these mistakes. The Devils could have made this game even more one-sided had they take care of the puck a bit more. </p>
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<img alt="Zone_exits_game_27_devils_sabres" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3658735/Zone_Exits_Game_27_Devils_Sabres.jpg"></p>
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<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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<strong>Your Thoughts<strong><p>
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How do these stats help your viewing of the game? Are you noticing the Devils controlling more of the territorial play? Having read these for 27 games now, what are your thoughts on passes and zone exits? </p>
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https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/12/1/5162662/buffalo-sabres-at-new-jersey-devils-zone-exits-and-passing-statsRyan Stimson2013-12-01T00:30:56-05:002013-12-01T00:30:56-05:00Bernier Snipe Snatches Success vs. Sabres
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<img alt="Left: Mark Fayne. Right: Andy Greene. Middle: Overtime Hero Steve Bernier" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tPiwT0qiD9GTBIpLicWxi-Kzr90=/269x788:2747x2440/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24258323/452666787.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Left: Mark Fayne. Right: Andy Greene. Middle: Overtime Hero Steve Bernier | Elsa</figcaption>
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<p>Jhonas Enroth and the goal frame stopped everything the New Jersey Devils threw at them to keep the Buffalo Sabres in the game. Steve Bernier ended that with a great shot in overtime to make it a 1-0 win. This recap explains why the Devils deserved this win.</p> <p>Tonight had the makings of one crazy finish. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> pounded the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Buffalo Sabres</a> at even strength for the better part of two thirds of the game but could not find the net. They either found <span>Jhonas Enroth</span>, the post (twice), or the endboards on chances gone missing. One could focus solely on just the chances <span>Travis Zajac</span> had and get the idea of how this game went. It was one of those games where it felt like one fantastic shot or ridiculous bounce would end it all and you were holding your breath that it didn't go against New Jersey. I know my own eyes widened with a little fear on the few times Buffalo were in New Jersey's end of the rink. It was still there when the game went into overtime.</p>
<p>But it was all erased thanks to the efforts of <span>Steve Bernier</span>. Bernier had the first real chance to open up the game's scoring when he deflected a shot from distance (I think it was from <span>Anton Volchenkov</span>) that beat Enroth and slid wide of the left post. Bernier had the final say in tonight's game with an absolutely lovely wrist shot. With a little more than 40 seconds left, Bernier carried the puck in the zone and kept it himself. He went backhand to forehand as he moved into the right circle. Defenseman Mark Pysyk was giving him space so Bernier had a go. Pysyk's attempted block was for naught as the puck fired past Enroth's glove and inside the left post. Game, NHL .500, and fourth place in the Metropolitan: all Devils.</p>
<p>The Rock reacted as if they were thirsty and just was given a bottle of water. They wanted a goal, they saw the Devils do everything <i>but</i> score, and Bernier gave it to them for the win. It was a sight to see - more so than <span>Steve Ott</span> beefing with <span>Adam Henrique</span> at the red line. There have been many nights where the Devils would end up doing more than the other team but somehow end up losing. If you don't remember, then please recall the lockout-shortened 2013 season. Tonight was different. They significantly out-shot (24-15) and out-attempted the Sabres (52-35 all situations, 40-22 in 5-on-5 play) and came away with the victory. I would say the Devils did more than enough to beat the snot out of Buffalo on the scoreboard but I'll take the deserved win in overtime anyway.</p>
<p><b>The Game Stats: </b>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/GS020396.HTM">NHL.com Game Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/ES020396.HTM">NHL.com Event Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/PL020396.HTM">NHL.com Play by Play Log</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/SS020396.HTM">NHL.com Shot Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/TH020396.HTM">NHL.com Devils Time on Ice Log</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.extraskater.com/game/2013-11-30-sabres-devils">Extra Skater Game Stats</a></p>
<p><b>The Opposition Opinion: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.diebytheblade.com/2013/11/30/5161468/sabres-at-devils-recap-enroth-good-everyone-else-bad-sabres-lose-1-0-ot">Andy Boron at Die by the Blade highlights Enroth in his recap.</a> As he should, he was the main reason why Buffalo wasn't blown off the rink.</p>
<p><b>The Game Highlights: </b>Sigh at all of the chances left begging and the second period where Buffalo actually played like a team. Grin at Bernier's winner. All in this game highlight video from NHL.com:</p>
<p align="center"><iframe height="395" width="640" frameborder="0" src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2013020396-X-h"></iframe></p>
<p><b>Shorthanded Roster: </b> In tonight's game, <span>Ryan Carter</span> got destroyed in a pointless fight with <span>Marcus Foligno</span>. Foligno's punch knocked out Carter and the winger did not return for the rest of the game. With him out and <span>Cam Janssen</span> (Question: isn't he supposed to be the designated pointless fight taker?) involved, the Devils were effectively down to ten skaters for most of the night. Throw in Peter DeBoer's decision to bench <span>Damien Brunner</span> for the third period and the Devils ran with nine forwards in the final third of a 0-0 game. Strangely, this did not hamper the Devils much as they controlled much of the third, out-shot the Sabres 8-3 (and Adam Henrique hit a post), and just kept pinning Sabres back over and over. <span>Dainius Zubrus</span>, <span>Jaromir Jagr</span>, and Zajac all got heavy minutes but they remained mostly effective, except when they made strange decisions like dumping the puck to no Devil in deep while in the zone or forcing passes to the middle.</p>
<p><b>The Good First & Third: </b>I cannot stress enough how well the Devils played in the first and third periods. The Sabres struggled to gain the Devils' zone and when they did, there was a red jersey right there to block pass, win a puck, and get it up quickly for a rush. The Devils had all kinds of looks on net and if Enroth was a bit worse or if the luck was a bit better, then the Devils could have piled in a bunch of goals. I know it's not true, but it looked like <span>Christian Ehrhoff</span> was forced to play like it was a PK given how often he was chasing the play in his own end. It was unfortunate that the Devils did not score, especially after seeing <span>Patrik Elias</span> miss Bernier on a killer cross-crease pass, a crossbar was struck, and Zajac was denied. The third period was essentially the first period only with fewer Devils being used. Not that it mattered much as the Devils continued to attack, attack, and attack some more. I did appreciate the Devils out-shooting the Sabres 8-3 after what happened in the third period, though they didn't light the lamp.</p>
<p>Across these two periods, it was clear that the Devils were in control. The defensemen had all kinds of looks. Even Volchenkov had six attempts on net and he has the offensive game of a wet paper bag. Why they kept going for slapshots (looking at you, <span>Marek Zidlicky</span> and <span>Eric Gelinas</span>) when a wrist shot would have got the shot off quicker before a block came, I don't know. The forwards had all kinds of possession down low to create. Zubrus was a boss down low as he helped create shots for Jagr and Zajac. Bernier (he was great tonight), Elias, and Henrique were excellent at getting the play forward too. All the Sabres could do was hope to get in the way and clean up the mess. If it wasn't for some unfortunate accuracy, then the Devils could have easily put up 30 or more shots on Enroth tonight and perhaps multiple goals. Overall, the Devils controlled most of the game, second period aside, and so I'm pleased that they got the result at all.</p>
<p><b>The Poor Second: </b>The Sabres resembled a hockey team in the second period. The Devils' own puck movement got sloppy, or at least sloppier than the Sabres. As a result, the attacks quickly turned into rushes by the skaters to get back on defense. The Devils' own power play, a carry-over from the end of the first, conceded a shorthanded rush and a second unrecorded shot. The Devils would get a few shots on Enroth but it wasn't that great of an advantage given the lack of control. This continued at evens, which helped the Sabres get into the Devils' end and wrecked some havoc. Their best chances came on their second and third power plays. The Sabres' first power play was killed without much issue; but the other two came nearly in succession and featured excellent control from the sideboards and lateral movement. <span>Matt Moulson</span> was absolutely robbed on a point-blank one-timer, some of those cross-ice passes nearly hit home but did not, and one lovely re-direction just went wide. All the Devils' PKers could do was watch at times but they escaped.</p>
<p>The Devils did have some odd-man rushes of their own, two featuring Elias where a pass went astray on one and then he kept it himself. But it was mostly Buffalo's period as they possessed the puck more often. The Sabres out-shot the Devils 8-6 and just about evened up in attempts. Maybe the long change kept some tired personnel out, which didn't help. Some of the lines just had some poor shifts. Something Brunner must of did (or, more likely, <i>did not</i> do) must have been the final straw for the DeBoer and his staff. Of course, Buffalo made better decisions then. Fortunately, they wouldn't get to pick on the Devils' own sloppiness for a third period and the run of play reverted to their awful start.</p>
<p><b>Schneider's Second Straight Start: </b><span>Cory Schneider</span> was given the first star of the game by Tonight's Attending Media and it was a deserved honor. Yes, he only had to face 15 shots. But the shots he stopped in the second period were difficult shots. They were not dissimilar to the ones the Devils put on Enroth in the first and third periods. Schneider had to come up big to keep his team in it and he did. He wasn't perfect, though. Schneider's play with the puck outside of the net remains an issue. He nearly had a massive Hedbergian error when he flung the puck up the boards and <span>Tyler Ennis</span> picked it off. Schneider had to dive to get his right pad in the way. Impressive looking but it nearly cost the team dearly. Still, he did his job when it mattered.</p>
<p>I was surprised to see him start at all since DeBoer has been consistent at splitting the starts. Maybe this is to "make things up" to Schneider for not getting as many minutes? Maybe it was because Schneider didn't face a lot of pucks in Carolina so there was no harm to give him a second game? Maybe it's to placate him when <span>Martin Brodeur</span> gets the Montreal games? Whatever the reason, he was on-point and instrumental to the team's victory tonight.</p>
<p><b>Young Forwards: </b>I wasn't a fan of <span>Andrei Loktionov</span> closing his hand on the puck any more than <span>Mark Fayne</span> taking down <span>Matt D`Agostini</span> (he's still in the league!) or Zidlicky tripping <span>Luke Adam</span>. All three were avoidable calls and the latter two came close to costing the team. Whereas Fayne and Zidlicky are safe in the lineup, Loktionov still has to show he can keep doing good things. He wasn't as good tonight as he was in Carolina and calls like that can hurt. Though, I don't think the coaches held it against him too much as he got some PK work with <span>Jacob Josefson</span>.</p>
<p>While Josefson didn't play a lot, the play often went in the right direction when he was out there. Maybe DeBoer didn't have a choice but the fact that he still got shifts in the third period along with some PK work is a good sign for him. I would have liked to have seen <span>Mattias Tedenby</span> given how well all four lines worked on Friday night. Though it may not have changed DeBoer's mind from going to three forward lines in the third period since Tedenby hasn't done a whole lot as-is.</p>
<p><b>Greene is a Boss: </b>26:26 of ice time, three shots on six attempts, on the ice for only five attempts against, and I'm sure a load of zone exits. Oh, and he passed the puck off to Bernier before he scored in OT. He is a boss. That is all.</p>
<p><b>When Buffalo is Bad...Wow, They Are Bad: </b>Outside of their top line of Matt Moulson, <span>Cody Hodgson</span>, and Tyler Ennis (a combined six out of the team's 15 shots), what did Buffalo really do to attack tonight? They were just beaten up in the neutral zone and forced to just clear, clear, clear. I saw <span>Ville Leino</span> trying with only some success to win pucks in his own corner more than I saw him in space. I knew Steve Ott was a pest but he was too busy getting worked over to do even that. Outside of the <span>Henrik Tallinder</span> and <span>Tyler Myers</span> pairing, the Buffalo defense was just nothing but reactive play. With all due respect to the Sabres fans, but if the goalie's not hot and the shooting isn't hot, then this is a team built to tank. I don't know how one watches all that but there it is.</p>
<p><b>Return of Earl: </b>He danced, and it was good.</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b>The Devils looked like the better team tonight and they won in overtime. Are you satisfied with what happened tonight? If so, why? If not, what would you have liked to have seen differently? Who would you say was the best Devil tonight? Who could have done better? How bad did you think Buffalo looked? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about tonight's win in the comments. Thanks to those who commented in the Gamethread and those who followed along on Twitter with @InLouWeTrust. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/12/1/5161874/steve-bernier-snipe-snatches-success-new-jersey-devils-buffalo-sabresJohn Fischer2013-11-30T18:00:03-05:002013-11-30T18:00:03-05:00Devils vs. Sabres: Gamethread #27
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<p>This is the gamethread for today's game between the New Jersey Devils and the Buffalo Sabres. 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 - WCBS 880 AM</p>
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<p><strong>The Matchup:</strong> The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link"></a><a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> (10-11-5) vs. The <a href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/"></a><a href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Sabres</a> (6-20-1; SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.diebytheblade.com/">Die by the Blade.</a>)</p>
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<p><strong>The Game Previews: </strong> Karen's preview from earlier <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/11/30/5159332/new-jersey-devils-vs-buffalo-sabres-game-preview-27">this morning is right here.</a> For the opposition's point of view, feel free to read Andy Boron's post at <a href="http://www.diebytheblade.com/2013/11/30/5160412/sabres-at-devils-preview-buffalo-looks-for-two-in-a-row">Die by the Blade.</a></p>
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<p><strong>The Song for Tonight: </strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_-YbWHs6DE">"Coat of Many Colors" by Dolly Parton.</a> In the spirit of giving and good will towards all this song may not spark any thunderous hip checks along the boards but it will no doubt warm your heart and motivate you to find a new or gently used coat to donate to a great cause. (See Coat Drive reminder below)</p>
<p><strong>Gameday Info: </strong><span>Devils Stephen Gionta (ankle) remains on IR. Defensemen Adam Larsson (lower body) is questionable. Defenseman Bryce Salvador (foot), and forward <span>Ryane Clowe</span> (concussion) are doubtful. Buffalo Sabres forward <span>Cody McCormick</span> may return to the lineup this eve from an undisclosed injury.</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>
<p><strong>Coat Drive Reminder: </strong>Today the NJ Devils will host their annual coat drive benefitting Jersey Cares. More information can be found<a href="http://devils.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=94534&navid=DL%7CNJD%7Chome"> here.</a></p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/11/30/5160804/new-jersey-devils-vs-buffalo-sabres-gamethread-27JT Sroka2013-11-30T10:03:32-05:002013-11-30T10:03:32-05:00Devils vs. Sabres: Game Preview #27
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<img alt="Will Damien Brunner be the next Devil to end his goalless streak? " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1BOXV07ae4CPTb9fHDpQILRhNZk=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24204817/20131126_kkt_ah7_121.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Will Damien Brunner be the next Devil to end his goalless streak? | Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
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<p>The Devils face the Buffalo Sabres, currently sitting in last place in the NHL. Can they get their second win in as many nights against the struggling Sabres? </p> <p>
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<p><b>The Time: </b>7:00 PM</p>
<p><b>The Broadcast: </b>TV - MSG; Radio - WCBS 880 AM</p>
<p><b>The Matchup: </b>The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> (10-11-5) vs. the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Buffalo Sabres</a> (6-20-1); SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.diebytheblade.com/">Die By The Blade</a></p>
<p><b><a href="http://devils.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/recap?id=2013020389">The Last Devils Game:</a> </b>The Devils took down the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canescountry.com/">Carolina Hurricanes</a> last night 5-2 breaking their three game losing streak. <span>Cory Schneider</span> was in net and stopped 16 of 18 shots while the Devils took 31 shots on Cam Ward. Five different Devils scored the goals. <span>Mark Fayne</span> opened the scoring late in the first period, but the Hurricanes had the 2-1 lead by the end of the second with goals by <span>Jeff Skinner</span> and Jordan Staal. New Jersey took over in the third with goals from <span>Andrei Loktionov</span>, <span>Adam Henrique</span> on the power play, <span>Dainius Zubrus</span>, and Jaromir Jagr. It was an exciting third period after a first and second period of groans and frustration. <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/11/29/5159010/new-jersey-devils-snap-three-game-losing-streak-snapping-carolina-hurricanes">You can read John's full recap here.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Sabres Game: </b>The Sabres defeated the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/">Maple Leafs</a> last night 3-2 in overtime. <span>Ryan Miller</span> was in net and made 24 of 22 saves while <span>Matt Moulson</span> scored on the powerplay and Luke Adams tied the game up for Buffalo with just over a minute left in the second period. <span>Christian Ehrhoff</span> scored the overtime winner for the Sabres. You can look for that recap over at <a href="http://www.diebytheblade.com/">Die By The Blade.</a></p>
<p><b>The Goal: </b>This is always the case with the second half of a back-to-back, but the Devils will need to come out with a lot of energy. The Sabres are coming off of a game last night, as well. Both teams got big wins, so it will be vital to take advantage of a tired team travelling from Toronto after an overtime win.</p>
<p><b>Let's All Score Goals: </b>Last night saw goals from five different Devils and points from eleven different players. Goalless streaks from Fayne, Henrique, and Loktionov were broken. It was great to see some new players find the back of the net. There are a few other Devils who have goalless streaks to end. It would be great to get <span>Damien Brunner</span> and <span>Michael Ryder</span> going again. Both looked much stronger last night than they have in recent games, so hopefully a breakout is coming.</p>
<p><b>Power Play: </b>New Jersey had three power plays last night and scored on one of them. The other two were just no good. I don't think much will be fixed over night seeing as not much on the power play has been fixed throughout the first quarter of the season, but the third time with the man advantage was the charm. If they work the power play like they did the third when Henrique scored, they could find success against the 25<sup>th</sup> ranked penalty kill in Buffalo.</p>
<p><b>The Lineup: </b>Hopefully the lineup from last night sticks. Damien Brunner should play. <span>Cam Janssen</span> should not play. <span>Anton Volchenkov</span> was solid in his first game back from injury. I don't think any defenseman deserves to be taken out so <span>Peter Harrold</span> can play. <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/11/29/5159010/new-jersey-devils-snap-three-game-losing-streak-snapping-carolina-hurricanes">John wrote a bit about this in the recap</a>, and I completely agree that this lineup should stay intact against Buffalo. I would be content with either goalie in net, but I would expect to see Brodeur since every other back-to-back this season has been split.</p>
<p><b>The Sabres:</b> They are the worst team in the NHL (by a five point margin), but they still have scoring threats and a solid goaltender. <span>Cody Hodgson</span> is leading the Sabres with eight goals and seventeen points on the season. Matt Moulson, a familiar face to Devils due to his time with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Islanders</a>, has eleven points in his 14 games with the Sabres. Ryan Miller played last night, so the Devils may see backup <span>Jhonas Enroth</span> who has just one win in eight games played this season, but he does have a .908 save percentage with a 2.88 goals against average. Miller, who has just five wins in twenty starts has a .918 save percentage and a 3.05 goals against average. The Sabres are a struggling team, but the Devils can't sit back and expect to win.</p>
<p><b>Side Note:</b> If you are going to the game tonight, bring a gently used coat if possible. Everyone who brings two or more coats will receive a voucher for four tickets to a future game. Not only will it help those in need, but you'll get to see the Devils twice for the price of one game with friends!</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b>Do you think the Devils can bring it in the second half of the back-to-back and beat the Sabres? What goalies would you like to see on each side of the ice? What will New Jersey need to do to get a win to bring them back to .500? Share your thoughts on the game tonight in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2013/11/30/5159332/new-jersey-devils-vs-buffalo-sabres-game-preview-27Karen Meilands