All About The Jersey - New Jersey Devils vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: Game Stream #60A world class blog for Jersey's team: the New Jersey Devilshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47083/lou-fave.png2014-02-28T10:23:58-05:00http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/rss/stream/52154592014-02-28T10:23:58-05:002014-02-28T10:23:58-05:00Blue Jackets Devils: Zone Exit and Passing Stats
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<p>This is a look at the zone exit and passing statistics for the New Jersey Devils' 60th game of the season against the Columbus Blue Jackets from February 27th, 2014. Read on for the details. </p> The opening nine minutes had <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">Devils</a> fans unsure of what they were seeing. Shots in bunches were taken and three of them made it past <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.jacketscannon.com/">Blue Jackets</a> goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. Columbus played catch up for the next period-and-a-half, but <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/122979/adam-henrique">Adam Henrique</a>’s shorthanded goal in the final minute of the second period gave the Devils a comfortable two goal lead heading into the third. However, how the Devils owned the third period was the most impressive thing about this game. To not long hold the lead, but impose their will onto the Blue Jackets was excellent to watch. Score effects be damned, the Devils pummeled Columbus into submission. Let’s get to it.<p>
<strong>Passing Stats</strong></p>
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<strong>Forwards:</strong> Not the best night in the offensive zone in terms of completion percentage (65.2%) for the forwards, though they made the most of their chances. The forwards finished with twelve shots generated on twenty-two shot attempts generated, finishing with a S/SAG% of 54.5%. Now that I’ve started tracking opponents of the Devils when I can get to them, if this stat is over 50%, that’s usually a good sign of efficiency. </p>
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I think we should start a fund, petition, chain letter, or something to get <span>Steve Bernier</span> better line mates. Bernier finished 9/10 in his passing, but was able to generate six shot attempts and two shots. He led the team in SAG and tied with <span>Travis Zajac</span> and Adam Henrique in SG. Compare that to the production of his line mates: <span>Stephen Gionta</span> and <span>Ryan Carter</span> both finished 3/3 with nothing generated. Yes, Deboer was mixing and matching lines after Brunner went out, but sitting <span>Andrei Loktionov</span> in the third to play Gionta? </p>
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Loki finished 8/11, generating two shot attempts and one shot. His biggest play of the night, however, was the interception of the clearing attempt and pass to <span>Ryane Clowe</span> that eventually turned into the first goal. Clowe had a decent game, only missing a single pass of his twelve attempts, but didn’t generate any shooting opportunities for teammates. </p>
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<span>Jaromir Jagr</span> controlled play in the neutral zone last night, completing all eight of his passes there. He finished 20/25 overall and generated four shot attempts and three shots. Zajac was a bit off as he finished 10/16, though he did generate two shot attempts that resulted in two shots, so at least he was efficient on the SAG he was able to put up. <span>Dainius Zubrus</span> finished 11/17 with three SAG and one SG. </p>
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<strong>Defensemen:</strong> It was open season in the Columbus offensive zone as nearly a quarter of the passes by Devils defensemen were attempted in the offensive zone, mostly due to <span>Andy Greene</span> and his eight completions on nine attempts; he finished 18/21 in all three zones. Greene generated two shot attempts (SAG) and one shot (SG) as well. <span>Marek Zidlicky</span> (12/15, 2 SAG, 2 SG) and <span>Mark Fayne</span> (7/7, 1 SAG, 1 SG) were the only other blue liners that were able to generate shots. </p>
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<span>Eric Gelinas</span> was the busiest in the defensive zone and completed 13/15 passes. He didn’t generate any offense at even strength, but all saw his power play contribution. <span>Jon Merrill</span> (9/10, 1 SAG) had a steady game, though <span>Bryce Salvador</span> completed just over half his passes (5/9). </p>
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<img alt="Devils_jackets_game_60_passing_1" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/4067991/Devils_Jackets_Game_60_Passing_1.jpg"></p>
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<img alt="Devils_jackets_game_60_passing_2" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/4068003/Devils_Jackets_Game_60_Passing_2.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 results in 1 of 3 outcomes: 1) Maintaining possession; 2) Allows for the recipient of the pass to make a “hockey move” (dump in, deflection, another pass etc.); 3) A shot attempt. 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. You’ll also see a “shot generated” or “SG” column to track the highest quality of shot attempts. The last column totals the percentage of shot attempts that result in shots on net. </p>
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<strong>Zone Exit Stats</strong></p>
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<strong>Forwards:</strong> An even 50 PE% for the forwards. Jagr (8 Attempts, 75% with possession) and Loktionov (6 Attempts, 66.7% with possession) led the team in PE% among players with at least five exit attempts. Zubrus, Gionta, Henrique, and Carter were all under 50%, but everything else was either at 50% or above. A decent night, but you would have liked to see more efficiency from Zubrus and Henrique as they normally are better. Gionta and Carter combined for three turnovers, while Zubrus and Jagr each had one as well. </p>
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<strong>Defensemen:</strong> Zidlicky (44.4 PE%) and Merrill (20 PE%) accounted for nineteen of the defense group’s thirty-four zone exit attempts. Zidlicky was good, not great, as he had one turnover; Merrill had several chips out of the zone to alleviate immediate pressure by Columbus, but without possession. </p>
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Greene and Fayne each only attempted three exits, Salvador attempted four, and Gelinas attempted five. Perhaps Deboer has given instruction to both Zidlicky and Merrill to be handling the puck while attempting to exit the zone now. </p>
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<img alt="Devils_jackets_game_60_zone_exits" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/4067971/Devils_Jackets_Game_60_Zone_Exits.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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What reaction do you have to these stats? How do they compare with your viewing of the game?
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https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2014/2/28/5456756/columbus-blue-jackets-at-new-jersey-devils-zone-exit-and-passing-statsRyan Stimson2014-02-28T00:03:49-05:002014-02-28T00:03:49-05:00Devils Decisively Defeat Blue Jackets 5-2
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<img alt="Hugs for everyone! The Devils won an important regular season game!" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CwFQ1baZjDdAu9Lq-cBFVcFZUCw=/0x342:2782x2197/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29285561/20140427_rnb_se8_094.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Hugs for everyone! The Devils won an important regular season game! | Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The New Jersey Devils scored first, converted two out of three power plays, got a shorthanded beauty of a goal from Adam Henrique to deny a Columbus Blue Jackets comeback, and got an empty netter on their 35th shot in a solid 5-2 win. This is the recap of that game.</p> <p>For the first time since February 8, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> took to the ice to play a regular season game in the National Hockey League. They hosted the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.jacketscannon.com/">Columbus Blue Jackets</a>, a divisional opponent ahead of them in the standings. For the first time since the blowout in the Bronx, the Devils managed to score three or more goals in regulation. Only they did it within the first ten minutes of the game. For the first time since January 24, the game before said blowout, the Devils won a game in regulation. They did it by the comfortable looking score of 5-2.</p>
<p>Overall, I don't think there are many fans complaining about what happened. There were way too many positives for there to be much griping. The Devils scored first, converted their first two power plays, got a shorthanded goal to stem a Columbus comeback, and owned the third period from start to the end. The Devils are a strong possession team and they exercised that tonight. They out-attempted them throughout the game. The Devils do not shoot the puck a lot; but they managed to out-shoot the Blue Jackets every period. The final total was 35-19; the last one being an empty net goal. The Devils need wins, they need them in regulation, and they must get them against teams ahead of them in the standings. Check, check, and check.</p>
<p>This isn't to say the Devils played a perfect game. They didn't. They took some calls that could have been avoided. <span>Cory Schneider</span> probably wants the goal he conceded to <span>Artem Anisimov</span> back, as a sharp-angled backhander went off his stick and in. The team did get exposed quite a few times in the second period. <span>Marian Gaborik</span> was a stand out from my view point. Some times, he got stopped before he did any real damage. Such as when <span>Bryce Salvador</span> actually managed to get a clean stop on Marian Gaborik from behind after he got some open space. Yet, amid traffic, <span>Ryane Clowe</span> didn't know where Gaborik was as he batted down a puck from <span>Ryan Johansen</span> and popped in an easy shot to make it 3-2. When Zajac got tagged for hooking late in the period, there was real reason to be concerned that Columbus was going to go all Toronto and tie up the game despite being out-shot.</p>
<p>Thankfully, <span>Jack Johnson</span> made an error, <span>Patrik Elias</span> lofted the puck into space where only <span>Adam Henrique</span> could get it, and Henrique allowed the Devils faithful at the Rock and all around the world to breathe easier heading into the second intermission. This continued throughout a third period where Schneider only had to make three stops. Three crucial stops, mind you, but only three. When a team is down two goals, they needed more than that and the Devils skaters did a great job to deny them.</p>
<p>Basically, it's a job well done up and down the lineup and coaching staff tonight. They scored a bunch of goals, they got them in different situations, they made <span>Sergei Bobrovsky</span> work hard to make sure it wouldn't be even worse, and they got an important result. Will this be the start of something new? Hopefully. But there's no guarantee. Still, this is the sort of game that I think we - the collective Devils fanbase - all needed. Real life proof that this team can play well, get the breaks that lead to goals, defend it fairly well, and get the two points. I wasn't just pleased when I left the Rock. I felt refereshed. This team has plenty of fight left in them. Now they just have to keep finding ways to make it happen in March.</p>
<p><b>The Game Stats: </b> The <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/GS020886.HTM" target="_blank">NHL.com Game Stats</a> | The <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/ES020886.HTM" target="_blank">NHL.com Event Summary</a> | The <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/PL020886.HTM" target="_blank">NHL.com Play by Play Log</a> | The <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/SS020886.HTM" target="_blank">NHL.com Shot Summary</a> | The <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/TH020886.HTM" target="_blank">NHL.com Devils Time on Ice Report </a>| The <a href="http://www.extraskater.com/game/2014-02-27-blue-jackets-devils" target="_blank">Extra Skater Game Stats</a></p>
<p><b>The Opposition Opinion: </b> Jeff Little wrote that the <a href="http://www.jacketscannon.com/2014/2/27/5455178/climbing-back-in-the-saddle-and-landing-with-a-thud" target="_blank">Jackets disappeared in his recap over at The Cannon.</a></p>
<p><b>The Game Highlights: </b>From NHL.com, here's tonight's video.</p>
<p align="center"><iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2013020886-X-h" frameborder="0" width="640" height="395"></iframe></p>
<p>Actually, that shorthanded goal by Henrique deserves a separate video. If only for Elias' brilliant pass to spring him for a breakaway.</p>
<p align="center"><iframe height="395" width="640" frameborder="0" src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2013020886-557-h"></iframe></p>
<p><b>Special Teams Strong: </b>The Devils went 2-for-3 on the power play, killed all their penalties, and got a shorthanded goal on the final PK. <span>Jaromir Jagr</span> curled in a loose puck just inside the post for his 699th goal. Thanks to Ryan Johansen hooking Henrique in New Jersey's end, the Devils got another PP and another conversion. Henrique tipped an <span>Andy Greene</span> shot. The two conversions were quick and just put Columbus in a deep hole they ultimately never rose from. The third power play they got to start the second was wasted but even that got one shot.</p>
<p>The penalty kill was quite good. The Blue Jackets got a total of two shots on net while the Devils got a total of two from their penalty killers. Henrique's shorthanded goal was definitely a turning point in the game. The Blue Jackets clawed their way back into the game, they get a late power play, and it blew up in their face. It gave the Devils more than just an extra goal to work with; it seemingly crushed the Blue Jackets. They still had about 90 seconds of a man advantage to start the third - a good time as any to still make it a game. They got no shots on net.</p>
<p><b>No Hats for Adam: </b>Poor Henrique! Patrik Elias saw Henrique open in the middle of the ice for an empty netter. The fans chanted his last name in the hopes of wanting to throw a hat on the ice. Yet, <span>James Wisniewski</span> got in the way and re-directed it in. I'm sure he smashed his stick on the goal frame in frustration of denying Henrique a hat trick.</p>
<p>But it's all good. I'm not ever going to complain about who scored an ENG provided there was an ENG. Henrique had a fantastic game otherwise. The play largely went forward when he was out on the ice. He looked very good with Patrik Elias. He was very good on defense, particularly on the PK. He got five shots on net and scored on two of them. He was great, well deserving of first-star of the night honors.</p>
<p><b>ENG Hero: </b>OK, there's no such thing as an empty net hero. But good on Elias to get it, even if he got some help from the opposition and didn't intend to score it. The goal made it a three-point night for the legendary Devils forward. Elias made the most of his ice time with plenty of offense, three shots out of five attempts, and making things happen with Henrique. That pass to him for the shorty was wonderful, but just a moment. His performance was very good. The team will need more of that going forward.</p>
<p><b>#699: </b>I honestly thought #700 was going to come when <span>Dainius Zubrus</span> set him for a one-timer in the second period. Bobrovsky's right arm ensured that he would not become infamous in the history of Jagr. As usual, Jagr was very good. Four shots, a goal, positive possession, and a whole lot of schooling for Jack Johnson among others.</p>
<p><b>Shorthanded: </b><span>Damien Brunner</span> only played two shifts tonight and Bryce Salvador did not return after taking a shot to the chest in the third period. <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/brodeur_to_start_for_devils_saturday_vs._islanders_brunner_has_charley_horse_no_update_on_salvador/" target="_blank">According to this post-game post by Tom Gulitti at Fire & Ice</a>, Brunner suffered a charley horse and Salvador's status is unknown. In some way, this makes tonight's result even more impressive since the Devils did it with eleven forwards and went to five defenders for the end. It helps explain why we saw some differing line combinations with various forms of success. As well as Andy Greene getting over 28 minutes of ice time. That certainly wasn't a problem because Greene was his usual bossy self tonight.</p>
<p>(P.S. We don't cheer for injuries here. I don't care how bad Salvador/Brunner is, it won't be tolerated.)</p>
<p><b>Young Guys Doing Things: </b><span>Jon Merrill</span> had a very good game on defense this evening. It wasn't an accident that he saw plenty of time after Salvador went down. It certainly wasn't a mistake when #34 was on the ice when the Blue Jackets pulled their goalie in the hopes of making up two goals quickly. He was very solid tonight.</p>
<p><span>Eric Gelinas</span> also returned to action playing for New Jersey tonight. He unleashed The Truth, which led to the rebound that Jagr ultimately put home for the team's first power play goal and second of the night. Unfortunately, that was the only time he attempted a shot on net. He wasn't particularly bad on defense in my opinion. Though, he saw more action come against him than providing much offense. Still, he got a point. He was OK.</p>
<p>I liked what I saw from <span>Andrei Loktionov</span> in between <span>Michael Ryder</span> and Clowe. Loktionov was very active when he was out there. He did a lot of hard work to help Clowe get the game's first goal from a keep-in to getting in traffic to moving pucks about. He was definitely making a point of it to shoot, though only one of his five attempts ended up on net. He did get pinned back for some long shifts, notably on his few shifts in the third period. Of course, trying to pick up after Ryder's approach to defense is a challenge. (I wasn't a fan of Ryder tonight.) Still, I think if Loktionov plays like this more often and Henrique-Elias remains together, then we'll see him in this spot more often.</p>
<p><b>You Figure It Out: </b><span>Stephen Gionta</span> also had, well, a good game for him. He managed to get out-attempted pretty poorly at 5-8, but the fact that he was only present for 13 events at evens falls in line with the notion that his best asset/worst flaw is not much happens when he's out there. Mitigating that low Corsi% is the fact that he wasn't out-shot; they were 5-5 when out there. And he took four of those five shots. Take it plus good PK work and go with it, man.</p>
<p><b>Muted Threats: </b>The Devils not only got good bounces in their favor, but some of Columbus' top players just had some awful games. Johansen was terrible. <span>Nathan Horton</span> was a non-factor. <span>Boone Jenner</span> was invisible. No one on their blueline got specifically wrecked over and over; they all shared the damage. Bobrovsky was good but he can do only so much. He probably wished he had the Jagr goal (he got sprawled out) and Henrique's second back, though. Up front, Columbus fans can say that Marian Gaborik played well in his first game back from injury, and they got good play from <span>Brandon Dubinsky</span>, <span>Matt Calvert</span>, and Cam Atkinson. That trio combined for nine of Columbus' 19 shots. In a way, that says it all about Columbus' performance. When only a handful of players are really trying make something happen and it doesn't, then the result isn't going to be pretty. Especially when the rest aren't able to slow down the Devils in the neutral zone or just concede pucks to the other team to give them more opportunities to shoot.</p>
<p><b>What Is Clamping Down?: </b>Tonight's third period. Three shots on net, only a handful of long shifts in their end of the rink, and plenty of swarming to create more chances to score. It's so beautiful to watch when the Devils are that in control.</p>
<p><b>One Last Quibble: </b>Zubrus, when you get an open look at an empty net from the blue line, then just take the shot. Ensure the win whenever possible.</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b>I think it went very well for the Devils tonight. Can they continue it? We shall see on Saturday afternoon. In the meantime, tell me what you thought about this game. Who do you think was the best Devil? Who do you think had a good game that may have gone unnoticed? Who could have done better tonight? How did you react when Henrique made that shorthanded breakaway count in the second period? Do you feel better about the team's chances after tonight? Was this game just what you needed as a fan? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about tonight's win in the comments.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone who commented in the Gamethread and followed the sparse tweets of <a href="http://www.twitter.com/inlouwetrust" target="_blank">@InLouWeTrust.</a> Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2014/2/28/5455726/just-what-we-needed-new-jersey-devils-decisively-defeat-columbus-blue-jacketsJohn Fischer2014-02-27T18:00:02-05:002014-02-27T18:00:02-05:00Devils vs. Jackets: Gamethread #60
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<p>This is the gamethread for today's game between the New Jersey Devils and the Columbus Blue Jackets. This is a post where users can discuss what happens before, during, and after the game until the recap is up.</p> <p><strong>The Time:</strong> 7:00 PM EST</p>
<p><strong>The Broadcast:</strong> TV- MSG+2; Radio - 660 AM & 101.9FM WFAN</p>
<p><strong>The Matchup:</strong> The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link" style="background-color: #ffffff;">New Jersey Devils</a> (24-22-13) vs. The <a href="https://www.jacketscannon.com/">Columbus Blue Jackets</a> (29-24-5; SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.jacketscannon.com/" style="background-color: #ffffff;">The Cannon.</a>)</p>
<p><strong>The Game Previews: </strong> John's preview from earlier <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2014/2/27/5447666/new-jersey-devils-vs-columbus-blue-jackets-game-preview-60">is right here.</a> For the opposition's point of view, feel free to drop by <a href="http://www.jacketscannon.com/" style="background-color: #ffffff;">The Cannon.</a></p>
<p><strong>The Song for Tonight: </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qijygSXrWg0">"Or Don't You Remember?" by American Steel.</a> NHL hockey? The New Jersey Devils? The question isn't do you remember these things...the question is do you<em> want</em> to remember? Let's find out.</p>
<p><strong>Gameday Info: </strong><span>Cory Schneider</span> is starting tonight in net for the Devils while <span>Sergei Bobrovsky</span> will mind the twine for Columbus. <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Check in</a> with Tom Gulitti for this and all the latest NJ Devils news.</p>
<p><strong>The Reminder of Rules: </strong>This is a place where you can comment about this game before, during, and after it's played before the recap is up. This is a place where we <em>primarily</em> discuss the Devils game. An odd mention of other NHL games is OK, but it shouldn't dominate discussion. All comments will be clean, 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/2014/2/27/5453980/new-jersey-devils-vs-columbus-blue-jackets-gamethread-60JT Sroka2014-02-27T07:00:02-05:002014-02-27T07:00:02-05:00Devils vs. Blue Jackets: Game Preview #60
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<img alt="The Devils are going to need a bit more than a free look by Stephen Gionta right in front of the goalie tonight. Of course, if Gionta scores it, then that'll do fine." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fGcrm29_1NMsBqkvRX1XxU9Jqyo=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29174207/20140102_ter_aa9_047.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The Devils are going to need a bit more than a free look by Stephen Gionta right in front of the goalie tonight. Of course, if Gionta scores it, then that'll do fine. | Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Tonight begins the stretch run for the New Jersey Devils and the Columbus Blue Jackets, who face each other in an important inter-division game. This preview goes into what the Devils need to do, what to look for from Columbus, and so much more.</p> <p>Welcome back the season. Is this an important game? Yes. They're <i>all</i> important from here on out.</p>
<p><b>The Time: </b>7:00 PM EDT</p>
<p><b>The Broadcast: </b>TV - MSG+2; Radio - 660 AM & 101.9 FM WFAN</p>
<p><b>The Matchup: </b>The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> (24-22-13) vs. the <a href="https://www.jacketscannon.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Columbus Blue Jackets</a> (29-24-5; SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.jacketscannon.com/">The Cannon</a>)</p>
<p><b>The Last Devils Game: </b>You know what's been the main problem for the Devils prior to the Olympic break and perhaps all season long? Scoring goals. They scored none against the <a href="https://www.japersrink.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Capitals</a> on February 8. They missed more nets, put more attempts off target than on target, and so were in the familiar territory of being vulnerable to one shot/bounce/event getting through <span>Cory Schneider</span>. <span>Julien Brouillette</span> firing a wrister through a screen was enough. The Caps tacked on two empty net goals to make it a really disappointing 0-3 loss. <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2014/2/8/5394290/new-jersey-devils-miss-opportunities-3-0-loss-washington-capitals" target="_blank">My recap is here.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Blue Jackets Game: </b>The Blue Jackets wrapped up a trip through California with a game against San Jose on February 7. San Jose got off to a strong start with two first period goals. The first was provided by <span>John McCarthy</span> off a deflection, the second was a slap shot from <span>Patrick Marleau</span>, and both came within the first ten minutes. Columbus would strike back and pull within one in the second period. <span>Ryan Johansen</span> scored 18 seconds into the second. The visitors got into penalty trouble in the middle period but escaped without a goal against. <span>Tommy Wingels</span> scored early in the third to give San Jose a 3-1 lead. <span>Boone Jenner</span> cut it short to 3-2 with a little more than nine minutes left to play. But another penalty plus a tired Columbus squad didn't deter San Jose from dominating the shot count and run of play. The Jackets lost 3-2, ending their trip at 1-1-1. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jacketscannon.com/2014/2/8/5391886/sharks-nip-tired-jackets-3-2">Jeff Little had this recap at The Cannon.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Devils-Blue Jackets Game: </b>On December 27, the Devils hosted the Blue Jackets. This wasn't a pretty game whatsoever, as the Columbus forecheck gave the Devils problems early and the Devils' decisions with the puck on offense just went awry. As a result, <span>Curtis McElhinney</span> was not challenged as much as he could have been. Believe it or not, but <span>Martin Brodeur</span> had a very fine game. He was only beaten once in regulation: a backhander by <span>Artem Anisimov</span> after a crazy save off <span>Brandon Dubinsky</span>. The Devils would find an equalizer in the third period when <span>Adam Henrique</span> banged in a rebound. But the game could have easily been more in Columbus' favor. The game dragged into the shootout where the Devils failed to score in it, much less win it. The Blue Jackets won 2-1. In my recap, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/12/28/5249952/new-jersey-devils-get-point-they-did-not-deserve-2-1-shootout-loss-columbus-blue-jackets">I said it was a point the Devils didn't deserve.</a> For the other side, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jacketscannon.com/2013/12/28/5250674/blue-jackets-edge-devils-climb-in-metro-standings">Jeff Little has his own take at The Cannon.</a></p>
<p><b>The Goal: </b>Push the tempo and fire away. The Columbus Blue Jackets aren't a bad possession team at all. It's a reason why they are going to be a proverbial thorn in the proverbial side of the Devils' playoff chances. However, they do get out-shot fairly regularly. This is true <a target="_blank" href="http://www.extraskater.com/teams/on-ice?sort=sa&sit=5v5&type=rate">at 5-on-5 hockey per Extra Skater.</a> This is true based on the per game averages at NHL.com. This is even true in shorthanded situations. OK, that's to be expected, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.extraskater.com/teams/on-ice?sort=sa&sit=4v5&type=rate">but they have a fairly high shots against rate when down a man.</a> On top of all of this, they will be without <span>Fedor Tyutin</span>, <a target="_blank" href="http://bluejacketsxtra.dispatch.com/content/blogs/puck-rakers/2014/02/welcome-back.html">who has suffered an ankle injury</a> in his Sochi experience. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.extraskater.com/players/on-ice?min_gp=10&sit=5v5&pos=D&season=2013&team=cbj">He hasn't been amazing this season.</a> But his absence means someone has to step up to take his minutes alongside <span>Jack Johnson</span>. <a href="http://bluejacketsxtra.dispatch.com/content/blogs/puck-rakers/2014/02/at-the-crosscroads-facing-the-devils.html" target="_blank">According to Aaron Portzline at the Columbus Dispatch</a>, that someone is <span>Dalton Prout</span>. Their defense is weaker for it. This means they are potentially ripe for being swarmed, something the Devils can do very well. If they can get it going and actually keep the puck on their stick on offense, then they only increase their chances for success tonight. And they need to succeed tonight.</p>
<p><b>The Motivation is Mutual: </b>It is true that the Devils really do need this win. They need to catch Columbus to fight them for a playoff spot. They have a fully healthy roster and they know that the results are necessary. However, the opposite applies to the opposition. They're battling for a rare playoff spot. They know they can beat the Devils as they've done it twice already. While they are without Tyutin, they do have <span>Marian Gaborik</span> coming back. He can do some damage all on his own. They have pretty much the same motivation as the Devils do. It's not going to come down to who wants it more. It's going to come down to who has the better game plan and who executes it better. I'm confident in the Devils having the right approach - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.extraskater.com/teams/on-ice?type=total">they wouldn't be a top-ten possession team without one</a> - but execution has been the sticking point all season.</p>
<p><b>Heat Check: </b>Cory Schneider has been simply amazing in 2014. Since January began, he has a 94.2% save percentage in all situations. He has started every single game for New Jersey since the Bronx blowout. <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/schneider_to_start_for_devils_thursday_against_columbus_but_brodeur_will_play_this_weekend/">Tom Gulitti reported at Fire & Ice on Tuesday that he will start tonight.</a> I am concerned for Schneider, though. First, he hasn't played for over two weeks. He'll be rested and I know he's talented; I just hope he isn't terribly rusty in net. While it's not impossible, I wouldn't expect him to be as hot as he was prior to the break. That leads to my second point: goal support. He was doing everything he could to give the Devils a chance to win but because the team could not get that additional goal, the results haven't matched up with his performances. If the Devils needed Schneider to be amazing just to get points in games and still couldn't win, then what will happen if he's not as amazing right away as this important stretch of the season comes? It's something to consider even though it isn't new. What's new is what Schneider will do after a long layoff.</p>
<p><b>Deeper, Stronger - The Columbus Forwards: </b><a href="http://bluejacketsxtra.dispatch.com/content/blogs/puck-rakers/2014/02/at-the-crosscroads-facing-the-devils.html" target="_blank">Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch has the expected roster for the Blue Jackets in this Wednesday post.</a> Marian Gaborik will start on a fourth line but don't be surprised if he gets moved up later on. As Portzline pointed out, Gaborik was put together with <span>Nathan Horton</span> and Ryan Johansen on a power play unit. That could conceivably be a line at evens and a very powerful one. While beset by injuries, Horton and Gaborik are very skilled scorers. Horton does it with power, Gaborik does it with finesse. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?season=20132014&gameType=2&team=CBJ&position=S&country=&status=&viewName=summary#" target="_blank">Johansen is Columbus' leader in goals (24), points (46), and shots (161) this season.</a> Putting anyone with him still makes his unit a threat because he's been so good. Putting him with Horton is dangerous enough. If Gaborik gets the rust off quickly enough, then it could be worse for the Devils to try and match-up against.</p>
<p>That possibility is exacerbated by the other two lines in their top nine. Per Portzline, <span>R.J. Umberger</span>, Artem Anisimov, and <span>Nick Foligno</span> are together. They have 15, 13, and 15 goals respectively and around the same number of points. Then there's Brandon Dubinsky, <span>Cam Atkinson</span>, and <span>Matt Calvert</span>. That trio has wrecked the Devils earlier this season and could do it again. Atkinson's shot is hard, Dubinsky is just difficult to deal with, and Calvert's capable of making things happen even if the first two are stopped. The Blue Jackets had a formidable top six in the last two Devils games. With Horton and Gaborik involved, they pretty much have a formidable top nine. According to Extra Skater, <a href="http://www.extraskater.com/players/on-ice?sit=5v5&min_gp=25&team=cbj&season=2013&pos=F" target="_blank">Johansen and Dubinsky have been very good at driving play along with producing points.</a> Only Umberger and Foligno hasn't done real well in possession this season. So it may be best for Peter DeBoer to try and get a good match up against that Anisimov line. It won't be easy at all, though.</p>
<p><b>Long Distance Weapon: </b>There is one rather good defenseman on the Blue Jackets: <span>James Wisniewski</span>. He's <a href="http://www.extraskater.com/players/on-ice?sit=5v5&min_gp=25&team=cbj&season=2013&pos=D" target="_blank">very good in terms of possession</a>. He leads their blueline in scoring by a healthy margin with five goals and 30 assists. He's been productive on the power play as he leads Columbus with 19 power play points. He averages just over 22 minutes per game. The Devils' forwards will have to be particularly aware when he's on the point. The team will have enough trouble with Columbus' forwards. They cannot fully ignore what Wisniewski.</p>
<p><b>The Man Who Must Be Beat Has Been Good At Not Being Beaten: </b> Tonight's man will be <span>Sergei Bobrovsky</span>. He's been rather good this season. Bobrovsky has a 92.6% even strength save percentage and 90% in penalty killing situations. Those are more than solid numbers. He strangely has been vulnerable on shorthanded and overtime situations; but that's not where the Devils are going to really get a lot of chances anyway. At least, I hope there won't be any overtime chances. Anyway, <a href="http://bluejacketsxtra.dispatch.com/content/blogs/puck-rakers/2014/02/at-the-crosscroads-facing-the-devils.html" target="_blank">Portzline did confirm Bobrovsky will start.</a> Here's hoping his Olympic layoff gives him some issues in net.</p>
<p><b>Your Defenders Are...: </b>The Devils called up <span>Eric Gelinas</span> on Monday, <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/devils_olympians_to_return_to_practice_today_clermont_loaned_to_orlando/" target="_blank">as confirmed by Gulitti at Fire & Ice.</a> Gelinas has been practicing with <span>Jon Merrill</span>. <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/elias_missing_devils_practice_for_birth_of_second_child_bernier_returns/" target="_blank">At first glance of Gulitti's report from Wednesday's practice</a>, Gelinas-Merrill appeared to be behind <span>Anton Volchenkov</span> and <span>Peter Harrold</span>. However, Gelinas and Merrill got time in practice on the power play. I highly doubt the Devils would call someone up, have him practice with a regular, get time on special teams, and then not use him. It could be that Gelinas or even Merrill could be a seventh defenseman. It could be that those two are the third pairing while Volchenkov-Harrold will be the odd pairing out. Until there's confirmation today, I would expect Gelinas to play. I would also not be surprised if there's a move coming soon since I don't see the need to have eight defenders up with New Jersey at the moment.</p>
<p><b>Congratulations: </b><span>Patrik Elias</span> now has two children. <a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/devils_gm_lou_lamoriello_looking_to_be_a_buyer_-_not_a_seller_--_prior_to_trade_deadline/" target="_blank">His wife gave birth on Wednesday to a daughter, the family's second.</a> Congratulations to the Elias family. The player shall be available for tonight's game.</p>
<p><a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/bernier_missing_from_devils_practice/" target="_blank">Based on Tuesday's practice report</a>, he will likely start on a unit with Adam Henrique and <span>Damien Brunner</span>. <span>Andrei Loktionov</span> will be in between <span>Ryane Clowe</span> and Michael Ryder. Anything from those six would be highly appreciated.</p>
<p><b>One Last Note: </b>It's great to be back and focused on the NHL.</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b>This game is massive in terms of importance. How are you feeling about the Devils' chances tonight? Can they keep the Columbus' forwards at bay? Can they push the tempo and force Columbus to defend? Can they score more than two goals tonight? Will you be there to see it live? (I will in Section 1, Row 16, Seat 5, as usual.) Please leave your answers and other thoughts about tonight's game in the comments. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2014/2/27/5447666/new-jersey-devils-vs-columbus-blue-jackets-game-preview-60John Fischer