All About The Jersey - New Jersey Devils at New York Islanders: Game Stream #61A world class blog for Jersey's team: the New Jersey Devilshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47083/lou-fave.png2014-03-04T10:14:47-05:00http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/rss/stream/52226132014-03-04T10:14:47-05:002014-03-04T10:14:47-05:00Devils at Islanders: Zone Exit and Passing Stats
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GNBR3_cjCPey57xwT6SBIXzJEro=/0x0:3999x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29483219/20140301_jla_ae5_113.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>This is a look at the zone exit and passing statistics for the New Jersey Devils' 61st game of the season against the New York Islanders on March 1st. Read on for the details. </p> In a game where nearly an entire period was played via special teams, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">Devils</a> dominated in all phases. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Islanders</a> put forth their best effort in the first period, but even then they skated away down 1-0. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54811/martin-brodeur">Martin Brodeur</a> was sharp early on, but would see his team strike repeatedly in the second period to put the game to bed inside the first forty minutes. As a result of the extended power play time, the stats are a bit lower than usual as these are only even strength stats. Let’s get to it. <p>
<strong>Passing Stats</strong></p>
<p>
<strong>Forwards:</strong> <span>Ryane Clowe</span> was a shot-generating machine against the Isles. He finished 10/13 passing with five SAG and four SG, highest totals on the team. Very strong game from Clowe. In terms of volume, <span>Michael Ryder</span> (11/14, 3 SAG, 1 SG), <span>Andrei Loktionov</span> (13/14, 3 SAG, 1 SG), and <span>Patrik Elias</span> (10/12, 3 SAG, 1 SG) were the next forwards behind Clowe as each of them generated three shot attempts apiece. </p>
<p>
<span>Travis Zajac</span> was the only forward after Clowe that generated multiple shots (2). He finished 11/19 with 2 SAG as well, not the sharpest night from Zajac. Adam Henrique had a quiet game at even strength, completing each of his nine passes, but failing to generate a single shot attempt. Only Ryan Carter (5/6) and <span>Jacob Josefson</span> (3/3) joined Henrique in that department. </p>
<p>
<strong>Defensemen:</strong> <span>Jon Merrill</span> was the most effective at generating offense as he finished with three shot attempts generated (SAG) and two shots generated (SG). The workload was pretty even as <span>Marek Zidlicky</span>, <span>Andy Greene</span>, and <span>Mark Fayne</span> all finished with seventeen pass attempts. Greene finished slightly better with only a single incomplete pass. <span>Eric Gelinas</span> was the only other defensemen to generate a shot (1) apart from Merrill. </p>
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<img alt="Devils_isles_game_61_passing_1" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/4086167/Devils_Isles_Game_61_Passing_1.jpg"></p>
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<img alt="Devils_isles_game_61_passing_2" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/4086175/Devils_Isles_Game_61_Passing_2.jpg"></p>
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<strong>Passing Data Explained:</strong></p>
<p>
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>
<p>
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>
<p>
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> Of the forwards with at least five exit attempts, Loktionov was best at 85.7 PE%. Josefson (80%) and Clowe (60%) were next. Zajac continued his off-game performance as he finished with only a third of his exit attempts (2/6) maintaining possession. Overall, a solid, 60.4 PE% for the forwards. </p>
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<strong>Defensemen:</strong> Only twenty exit attempts for the defense, five of which were with possession. Most of these turnovers and exits without possession occurred in the first period as the Isles created several chances off of turnovers and forced the Devils to run around a bit in their own end. A lot of chips out of the zone were in the third as the Devils were trying to kill the game off before they ended it on a seven-minute power play. Greene and Merrill each led the blue line with five attempts. Overall, not a great night. </p>
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<img alt="Devils_isles_game_61_zone_exits" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/4086159/Devils_Isles_Game_61_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>
<p>
<strong>Possession Exits:</strong></p>
<p>
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/2014/3/4/5469678/new-jersey-devils-at-new-york-islanders-zone-exit-and-passing-statsRyan Stimson2014-03-03T11:00:01-05:002014-03-03T11:00:01-05:00Jagr's 700th Goal: A NJ Devils Goal Breakdown
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<img alt="How big was the goal? The Islanders congratulated him for it at the arena." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/11A2IkpxuIsRnaRODjq5vmq8hMc=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29368955/20140301_jla_ae5_157.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>How big was the goal? The Islanders congratulated him for it at the arena. | Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Jaromir Jagr scored the 700th regular season goal of his career on March 1, 2014 for the New Jersey Devils against the New York Islanders. This post breaks down the play that led to Jagr reaching that rare and monumental milestone.</p> <p>Jaromir Jagr made history on March 1, 2014. He became the seventh player in NHL history to score at least 700 goals in the regular season. He did it with a score that would hold up as the game winner in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2014/3/1/5460786/new-jersey-devils-power-play-punished-new-york-islanders-6-1-rout">a 6-1 blow out of the New York Islanders.</a> He reached this rare milestone with the <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a>. The very least I could do is give it special attention.</p>
<p>I will begin another Jagr-centric post with a repeat of a mea cupla. I had my doubts about the Devils signing Jagr last summer. I thought it was a quick response to a certain player going to the KHL. I didn't expect <a target="_blank" href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/7/23/4550462/jaromir-jagr-signing-now-official-1-year-at-2-million-salary-2">a forward turning 42 to be a significant producer of points.</a> In fact, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/7/22/4545532/jaromir-jagr-signs-with-devils#174498195">I wasn't expecting much at all.</a> Yet, look at him now. He's currently the team's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20142NJDSASALL&sort=goals&viewName=summary">leading scorer with 19 goals</a>, the team's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20142NJDSASALL&sort=shots&viewName=summary">leading shooter with 159 shots</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.extraskater.com/players/on-ice?sit=5v5close&min_gp=25&team=nj&season=2013">the team's top possession player at 5-on-5.</a> He's the team's top offensive player. Instead of wondering whether he'll get ten goals, I'm now wondering whether he can catch Mike Gartner's total of 708 goals this season. Honestly, I think he can; though it's a long shot to get eight goals in the next twenty one games. I'm not going to bet against him at this point. Not after hitting the 700 mark.</p>
<p>The goal itself has the same mix that comes with a lot of goals scored. Players on the successful team making good decisions, players on the failing team making less than ideal decisions, and some luck going in favor of the shooter and/or attacking team. This goal stands out in other ways. For one, Jagr did all of the work on the puck. No other Devil touches it in this breakdown. This isn't to say they weren't involved, just that the puck stayed in Jagr's control. For another, he commanded a lot of attention from the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Islanders</a> around him. Jagr may be 42, but the fact he had as many eyeballs on him as he did speaks to how threatening he can be on offense. The Isles players weren't wrong to focus on Jagr; though they were wrong in what they decided to do. With that all said, let's get right to the breakdown of <span>Jaromir Jagr's</span> 700th career regular season goal.</p>
<h3>The Video</h3>
<p>This video comes from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com">NHL.com.</a> All pictures were taken from here with poorly drawn lines and text added by me.</p>
<p align="center"><iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=564512" frameborder="0" width="640" height="395"></iframe></p>
<h3>The On-Ice Situation</h3>
<p>The game was 1-0 in favor of the Devils early in the second period. The following play happened at even strength, a 5-on-5 situation. According to the play by play log at NHL.com, the following players were on the ice for both teams.</p>
<p>Devils Players On-Ice: #30 <span>Martin Brodeur</span>, #6 <span>Andy Greene</span>, #7 <span>Mark Fayne</span>, #8 <span>Dainius Zubrus</span>, #19 <span>Travis Zajac</span>, #68 Jaromir Jagr</p>
<p>Islanders Players On-Ice: #20 <span>Evgeni Nabokov</span>, #37 <span>Brian Strait</span>, #47 <span>Andrew MacDonald</span>, #26 <span>Thomas Vanek</span>, #29 <span>Brock Nelson</span>, #21 <span>Kyle Okposo</span></p>
<h3>The Breakdown</h3>
<p>We begin with Jagr in a familiar spot: with the puck along the side boards. He collects the puck and is about to turn around to look at the situation. I've identified everyone on the ice. Note how all five Islanders are in their own end of the rink, seemingly ready to defend.</p>
<p align="center"><img alt="Jagr_700_1" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/4074149/Jagr_700_1.png"><br id="1393720124912"></p>
<p>The thin orange lines are there to highlight what the Islanders players are looking at. They're all on Jagr. They're moving elsewhere, as indicated by the thicker lines. Nelson, MacDonald, and Strait are going to move deeper into the zone. Vanek is going to head towards the slot. Okposo is watching him from above the circle. At this point, the Isles look good here. There's no real space for Jagr to go. Zajac is open in the corner but he can do little from there. Zubrus in the middle of it all, but also would have nowhere to go. Greene is wide open at the left point but there isn't a passing lane. Okposo can dissuade Jagr from going to the right point.</p>
<p>Fortunately for the Devils, when Jagr turns around, the Isles have given him room to work with - literally.</p>
<p align="center"><img alt="Jagr_700_2" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/4074137/Jagr_700_2.png"><br id="1393720315065"></p>
<p>Look at the space! Zajac has dropped out of frame and he's behind the net. Because four Islanders backed off to other locations, Jagr can see what he can do. Vanek's dropping back but his positioning denies a potentially lethal pass to Greene. Zubrus could go nowhere even if he gets it. Much is made about a playmaker being someone who creates plays. It's essentially code for being a passer. A proper playmaker on offense is all about making good offensive decisions. That includes when to take initiative and take matters into your own hands. Jagr has space right in front of him, so he's going to do just that.</p>
<p>By the way, in this shot, Nelson is about to fall down. He's the only Islander skater who doesn't have his eyes on #68 in this picture. This will matter to a degree.</p>
<p align="center"><img alt="Jagr_700_3" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/4074135/Jagr_700_3.png"><br id="1393720560452"></p>
<p>In addition to Nelson falling down, Okposo hesitates and backs off a bit. However, Jagr doesn't even look to the right point. If Fayne's even there to receive the puck, Jagr doesn't acknowledge it. Okposo backed off thinking Jagr would move himself or the puck along the boards instead of curling inside. That's the best reasoning I can come up with for his stutter-step. Either that or Okposo was unaware. At least he's got Jagr in his sights - like everyone else except for the fallen Nelson.</p>
<p>With Nelson down, Jagr could fire the puck around the boards or, depending on MacDonald, directly to Zajac. He even has a passing lane right to Greene in this moment in time. But with no defenders above the dot near him and Vanek dropped to the slot, he's going to just skate ahead. Why not? Who's going to stop him? Nelson can't press up and the defensemen have considerable ground to make up.</p>
<p align="center"><img alt="Jagr_700_4" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/4074129/Jagr_700_4.png"><br id="1393720785596"></p>
<p>If Okposo's hesitation was the first break on this play, then Zubrus colliding with Strait is the second. The two just had their legs tangled up. Strait falls down immediately. Zubrus is off-balance here, but he's going to hit the ice soon enough. This is actually a big deal because it'll prevent Strait from closing off Jagr. He sees Jagr heading towards the slot. But he's not in a good position to do anything about it.</p>
<p>Strait does have help in theory. Okposo is giving chase and could get to him. Vanek is in the slot and could do something about this. Meanwhile, Nelson's now upright and will try to get involved, while Zajac and MacDonald tussle in front of Nabokov.</p>
<p align="center"><img alt="Jagr_700_5" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/4074131/Jagr_700_5.png"><br id="1393720977009"></p>
<p>Strait decides to lunge and get his stick out as long as he could. Okposo attempts a stickcheck. Jagr dodges Strait's desparate attempt, while powering through Okposo. Okposo is definitely a physically strong player. But he's not going to deny a physically strong Jagr with a one-handed out-stretched stick. He doesn't here. With MacDonald still battling in front and Nelson still out of the play, this doesn't look good for the Isles. Nelson will try to catch up; skating through the space between the fallen Zubrus and Strait.</p>
<p>Fortunately for the Isles, Vanek is in a great position to step up and defend against Jagr. He's in the slot, Jagr is heading towards the slot, and he's got no other options. Vanek will step up, right? Right?</p>
<p align="center"><img alt="Jagr_700_6" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/4074095/Jagr_700_6.png"><br id="1393721273012"></p>
<p>No. If there's any Islander I would blame for this goal more than any other skater, then it's Vanek. He just holds position and lets Jagr come to him. Instead of trying to go up to him after the puck or even his body, he just hangs back. That's a big mistake and it helped cost the Isles.</p>
<p>In any case, Strait's beaten, Okposo is still trying, and Nelson is going to at least make an attempt to help out Vanek.</p>
<p align="center"><img alt="Jagr_700_7" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/4074093/Jagr_700_7.png"><br id="1393721562775"></p>
<p>I will say that Nelson makes a good effort. He stepped up, he got his stick out, and he's got his eye on the puck. Vanek has his stick out, but watch his skates. He still hasn't left the ring of the left circle. All he had to do was take a few steps towards Jagr. Nope. Okposo is now trying to deny Jagr's stick again. Having two hands on his own stick helps, but look at his body's position. He's behind Jagr, trying to reach across his body to do so. Jagr can and does power through an attempted stick-lift.</p>
<p>Incidentally, this is the first picture where more Islanders are not focused on Jagr in this breakdown. So far, three to five skaters were looking at Jagr directly. In this shot, Nelson, Okposo, and Vanek have shifted their attention to the puck, just to get it away from Jagr. MacDonald has his head up at Jagr, now disengaged from Zajac. He's concerned about a shot coming in. He's right to do so.</p>
<p>Jagr basically has no other option at this point. He can't pass it forward. Zajac and Zubrus aren't open. He can't really pass it directly to Greene. He certainly can't leave it behind him. He could chip the puck towards the left corner or side boards.</p>
<p align="center"><img alt="Jagr_700_8" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/4074089/Jagr_700_8.png"><br id="1393722126538"></p>
<p>But he's Jaromir Jagr. A powerful winger who plays with a swagger. He's going to shoot it. As our English fans would say, he's having a go. Amazingly, he'll be able to do so. As he's about to release the shot, the three Islanders right around him miss the puck. Nelson's stick is in front of Jagr's left skate. Okposo's stick isn't near Jagr's stick blade. Vanek's stick is behind the puck and stick. It's certainly not an ideal shot to take, just look at the behind-the-net camera to see how much traffic is in the way.</p>
<p align="center"><img alt="Jagr_700_8" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/4074179/Jagr_700_8.5.png"><br id="1393722256603"></p>
<p>Do you see a shooting lane there? I don't. Yet, Jagr has no other option. So I fully understand why he's doing what he's doing. Fortunately, this shot will get through. It's hard to believe but that's exactly what happened.</p>
<p align="center"><img alt="Jagr_700_9" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/4074087/Jagr_700_9.png"><br id="1393722319972"></p>
<p>The puck remained on the ice as Jagr shot it. It wasn't a fast shot. It didn't take a bunch of deflections. I wonder whether Okposo at least affected the shot taken. But it's a good thing it went forward and flat on the ice. It was able to glide past Zubrus - who thankfully got up in time - and head towards MacDonald and Zajac. I think Jagr did intend to shoot towards the left post. Nabokov was essentially blocked out of that side and was trying to look around his left. So Jagr tried to catch him on the far side.</p>
<p align="center"><img alt="Jagr_700_10" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/4074083/Jagr_700_10.png"><br id="1393722818082"></p>
<p>With a little help from MacDonald's right skate, Jagr's no-other-option shooting attempt became a goal. It gave the Devils a little more breathing room on the scoreboard. It was another milestone in a long and legendary career in hockey. And as you saw in the video, he celebrated it like it was just another tally for a man who knows how to make them happen.</p>
<h3>Conclusions & Your Take</h3>
<p>What's I found remarkable about this play when I took all of the screen shots was how the Islanders were aware of Jagr but weren't able to do anything about it. From the beginning, all eyes were on Jagr. Until he was about to shoot it, he wasn't in danger of losing the puck. Even then, three Islanders around him missed getting the puck and/or denying the shot. Consider what happened that helped Jagr move to the slot with the puck. Okposo's hesitation put him in a bad spot he never fully recovered from. An accidental collision prevented Strait from making a play on the puck, though he tried. Vanek dropping into the slot, then next to it, but then never stepping up to do anything. Nelson falling down earlier and catching up late only to miss poking at the puck. In this situation, the Isles didn't need to do anything fancy. They just had to get the puck away from Jagr. Whether that's by a stick lift, a poke check, a stick check, a body check, or just skating into him doesn't matter. Jagr had one way to go and he still went there.</p>
<p>This play definitely doesn't reflect well on all involved. I'd offer exceptions. Nelson just fell down on his own and tried to make a play. Strait was taken out by accident and still tried to make a play. Okposo didn't give up on the play, though he put himself behind. MacDonald had his man in front. (Zajac was smart to stay in front and help Nabokov stick to one side.) Because life isn't fair, he's the one who inadvertently made the attempted shot into a goal against. The only Islander who really sticked out like a sore thumb is Vanek, who was in a great position to do anything to deny Jagr a chance to do anything but never left his spot. I favor effort over a lack of it. Nevertheless, the team failed despite having five skaters seemingly surround Jagr when he first had the puck along the boards. Again, it's not like they didn't know he had it.</p>
<p>This certainly wasn't the prettiest goal scored. As much as Jagr did, the puck still had to re-direct just right off MacDonald's skate and past Nabokov's right toe. At the same time, I think this goal is perfectly representative of Jagr. He's experienced enough to know to take what the defense is giving him, which is what he did on this play. He's skilled enough on the puck to maintain control with sticks being flung at him as he headed into the slot. He's strong enough to power through stick checks and lifts. He's confident enough to skate into a spot where he will meet multiple defenders and still try to get a shot off or attempt a killer pass. He's simply good enough to command the attention of so many opposition players and still find a way to do what he wants to do. All of these traits helped him get to 700 goals. They will help him as he (hopefully) scores more goals for the New Jersey Devils this season.</p>
<p>So now I turn to you for your take on the breakdown of this milestone for Jagr. What was your favorite part of the play? Which Islander do you think made the biggest error? Were you surprised to see how many things went right for Jagr to get to the slot, much less score from there? How did you react when Jagr headed towards the slot? (I honestly didn't expect a goal.) How about when it went in? Do you think Jagr will catch Gartner this season? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about this historic goal in the comments. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2014/3/3/5461270/new-jersey-devils-goal-breakdown-jaromir-jagr-700th-career-goalJohn Fischer2014-03-01T17:08:58-05:002014-03-01T17:08:58-05:00Devils PP Punished Isles in 6-1 Rout
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<img alt="Adam Henrique seeing the shot from his knees go off the camera. This was the first of four power play goals by the Devils today." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3Qu3tD-1VjnREWitm6recmskdbQ=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29363963/20140301_mta_ae5_043.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Adam Henrique seeing the shot from his knees go off the camera. This was the first of four power play goals by the Devils today. | Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>35 shots, six goals, four-for-eight on the power play, and another important two points for the New Jersey Devils. Simply excellent. This is the recap of the Devils making the New York Islanders pay for their errors - after the first period.</p> <p>Four of the six goals the <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> scored this afternoon were on the power play. This is the second time this season where the Devils put up four with a man advantage. The first time was necessary as <a target="_blank" href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/10/26/5033066/power-play-powers-new-jersey-devils-stunning-4-3-comeback-win-boston-bruins">the Devils needed to come back to take a win from Boston.</a> Today, it was simply to punish the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Islanders</a>. The Isles played feisty and fell into undisciplined play over and over. By the game's end, they took 14 total penalties. The Devils made them pay. They went four-for-eight with a man advantage in a 6-1 blowout.</p>
<p>Like most blow outs, it was fun for the team piling up the goals. Scoring by it's nature is usually exciting. It does feel a bit strange to witness the Devils - one of the least prolific scoring teams in the league - light the lamp eleven times in two games. They just didn't keep scoring goals, but they kept swarming the Islanders throughout the second and third periods. The official box score has the shots favoring the Devils at 11-3 and 16-6, in those respective periods. It felt a lot more lopsided than that. Of course, conceding five power plays will make it seem that way. Overall, great job by the Devils for not letting up and giving the Isles a chance to get back in the game.</p>
<p>Believe it or not, this was actually a competitive game in the first period. <span>Adam Henrique</span> scored off a scramble in front five minutes into the game - the first of four power play goals - but the Isles looked like they were ready to equalize as the period went on. The Devils were disorganized on defense. They conceded a few odd-man rushes due to players getting caught in bad positions. <span>Cal Clutterbuck</span> had a shorthanded chance. As two Devils converged on the puck carrier, the Islander left open nearly got the puck a few times. It was loose hockey, to summarize it in a phrase. Martin Brodeur had to be very good in the first period and he was. At 1-0, the Isles were playing like a team down 1-0. They were pushing the game, they picked their spots (namely, the Devils' fourth line), and they didn't back down.</p>
<p>However, the game simply got away from them in the second. <span>Jaromir Jagr</span> became the latest 700th goal scorer in NHL history when he powered into the slot and had a low shot re-directed in off a skate. Ten seconds after <span>Colin McDonald</span> went to the box for roughing, <span>Ryane Clowe</span> slammed in a feed from Henrique to the top-left corner. The Isles had a little life when <span>Kyle Okposo</span> re-directed a re-directed shot past Brodeur. But that "shot" at 6:14, it would be the Isles' last for the period until 11:58 when Clutterbuck put one on target. That one was the Isles' third and final one for the period. Between that, <span>Mike Halmo</span> got two for interference when he slashed a stick out of <span>Jacob Josefson's</span> hands and <span>Marek Zidlicky</span> rocketed a great pass by Jagr through Nabokov for the team's third power play goal. Minutes after Clutterbuck's shot, <span>Andrei Loktionov</span> laid off a puck perfectly for <span>Mark Fayne</span> to slam a slap shot from distance past Nabokov. The Devils simply dominated. Okposo's deflection goal was just a bump in the road for the bulldozer the Devils' drove.</p>
<p><span>Anders Nilsson</span> replaced Nabokov in net, but the Devils kept swarming. The Isles technically got six shots on net, but none really jump out as really difficult ones for Brodeur to stop. The neutral zone was still open for the Devils. <span>Travis Hamonic</span> spent more time being mad at the Devils than doing anything on defense. The other defenders were there just to be there. There could have been many more goals. The Isles handed them further opportunities to do so. Hamonic tried to fight <span>Ryan Carter</span> only without any response; handing the Devils a rare 7 minute power play to close out the third. As if you needed further evidence the game was just being played out, <span>Eric Boulton</span> was a part of that penalty kill. He got tagged for a cross-check, so the game would close out 5-on-3 if the Devils didn't score. The Devils did thanks to <span>Eric Gelinas</span> unleashing The Truth. Outside of Hamonic's madness, the third seemed quiet except for all of those times Nilsson had to make some tough stops. Again, 16 shots by the Devils.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2014/2/28/5455726/just-what-we-needed-new-jersey-devils-decisively-defeat-columbus-blue-jackets">Like Thursday's win over Columbus</a>, the Devils faithful got to enjoy the end of the game feeling fully confident that the Devils would get the win. For a second straight game, there are a lot of positives and very little to really be concerned about. Will the good times keep on rolling? The Devils will play San Jose tomorrow and then Detroit home-and-away around the trade deadline. So I wouldn't expect the the Devils to put up 3+ goals on 30+ shots so easily. I certainly would not expect the power play to be so hot against some stronger defensive teams. For today, we can enjoy the brilliance and praise the power play properly punishing a team for a change.</p>
<p><b>The Game Stats: </b> The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/GS020903.HTM">NHL.com Game Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/ES020903.HTM">NHL.com Event Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/PL020903.HTM">NHL.com Play by Play Log</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/SS020903.HTM">NHL.com Shot Summary</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/TV020903.HTM">NHL.com Devils Time on Ice Log</a> | The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.extraskater.com/game/2014-03-01-devils-islanders">Extra Skater Game Stats</a></p>
<p><b>The Opposition Opinion: </b><a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2014/3/1/5460730/new-jersey-devils-vs-new-york-islanders-jaromir-jagr-700th-goal" target="_blank">Dominik has this recap about what happened from the Isles perspective at Lighthouse Hockey.</a></p>
<p><b>The Game Highlights: </b> Six goals! Including a historic one for Jagr! You better believe you should watch this highlight video from NHL.com.</p>
<p align="center"><iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2013020903-X-h" frameborder="0" width="640" height="395"></iframe></p>
<p><b>700: </b>Jagr's 700th regular season goal turned out to be the game winner. It gave the Devils breathing room at the time. It held up as the difference maker. Because it's such a rare milestone moment to witness - Jagr's only the <strike>eighth</strike> seventh player to do it - it deserves a goal breakdown. I will put one up on Monday.</p>
<p>Oh, and Jagr tied Marcel Dionne in all-time regular season assists. His awesome cross-ice feed to Zidlicky for his power play goal was his 1,040th career assist. If you must know, Jagr was excellent as usual with four shots out of six attempts and strong in possession. Congratulations to the legendary winger for hitting both marks in a winning effort.</p>
<p><b>Dominance in Possession: </b>If you really want the territorial story of the game, then check out the Fenwick graph in the Extra Skater game stats. Over all situations, the Devils out-attempted the Isles 60-40. In 5-on-5 play, the Devils were up 39-28. This is just further evidence of a rout. Normally, a team down a few goals will out-attempt their opposition. They have a score to make up. When they aren't able to do so, then the leading team is usually holding it down well. The Devils obviously took it a step further: they <i>added</i> to their lead.</p>
<p><b>Further Evidence of Dominance: </b>The Devils out-shot the Isles 22-12 at evens and 12-4 on power plays. They only got out shot 1-3 shorthanded. Mind you, the Isles had three power plays of their own. I'm still grinning about this as I type this.</p>
<p><b>Killing It: </b>Take a bow, <span>Michael Ryder</span>, Ryane Clowe, and Andrei Loktionov. These three were dynamite this afternoon. In 5-on-5 play, they were on the ice for only one shot against. Together, they were on the ice for at least ten. In all situations, they combined for nine shots with six by Ryder. The trio made their mark on the scoresheet. Clowe had a PPG; Ryder had a hand in Henrique's goal (and if Henrique didn't hit the camera with his shot, Ryder put the puck into the net); and Loktionov directly set up Fayne's goal. The only real errors by them were the one puck Ryder mishandled at the point that led to a Clutterbuck shorthanded breakaway and a delay of game call taken by Loktionov. Those can be overlooked because this line was absolutely a joy to watch today. The Isles had no answer for them. None.</p>
<p><b>Killed: </b>On the small list of "What Didn't Go Well for New Jersey" today, the fourth line got hammered in the first period. <span>Stephen Gionta</span>, Jacob Josefson, and Ryan Carter struggled a lot against the depth of the Isles' roster. <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/ToddCordell/status/439835616596230144">Todd Cordell actually had their counts after the first:</a> Gionta and Josefson were each at at 1-8, Carter at 0-7. At least Josefson got tripped up by <span>Casey Cizikas</span>, which resulted in Henrique's goal. The trio did a little better as the game went on. Josefson drew another call that led to a PPG and had a shot on net. All three were effective on the PK. But they still finished well below 50% in terms of attempts thanks to that miserable first period. They were not good.</p>
<p><b>Hamonic Mad: </b>Anyone know why Travis Hamonic was mad? Why did he go after Carter? The broadcast showed that Carter hit <span>Andrew MacDonald</span>, which didn't appear to be all that foul. Certainly not enough to go after the guy as he was about to go onto his own bench. Again, he got 27 minutes for his actions and perhaps further discipline. Good job.</p>
<p><b>Zidlicky Rad: </b>Among the Devils defenders, I was real impressed by Zidlicky today. While he had his usual issues with positioning in the first period, he was a force going forward. He put up five shots on net out of nine total attempts, he helped drive a lot of play forward, and he managed not to take a penalty in a game filled with them. His power play goal was also crucial as it completely undercut any faint hopes of an Isles comeback after Okposo's goal. He did quite well and I'd be interested to see his passing counts by Ryan.</p>
<p><b>The Truth Unleashed: </b>While it was a consolation goal, it was great to see Gelinas blast a puck in. I liked him better today than on Thursday even if possession wasn't as favorable. Gelinas was actually making good passes on offense. He had two shots compared to one. He picked up a secondary assist on Clowe's power play goal. He even gave someone a souvenir by accident when part of his stick sailed into the crowd after a shot attempt in the dying minutes of the game. he only real criticism I have of him was how he backed off from Okposo, which helped lead to that one goal against.</p>
<p><b>How'd Bernier Do: </b> I felt <span>Steve Bernier</span> was just OK. He's clearly not a long-term fit alongside Henrique and <span>Patrik Elias</span>. He did come close to scoring again and had three shots, so there's that.</p>
<p><b>Last Start?: </b>If this was<b> </b><span>Martin Brodeur's</span> last game as a New Jersey Devil, then he picked a fine way to end it. He had a very good game in net. He made several important stops in the first period. The one shot that got through him was a deflection by an uncovered Okposo right in front of the goalie. (Ask Eric Gelinas why he was uncovered, by the by.) He nearly had a Hedberg moment or two but it happened when the Isles couldn't keep the puck on their sticks for more than a second at a time, it seemed. I was concerned at how he would perform given he hasn't played since he got wrecked by Our Hated Rivals at Yankee Stadium and that he has awful numbers over his whole season. Today, he put my concerns to rest. I thank him for that.</p>
<p>I still think he doesn't go anywhere.</p>
<p><b>P.S. Can We Play You Every Shift?: </b>I love Andrew MacDonald on the other team. I loved him playing 19:30 today. Garth Snow, if you deal him, then please keep him within the division. Thanks.</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b>The Devils blew out the Islanders with the power play performing out of their mind. Which of the goals were your favorite? Who impressed you the most? Who could have done better? Can the Devils' offense keep producing like this? Well, we probably know the answer to that. But isn't this so much better than close games, hoping one bounce doesn't change the result? Please leave your answers and other thoughts about this win in the comments.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone who commented in the Gamethread and followed <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/inlouwetrust">@InLouWeTrust</a> on Twitter. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2014/3/1/5460786/new-jersey-devils-power-play-punished-new-york-islanders-6-1-routJohn Fischer2014-03-01T12:00:02-05:002014-03-01T12:00:02-05:00Devils at Islanders: Gamethread #61
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<p>This is the gamethread for today's game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Islanders. 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> 1:00 PM EST</p>
<p><strong>The Broadcast:</strong> TV- MSG+, MSG+2; Radio 660 AM & 101.9 FM 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> (25-22-13) vs. The <a href="http://islanders.nhl.com/?navid=nav-teamnav-nyi">New York Islanders</a> (23-30-8; SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Lighthouse Hockey.</a>)</p>
<p><strong>The Game Previews: </strong>John's preview from earlier <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2014/3/1/5458252/new-jersey-devils-at-new-york-islanders-game-preview-61">this morning is right here.</a> For the opposition's point of view, feel free to drop by <a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Lighthouse Hockey.</a></p>
<p><strong>The Song for Tonight: </strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNqrKAyuA6M" style="background-color: #ffffff;">"Devil's Island" by Megadeth.</a> Well that was easy.</p>
<p><strong>Gameday Info: </strong>. <span>Martin Brodeur</span> will return to the net for the NJ Devils and <span>Jaromir Jagr</span> will be in search for his 700th NHL goal. <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/2014/3/1/5458144/new-jersey-devils-at-new-york-islanders-gamethread-61JT Sroka2014-03-01T07:00:02-05:002014-03-01T07:00:02-05:00Devils at Islanders: Game Preview #61
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<img alt="Last time in LI - Zajac: "Owwwwwwwwwww" (game winning goal happened)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ORS9rPuVQ8H5l8Ugi0b_oH6n78U=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29328077/20131221_jcd_ae4_152.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Last time in LI - Zajac: "Owwwwwwwwwww" (game winning goal happened) | Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The New Jersey Devils begin their weekend back-to-back set with a matinee against the New York Islanders. This preview goes into what the Devils should try to control to win this game and how to target on the Isles among many other thoughts.</p> <p>The first back-to-back of the month and the third-to-last game before the trade deadline. Yep, this one is big too.</p>
<p><b>The Time: </b>1:00 PM EDT</p>
<p><b>The Broadcast: </b>TV - MSG+2 for the Devils, MSG+ for the opposition broadcast; 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> (25-22-13) at the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Islanders</a> (23-30-8; SBN Blog: <a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Lighthouse Hockey</a>)</p>
<p><b>The Last Devils Game: </b>The Devils hosted the <a href="https://www.jacketscannon.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Columbus Blue Jackets</a> on Thursday night. Plenty of good came out of that game. <span>Ryane Clowe</span> scored on his third attempt early in the game, <span>Jaromir Jagr</span> tucked in his 699th career goal on a power play, and <span>Adam Henrique</span> converted a second power play with a deflection off an <span>Andy Greene</span> shot. This all happened within the first ten minutes of the game. Columbus would pull one back when a sharp-angle backhander by <span>Artem Anisimov</span> got through <span>Cory Schneider</span>. In the second period, the Blue Jackets tightened up a little bit and put up more fight. <span>Marian Gaborik</span> cut the lead to one when he batted down a puck in mid-air and potted in a free shot on Schneider's left flank. But the Devils ended the second with a stomach punch to the Blue Jackets. After <span>Travis Zajac</span> took a hooking penalty within the final minute of the second, <span>Jack Johnson</span> coughed up the puck up to <span>Patrik Elias</span>. Elias saw Henrique driving ahead, lofted a beautiful pass where only Henrique could get it, and Henrique beat <span>Sergei Bobrovsky</span> cleanly to make it 4-2. The third period was pretty much the definition of clamping down on a lead. Elias wanted to feed Henrique for an empty netter for a hat trick but <span>James Wisniewski</span> denied the pass - and put it in his own net. The Devils won an important divisional game 5-2; <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2014/2/28/5455726/just-what-we-needed-new-jersey-devils-decisively-defeat-columbus-blue-jackets" target="_blank">my recap of the victory is here.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Islanders Game: </b>While the Devils were winning somewhat comfortably against Columbus, the Islanders were in a back-and-forth tilt against the <a href="https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Maple Leafs</a>. <span>Phil Kessel</span> opened the game's scoring with a strong wrister early in the first period. But the Islanders matched that and went ahead in an uncommon way. <span>Michael Grabner</span> scored the equalizer and made it 2-1 on not just one, but two shorthanded shots. The second deserved a big hand from <span>Jonathan Bernier</span>. Anyway, the second went scoreless and the third went mad. Toronto made it 2-2 before the 50 minute mark when <span>Paul Ranger</span> put home a rebounded puck off a post-shot by James van Reimsdyk. With just under nine minutes left, <span>Dion Phaneuf</span> banged in a one-timer to make it 2-3. The Isles quickly responded when <span>Anders Lee</span> scored his first of the season from a feed by <span>Josh Bailey</span>. Joffery Lupul re-took the lead for Toronto roughly a minute later. But at the 17:20 mark, Lee put in his second of the season. He re-directed a pass by <span>Ryan Strome</span> that was seemingly stopped by Bernier, but it did drop in over the goal line. In overtime, the Isles tried to win a puck in the corner. Toronto seemingly got it away but the puck just bounced away from van Reimsdyk. <span>Lubomir Visnovsky</span> took a risk at pinching in when it happened and received a gift. He buried the shot to make it a 5-4 Isles win. <a href="https://www.hockeywilderness.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wild</a> stuff on the Island. <a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2014/2/27/5455232/new-york-islanders-toronto-maple-leafs" target="_blank">Dominik has a recap of the win over at Lighthouse Hockey.</a></p>
<p><b>The Last Devils-Islanders Game: </b>On December 28, the Devils visited the Islanders. It turned out to be a strange night, ultimately another entry to the endless list of evidence to prove the thesis that Bounces Matter in Hockey. The game's first goal was simply beautiful. <span>Reid Boucher</span> set up Adam Henrique with a perfect backhander that the winger put past <span>Evgeni Nabokov</span>. But the Isles tried to respond as they ultimately out-shot and out-attempted the Devils. They couldn't crack Cory Schneider until the third period. Travis Zajac made a good play to steal the puck, but then drop passed it to no one. The Isles swooped it up, dumped it in, Tomas Vanek blocked a <span>Bryce Salvador</span> clearance, and <span>Marek Zidlicky</span> was in the middle of the ice in body but not in spirit. Vanek's stop was passed to <span>Kyle Okposo</span>, who passed it to Frans Neilsen, who fired a shot off Zidlicky's stick and into the net. Then the game's deciding goal happened minutes later. Zidlicky hammered a high, hard shot from the right circle. He hit Zajac in the shoulder and the puck was re-directed past Nabokov. It stung Zajac but it ultimately lifted the Devils. They won 2-1. <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/12/28/5252268/travis-zajacs-shoulder-leads-new-jersey-devils-win-new-york-islanders" target="_blank">My recap of the game is here.</a> For the other side, <a href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2013/12/28/5252236/new-jersey-devils-new-york-islanders-frans-nielsen-no-tavares" target="_blank">Dominik had a darker take</a> as it was another loss in a long line of struggles at the time for the Islanders.</p>
<p><b>The Goal: </b>Control the neutral zone. A big reason why the Devils looked so good for much of the first period and essentially dominated the third period against Columbus was because they owned the neutral zone. Columbus couldn't slow down the Devils all that often. Going the other way, the Devils were able to force a lot of loose pucks or non-ideal plays due to pressure in the middle of the ice. In general, this is something most teams want to do. I think it'll be crucial today because it'll highlight the big possession disparity between both teams. <a href="http://www.extraskater.com/teams/on-ice?sit=5v5close&type=total" target="_blank">The Devils are one of the best possession teams in the league, whereas the Isles are solidly below 50% in terms of score-close 5-on-5 play.</a> Over at Lighthouse Hockey, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2014/2/28/5455792/islander-neutral-zone-play-through-60-games-in-3-graphs">garik16 has identified who has been good at it for the Isles.</a> If the Devils can prevent those players - like Bailey, Grabner, <span>Brock Nelson</span> - from doing as they wish, then they can exercise their will. And if they can do that, then they should have plenty of opportunities to take this game over.<b></b></p>
<p><b>Beware: </b>Beware of <strike><span>John Tavares</span></strike> Kyle Okposo. John Tavares is out for the rest of the season and any time a team loses a top-five scorer in the league, it's a big loss. But the Islanders are more than just the Tavares show. Okposo has been having a fantastic season. Prior to Friday's games, he's ninth in the league in scoring with 24 goals and 35 assists. He's second to Tavares in points, tied with him in goals, and second to him in shots with 167. According to Extra Skater, he's above 50% in Corsi% on <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.extraskater.com/teams/on-ice?sit=5v5&type=total" target="_blank">a team that's below it.</a> If Tavares was playing, I'd say this duo (they often played together) would be the one unit the Devils have to pay special attention to. He's not, but Okposo remains the most dangerous man on this Islanders team for today's game. If they can quell him, then that helps out their chances a lot. Adding to the challenge will be the fact he'll likely have Vanek on his wing, centered by Brock Nelson.</p>
<p><b>No Frans?: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=706925&navid=DL%7CNYI%7Chome">The Islanders website reported on Friday</a> that Frans Nielsen and Matt Martin did practice with the team. However, they weren't listed in the other lines. Maybe they'll still be out for this one? The Isles without Nielsen means another offensive weapon on the shelf.</p>
<p><b>Bomb Away: </b>Also helping their chances would be trying to replicate what they did against Columbus. OK, scoring four goals is easier said than done, but they should strive to put up a similar amount of shots on net. The Isles have plenty of players and units the Devils should pick on, in theory. For example, <a href="http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=706925&navid=DL%7CNYI%7Chome" target="_blank">the team's official website lists a young third line and a fourth line featuring Eric Boulton from their practice.</a> That's a bottom six the Devils can exploit. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20142NYISASALL&sort=avgTOIPerGame&viewName=summary" target="_blank">Andrew MacDonald leads the team in ice time per game.</a> While he's been a productive blueliner, he's also been abysmal from a possession standpoint. He's doing a <i>lot</i> of defending; the Devils can certainly make him and his partner do plenty of it.</p>
<p>Most importantly, the Islanders goaltenders have been prone all season long. Nabokov conceding four goals on 22 shots against Toronto isn't a totally uncommon occurrence for him this season. His <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?season=20132014&gameType=2&team=NYI&position=G&country=&status=&viewName=specialTeamSaves">even strength save percentage isn't abjectly bad at 91.3%, but the 83.5% save percentage on penalty kills</a> really sticks out poorly. Sadly for the Isles, <span>Kevin Poulin</span> has been worse. His save percentage on the PK is only a point better and he's at just 90% at evens. The team hasn't addressed it's biggest issue from last season and I'd say it's a reason why they are where they are now. Regardless of who starts in net for the Isles, the Devils should be able to beat either if they can bring the kind of shots they created against Columbus. I'm not saying they have to put up three or four goals or that they better do so, but I'm saying that there's no reason to fear either netminder.</p>
<p><b>Please Don't Stink: </b>There's a chance I may eat my words about the Isles' goaltenders given who will start for the Devils today. It's Martin Brodeur and this was <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">confirmed after the Columbus game by Tom Gulitti at Fire & Ice.</a> I don't think it's a bad decision. It's a busy month. As great as Schneider has been, it would be remarkably stupid to ride him as much as possible. The Devils have several back-to-back sets left and they generally feature a weaker opponent. If there's a situation to use a backup, then surely it's against a team with nothing to play for in March and missing their stud forward.</p>
<p>Anyway, much has been made about how this could be the last game Brodeur starts for the Devils. <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/brodeur_knows_saturdays_game_vs._isles_could_be_his_last_as_a_devil/">Gulitti has this story.</a> And <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2014/02/martin_brodeurs_start_against_islanders_could_be_his_last_game_for_devils.html">Chere has this story.</a> And others will bring it up, surely. Me? I take this to mean that Schneider will start against San Jose and Detroit then. But, seriously, <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">as much as I understand and respect the possibility</a>, I still don't see it happening. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?season=20132014&gameType=2&team=NJD&position=G&country=&status=&viewName=specialTeamSaves">Brodeur has the same even strength save percentage as Poulin, only with a good PK save percentage.</a> That's not good. I don't see teams burning minutes on their cell phones calling up Lou to ask for Brodeur. I think he'll play the back-to-backs for New Jersey and that'll be that. It's moot for this game. He hasn't played since he got creamed by Our Hated Rivals. I just hope he isn't so poor that he costs the team this game, whether it's his last with New Jersey or it's not.</p>
<p><b>Another Chance: </b><span>Damien Brunner</span> only played two shifts on Thursday due to a charley horse. <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/good_chance_salvador_will_play_saturday_despite_bruised_collarbone_brunner_out_with_charley_horse/">Gulitti confimed at Fire & Ice on Friday that he will not play tonight.</a> This means <span>Jacob Josefson</span> will be back in the lineup. This is another chance for Josefson to show that he truly belongs. While he's been <a target="_blank" href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2014/2/16/5405348/zone-exits-and-passing-stats-at-the-olympic-break-forwards">very good at passing the puck</a>, he hasn't been a shooter, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.extraskater.com/players/dashboard?min_gp=25&pos=F&team=nj">his possession numbers look worse considering his zone start percentage</a>, and he hasn't made a very good case to stick around. But this is an afternoon where he can start again. It's up to him. He'll be lining up with <span>Ryan Carter</span> and <span>Stephen Gionta</span> as <span>Steve Bernier</span> moves up to play with Adam Henrique and Patrik Elias. Bernier hasn't been all that good either but he has held his own somewhat when playing with Elias earlier this season. He certainly didn't hold Henrique and Elias back in a few shifts on Thursday. We'll see how it turns out.</p>
<p>Whereas Josefson gets a chance back on the ice, the scratched defensemen may not. Bryce Salvador left the Columbus game in the third period after taking a shot to the collarbone. The good news is that it's just a bruise. He traveled with the team to Long Island, <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/good_chance_salvador_will_play_saturday_despite_bruised_collarbone_brunner_out_with_charley_horse/">according to Gulitti on Friday</a>, and he thinks he'll be good to go. Personally, I wouldn't think a day off would be the worst idea. <span>Anton Volchenkov</span> and <span>Peter Harrold</span> can do what Salvador does for the most part. But if he feels OK, then so be it. Volchenkov and Harrold will likely wait.</p>
<p><b>X Factor?: </b> Michael Grabner broke a five game scoreless streak with two shorties on Thursday night. Granted, he got some help from Toronto to get them. And his season hasn't been all that productive with only eleven goals out of 127 shots. Luck hasn't really been on his side. That said, I will be concerned if someone at the point - Marek Zidlicky, <span>Eric Gelinas</span>, etc. - can't hold onto the puck, especially on a power play. Grabner's speed is lethal in open space. This may be irrational but I've seen way too much #40 on the Islanders get glorious chances in past games. The pointmen need to be especially careful of him.</p>
<p><b>What Else I'd Like to See: </b>Patrik Elias and Adam Henrique make more things happen on offense. <span>Michael Ryder</span> putting up more than just one good shot on net. Eric Gelinas unleashing The Truth more than once. <span>Andrei Loktionov</span> not getting stuck out there for 60+ second shifts, but continuing to do good things on offense like he did on Thursday. Jaromir Jagr potting #700? Maybe. Oh, and a win by any means. If it goes beyond regulation, then it's all right. A point for the Isles means nothing at this point; it's more important that the Devils leave Nassau with two.</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b>Do you think the Devils can win today's game on the Island? If so, how do you think they'll perform to try and score more goals than them? Who do you think needs to do to well for the Devils? Can they slow down Okposo? Can we have a Devils-Isles game without a Grabner breakaway? Please leave your answers and other thoughts on today's game in the comments. Thank you for reading.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2014/3/1/5458252/new-jersey-devils-at-new-york-islanders-game-preview-61John Fischer