All About The Jersey - New Jersey Devils vs. Calgary Flames: Game Stream #79A world class blog for Jersey's team: the New Jersey Devilshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47083/lou-fave.png2014-04-11T13:00:03-04:00http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/rss/stream/53566932014-04-11T13:00:03-04:002014-04-11T13:00:03-04:00Flames at Devils: Zone Exit and Passing Stats
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<figcaption>Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>This is a look at the zone exit and passing statistics for the New Jersey Devils' 79th game of the season against the Calgary Flames on April 7th. Read on for the details.</p> It would happen like this. It had to happen like this. Dominating for most of the game, one defensive breakdown, one goal against, zero goals for. The trio of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/132823/jaromir-jagr">Jaromir Jagr</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54968/travis-zajac">Travis Zajac</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54242/tuomo-ruutu">Tuomo Ruutu</a> simply, well, dominated in terms of shot-generation. They generated twenty-five shot attempts (SAG), but only eight shots (SG). On the night the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a>’ playoff hopes faded to “Countin on a Miracle” Springsteen status, their performance was the perfect example of just who this team has become over the last two seasons: controlling play, getting shot attempts, but losing close games. Let’s get to it. <p>
<strong>Passing Stats</strong></p>
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<strong>Forwards:</strong> Jagr attempted twenty-five passes in the offensive zone alone. He completed nineteen of them and generated nine shot attempts, converting two into shots. Ruutu went 10/12 in the offensive zone and generated four shots on ten (!!) attempts. He might be the first player that’s hit double-digit SAG totals for a single game. I’d have to check, but I don’t think it’s happened this season. Zajac went 12/14 in the offensive zone, generating two shots on six attempts. Lots of control, lots of shot attempts being generated, but not many shots. Your 2013-2014 New Jersey Devils. </p>
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<span>Damien Brunner</span> had a lively game, going 14/21 passing and generating two shots on three attempts. He could have done better in the final third of the ice with his passing accuracy, but had a jump in his step all night long. <span>Ryan Carter</span> also generated three attempts and one shot and could have (should have?) had a goal if there was a camera underneath the goalie’s legs. </p>
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<strong>Defensemen:</strong> <span>Marek Zidlicky</span> went 10/14 in the offensive zone (28/35 overall) and generated two shots on two attempts. <span>Andy Greene</span> (13/16, 2 SAG, 1 SG) and <span>Peter Harrold</span> (15/15, 3 SAG, 1 SG) were the only other defenseman with multiple shot attempts generated. Harrold actually had a good game around his passing stats. </p>
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Once Anton Volchenkov went down with an injury or benching, <span>Eric Gelinas</span> went back to playing defense and didn’t generate any offense (not surprising) and finished 12/15 passing. <span>Jon Merrill</span> was quite busy, second only to Zidlicky in total pass attempts, and finished 25/28 with one shot attempt generated. </p>
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<img alt="Devils_flames_game_79_passing_1" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4271673/Devils_Flames_Game_79_Passing_1.jpg"></p>
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<img alt="Devils_flames_game_79_passing_2" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4271681/Devils_Flames_Game_79_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> A 67.6 PE% pretty much says it all—an incredibly efficient night exiting the zone. This may be one of the highest possession exit rates the forwards have achieved this season. Is it a surprise, then, that it would be one of their strongest SAG nights as well? One of the projects for the summer will be to look at PE% and the team’s SAG and Corsi totals to see how much of a correlation, if any, there might be. </p>
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Only Tim Sestito was under 50% as just one of his three exit attempts was with possession. Everyone else was solid, except for the two turnovers committed by Brunner and <span>Michael Ryder</span>. </p>
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<strong>Defensemen:</strong> Only three turnovers as the blue line nearly reached 50 PE%, coming in at 48.6%. Gelinas, Volchenkov, and Zidlicky had the turnovers, but three is not bad for this group. It’s quite good actually. <span>Mark Fayne</span> was the only defenseman under 50 PE% as just one of his exit attempts was with possession. Zidlicky and Merrill led the way with ten and eight attempts, respectively. </p>
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<img alt="Devils_flames_game_79_zone_exits" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4271665/Devils_Flames_Game_79_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/2014/4/11/5600800/calgary-flames-at-new-jersey-devils-zone-exit-and-passing-statsRyan Stimson2014-04-08T00:27:38-04:002014-04-08T00:27:38-04:00Devils Shut Out for 10th Time in 0-1 L to Flames
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<img alt="Left: Agony of defeat. Right: Relief of victory" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/n4XuajghpAyNOx8SMMr9XOz-TMY=/0x96:4000x2763/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31297483/483294755.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Left: Agony of defeat. Right: Relief of victory | Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>Shut out for the tenth time this season, the New Jersey Devils lost 0-1 to the Calgary Flames. This recap tries to explain that the Devils tried hard, had energy, played rather well even though they got nothing for it among other thoughts.</p> <p>On Friday, the <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> laid it all out on the ice in a 2-1 win over Washington where they had only fifteen active skaters by the end. They followed that up with a similarly gutsy performance, a 3-1 win over Carolina. While without <span>Patrik Elias</span>, <span>Adam Henrique</span>, and <span>Ryane Clowe</span> among others, there was reason to believe the Devils can compete. That they would not end the season without a fight. They would put in the effort and at least make the games with a fainting hope of meaning something. Tonight, the Devils did that against the <a href="https://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Calgary Flames</a>. They put in the effort. They out-worked the Flames. Overall, they controlled the play even with the less-than-ideal-due-to-injury lineup they had in Carolina. There was just one problem: they didn't score any goals. Calgary got one and that was enough.</p>
<p>This wasn't like other shutout losses where the Devils got licked and essentially played second-rate hockey. This was a Devils team that broke 30 shots, something they don't do all that often. Granted, they got to 21 by the halfway mark of regulation so they could have - and in retrospect should have - had more on net. <span>Karri Ramo</span>,<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?gameType=2&position=G&season=20132014&sort=evenStrengthSaves&status=A&team=CGY&viewName=specialTeamSaves" target="_blank"> Calgary's starter and probably the only guy who hasn't been worse than Martin Brodeur among the Flames' goalies</a>, played an incredible game. He made all of the stops, including the ones the Devils' scorer didn't count. He got lucky too. <span>Ryan Carter</span> had a goal waved off due to a kicking motion and a lack of indisputable evidence. There were nearly two goals by pucks deflecting off Calgary defenders' skates. <span>Michael Ryder</span> had a carom go off the post late. One puck looked like it was going to drop in the second period only to die on the goal line and cleared out. Ramo had to stretch, had to react quickly, and had to hope for the best. He had it all and so his second career NHL shutout was his.</p>
<p>As for the Devils, this was their tenth shutout loss of the season. Insert standard complaint about not scoring enough goals here. On my way home on the train, I kept wondering what it was I just saw. The Devils really didn't play that much differently from what they did in their prior two games. They had the better of possession and shots. They showed more energy. They forced Calgary to invoke the Tortorella defense, which may have accounted for the myriad of Devils attempting wide, long, and around-the-net plays. <span>Cory Schneider</span> played quite well. They got into penalty trouble and it hurt their cause. The difference between tonight and those games was the result. Then, the Devils got enough goals against Halak and Khudobin and held on to win. Tonight, Devils got no goals against Ramo. So does that mean they didn't work, play hard, and so forth? I don't think so. I'd be lying if I said they didn't. But to turn a phrase, if you don't get the results, you don't get the results. And it's a results-oriented business.</p>
<p>Technically, the Devils aren't out yet but I don't think there are too many believers now. For the past few weeks I figured they were out anyhow. It would have been fun to at least have a little left for these last few games. But if Columbus does their job and some other teams do so, then it would've been for naught anyway. I also thought about what <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/9/27/4774894/new-jersey-devils-2013-2014-season-preview-part-5-summary-prediction" target="_blank">I wrote way back in September as a prediction for this season.</a> I thought the Devils would have grabbed a wild card spot and finished fourth in the division; but I also said they'd ride of a knife's edge to be here. As much as some will focus on losses to lesser teams, the Devils are paying the price for all of their failings from October until now. From the long winless streak to start the season to the inability to string even three wins in a row more than once (tonight was another failure in that regard) to treading water with mediocre records month after month after month. It's not <i>just</i> losing to Calgary 0-1 or getting shutout ten times or dropping eleven points by shootouts; it's <i>all</i> of it.</p>
<p>I'm not going to lie to you and say this loss doesn't feel bad. I'm not exactly thrilled about writing these as much as you are about reading them. I'm also not going to lie to you and say the Devils played badly or anything like that. Possession isn't an excuse, it's the result of all of the things a team does in a game. The Devils did do many things right and expected from a team to win a hockey game. However, doing the right things doesn't necessarily mean you get the right result in hockey, sport, and perhaps even life. Tonight was just another harsh example.</p>
<p><b>The Game Stats: </b>The <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/GS021177.HTM" target="_blank">NHL.com Game Summary</a> | The <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/ES021177.HTM" target="_blank">NHL.com Event Summary</a> | The <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/PL021177.HTM" target="_blank">NHL.com Play by Play Log</a> | The <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/SS021177.HTM" target="_blank">NHL.com Shot Summary</a> | The <a href="http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20132014/TH021177.HTM" target="_blank">NHL.com Devils Time on Ice Log</a> | The <a href="http://www.extraskater.com/game/2014-04-07-flames-devils" target="_blank">Extra Skater Game Stats</a></p>
<p><b>The Opposition Opinion: </b><a href="http://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/2014/4/7/5591798/greene-with-envy-flames-1-devils-0" target="_blank">Kevin Kraczkowski at Matchsticks & Gasoline has this recap</a> should you want a Flames perspective.</p>
<p><b>The Game Highlights: </b>From <a href="http://www.nhl.com" target="_blank">NHL.com</a>, here are the highlights for this game:</p>
<p align="center"><iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2013021177-X-h" frameborder="0" width="640" height="395"></iframe></p>
<p><b>Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh: </b>Per Extra Skater's Game Stats.<b> </b>Devils out-shot the Flames 31-22 and 26-17 in 5-on-5 play. Attempts were 52-35 overall, 44-22 in 5-on-5 play. Again, the Devils bossed Calgary around. Yet, that doesn't guarantee a goal. For some, this means the Devils should, I don't know, get bossed around and somehow miracle a score like Toronto? I don't know.</p>
<p><b>The One Goal: </b>The Devils took multiple penalties and the last one was the one that did the damage. <span>Jon Merrill</span> slashed <span>Kenny Agostino</span> in the side while Agostino had a breakaway. The Devils did a very good job on the penalty kill until the very end at the start of the third period. <span>Mike Cammalleri</span> dumped it in. The puck eluded (or got knocked away by) <span>Sean Monahan</span> and <span>Mark Fayne</span>. <span>Jiri Hudler</span> picked it up, passed it back to <span>Mark Giordano</span>, who hammered in a wobbling puck. That was the goal.</p>
<p>Perhaps Cory Schneider should have stopped it as it appeared to be a clear shot. Perhaps the forwards on the kill - <span>Stephen Gionta</span> and <span>Travis Zajac</span> - should have been more aware of where Calgary's other skaters were as they were out of sorts. Perhaps Merrill shouldn't whack a guy who's well ahead of him on a breakaway.</p>
<p>Sadly, the PK was having an otherwise very good night. They killed a four-minute high sticking minor by Ryan Carter with poise; helped out by Ramo throwing a puck over the glass with about a minute left. They killed a later interference call by Carter, an ultimately unnecessary hit to deny Cammalleri a tiny chance at a breakaway as Fayne scooped up a loose puck.</p>
<p><b>De-Railed: </b>I'm not sure exactly what happened, but <span>Anton Volchenkov</span> didn't play at all in the third period. <span>Eric Gelinas</span> lined up on defense in the third for, well, little success. I suspect injury, which should mean those who wanted to see <span>Adam Larsson</span> in the lineup will get to see him rather soon.</p>
<p><b>The Slump: </b><span>Jaromir Jagr</span> dominated in possession, put up four shots, and pivoted around Calgary skaters countless times. No points in his last four games as a result. Like the team tonight, there is no doubt he was trying to break through. He took four shots, only <span>Andy Greene</span> had more with six. He stayed on for shifts to attack like a certain former #17 and it nearly paid off. He did what he could. Could he have done more in retrospect? Yeah, I don't know why he decided to pull that wraparound manuever <span>Marek Zidlicky</span> likes to do at least once a game a bunch of times. But even the top talent runs into cold streaks and, well, it appears Jagr's in one now.</p>
<p><b>Where Was</b> <b>The Truth?: </b>Gelinas amazingly was not on the ice for a single shot for in 5-on-5 play. His usage at forward was limited (and for the best, the make-shift fourths were the only line <i>not</i> to beat on Calgary in attempt differential) but he got more ice time on D due to Volchenkov's injury plus the need for offense as the third went on. He registered no shots on net in any situation; only three attempts total. While the Devils did hit Ramo from all over the place, a blistering slapshot from distance would have been real nice. Alas, it was not there.</p>
<p><b>Impressive: </b>As much as Calgary collapsed down a low over and over and over like a certain NY team, I have to give credit to Giordano, <span>Kris Russell</span>, and T.J. Brodin. I didn't know much about these three. They got to play a <i>lot</i> in their end tonight as each played over 25 minutes each. They made a lot of crucial interceptions, interventions, and defensive stops. While the Devils put up a lot (for them) on Ramo, they made it difficult - especially near the end of the game. I do think the Devils thought a bit too much when they should've been throwing anything and everything towards the net; a little too much of "look, look again, and then pass." But they helped make that happen. Normally, a defender getting wrecked in possession usually means they're in over their heads. But I have to say these three did very well.</p>
<p><b>Yes, This Was Ramo's Best Game: </b>He did have one shutout earlier, but I'm going to bet on the 31-save performance is above <a href="http://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/recap?id=2013020692" target="_blank">the 23-save performance against Carolina back in January.</a> I really hope so, at least.</p>
<p><b>A Thought: </b>Prior to the Washington game, I got the fortune to meet and chat with Ryan. He noted that many of the Devils forwards in the top nine are already under contract for 2014-15. As much as many fans will likely be glad or at least not unhappy to see Peter DeBoer go, I don't see how a different coach makes this crew shoot and score more. Tonight, the game plan was very successful. But the coach - who will ultimately pay for too many games like this one - can't make them score. The season's not over yet, but this is going to be a sticking point for this summer. Might as well bring it up now while I was thinking about it after the team's tenth shutout loss.</p>
<p><b>One More Thing: </b>The team record for shutout losses is 11. I really, really hope that doesn't get tied in these last three games.</p>
<p><b>Your Take: </b>Well, I want to know your take about this game. This is where I normally ask questions to tease some of you into thinking about certain aspects of the game. I don't think I have to for this one. It's pretty clear what the main points are: Devils attacked, didn't score a single goal, lost another game due to goalscoring problems. So please leave your thoughts in the comments.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone who followed along in the Gamethread as well as the one tweet with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/inlouwetrust">@InLouWeTrust</a> followed by a corrected tweet (I thought the loss was the team's ninth shut out loss, no, it's ten). Thank you for reading and I hope you stick around for at least the next three games if not throughout the impending offseason.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2014/4/8/5592640/for-the-tenth-time-new-jersey-devils-shut-out-defeated-by-calgaryJohn Fischer2014-04-07T18:00:02-04:002014-04-07T18:00:02-04:00Devils vs. Flames: Gamethread #79
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<p>This is the gamethread for today's game between the New Jersey Devils and the Calgary Flames. 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+; Radio - 880 AM WCBS</p>
<p><strong>The Matchup:</strong> The <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> (34-28-16) vs. The <a href="https://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/">Calgary Flames</a> (33-38-7; SBN Blog: <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/">Matchsticks And Gasoline.</a>)</p>
<p><strong>The Game Previews: </strong>Mike's preview from earlier <a href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2014/4/7/5589198/new-jersey-devils-vs-calgary-flames-game-preview-79">is right here.</a> For the opposition's point of view, feel free to drop by <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/">Matchsticks And Gasoline.</a></p>
<p><strong>The Song for Tonight: </strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BwnMxypfjI">"Who Tends The Fire" by Overkill.</a> Devils versus Flames. Who indeed will tend the fire this very night?</p>
<p><strong><span><strong>Gameday Info</strong><span>: </span></span></strong><span><span>Cory Schneider</span> will once again get the start in net for the Devils. Patrik Elias, <span>Adam Henrique</span>,<span>Ryane Clowe</span> and <span>Jacob Josefson</span> remain out for New Jersey.<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.</span></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/2014/4/7/5590726/new-jersey-devils-vs-calgary-flames-gamethread-79JT Sroka2014-04-07T07:00:02-04:002014-04-07T07:00:02-04:00Devils vs. Flames: Game Preview #79
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<figcaption>Derek Leung</figcaption>
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<p>The Calgary Flames will visit Newark on Monday night as the Devils will try to get their third straight victory to keep up the pressure on Columbus in the Eastern Conference wild card race.</p> <p>Just the latest in a long stretch of "most important game of the year" matchups for the Devils.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph1"><b>The Time: </b>7:00 PM EST</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph2"><b>The Broadcast: </b>TV - MSG+; Radio - WCBS 880 AM</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph3"><b>The Matchup: </b>The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Devils</a> (34-28-16) vs. the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/">Calgary Flames</a> (33-38-7; SBN Blog: Matchsticks and Gasoline)</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>The Last Devils Game:</b> On Saturday, a hobbled Devils team went down to Raleigh for the second half of a back-to-back needing a win to continue to hang around in the playoff race. What followed was a strong effort by the skaters and the goaltender in a tight game to pull out a crucial 3-1 victory. With Patrik Elias, <span>Adam Henrique</span>, and <span>Jacob Josefson</span> all going down the prior night against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Capitals</a>, and <span>Ryane Clowe</span> still sidelined with likely another concussion, the Devils' lineup was more-or-less held together with duct tape. The surviving players put up a great effort, though, and the Devils won another close one. <span>Dainius Zubrus</span> chipped in two goals, including an empty netter to give him three in April after going goalless for the entirety of February and March. <span>Travis Zajac</span> broke a 1-1 tie when he deflected a <span>Marek Zidlicky</span> shot and the puck trickled in behind Anton Khudobin. The Devils would hold the Canes off the scoreboard the rest of the way to secure the win. <span>Cory Schneider</span> was impressive and stopped all but one Carolina shot in the game. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2014/4/5/5586168/not-dead-yet-new-jersey-devils-grind-carolina-hurricanes-down-in-3-1">John had the recap of the win, which moved the Devils temporarily within 1 point of the second wild card, here.</a></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>The Last Flames Game:</b> The Flames took on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.litterboxcats.com/">Panthers</a> in a game that was about as meaningless as they come. With both teams long removed from the playoff picture, this was a game that had few implications beyond draft position and pride. The Flames emerged victorious despite being heavily outshot and outpossessed by Florida in the game. All three goals were were scored in the first 6+ minutes of the second period as the game would end 2-1 with <span>Mike Cammalleri</span> tallying the game-winner for Calgary. <span>Joey MacDonald</span> stopped 34 of 35 to get the win. Matchsticks and Gasoline apparently (and perhaps fairly) deemed this game unworthy of a recap, <a target="_blank" href="http://flames.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/recap?id=2013021156">so here's the summary from NHL.com.</a></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>The Last Devils-Flames Game:</b> The last Devils-Flames matchup came all the way back on October 11th in the 5th game of the season. It also doubled as the 5th Devils loss of the season during their extended struggles coming out of the gate. It was a lackluster performance by the Devils, particularly in the 3rd period when the Devils appeared to just try to ride out regulation. Being hemmed in their own end for the entire third in a tie game proved to be an ineffective strategy as they would end up losing 3-2 in regulation. <span>Sean Monahan</span> broke the deadlock following a Zidlicky/Salvador defensive breakdown left him uncovered on the doorstep. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2013/10/12/4830020/winless-in-five-new-jersey-devils-fall-to-calgary-flames-3-2">John recapped the lackluster performance here</a>.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>The Goal:</b> Beyond the obvious "win a game against a team with nothing to play for" I'd say the goal here is to get pucks on net as much as you can. The last time these two teams played, the Devils had an inordinate amount of their attempts blocked, leading to them only getting 21 shots on goal. Calgary's goaltending is not very good (to put it generously), as they are holding down <a target="_blank" href="http://www.extraskater.com/teams/on-ice?type=total&dir=reverse&sort=save_pct&sit=ev">the league's worst even-strength save percentage at the moment</a>. <span>Karri Ramo</span> has actually gotten his save percentage up to a respectable .911 on the season but he's still a journeyman guy with a career .902 and he's probably the best they've got. Joey MacDonald and <span>Joni Ortio</span> have both spent most of their seasons with Abbotsford of the AHL and have save percentages in the low .890s in limited NHL time. So no matter who gets the net for Calgary, the Devils should force them to make saves whenever they get the opportunity.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>Walking Wounded:</b> The Devils were playing with a skeleton crew down the stretch against Washington and iced a far from optimal lineup against Carolina, but they managed to pull both games out in the end. They will likely have to do the same tonight as it seems like most, if not all, of the Clowe/Elias/Henrique/Josefson group will remain sidelined. <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/elias_henrique_josefson_clowe_all_day_by_day_devils_staying_even_keel_on_playoff_push/">Lou Lamoriello somehow offered even less insight than usual when he was asked about the injuries, saying only that they are "taking it day-by-day" with everyone</a>. <span>Bryce Salvador</span> will also remain sidelined with his groin injury, for what it's worth.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>The Chase Continues:</b> The Devils continue to hang around on the edge of the playoff picture and actually pulled within one point of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.jacketscannon.com/">Blue Jackets</a> for 8th on Saturday. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Flyers</a> also looked to possibly be within striking distance as the Devils pulled to three points behind them at the same time. Columbus stretched their lead back to three points with their 4-0 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Islanders</a> last night and Philly moved 5 points up with a 5-2 waxing of Buffalo. The Devils will have a chance to close to back within one of Columbus with a victory versus Calgary. The Devils put themselves back in it this weekend with their back-to-back wins, but they still probably need to win out to have a good chance at getting in (though 3-0-1 gives them a roughly 50/50 shot, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NHL/Eastern/Metropolitan/NewJersey.html">according to SportsClubStats</a>).</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>Their Gio Is Really Good:</b> It's another lost season in Calgary, but their expectations were about as low as any team's going into the season. One of the major bright spots for them has been the quiet dominance of their top defensive pairing and, specifically, the emergence of Mark Giordano. You could make a pretty decent case for Giordano being a legitimate Norris contender at this point. While Calgary has one of the worst Corsi rates in the league, they are a completely different team with Giordano on the ice. Their overall 47.6 CF% becomes an impressive <a target="_blank" href="http://www.extraskater.com/player/416/mark-giordano">54.0% when Giordano is out there</a>. Add in the fact that he has put up 45 points in 60 games and you have a recipe for a defender who is among the tops in the league. It looks like Calgary may have found themselves a very solid cornerstone for their defense going forward.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>Calgary Not Rolling Over:</b> Despite the Flames being essentially done in the playoff race since December, they have actually been playing some pretty solid hockey over the past month. It may not be the best thing for their draft position, but regardless, they have been solid since the Olympic break. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.extraskater.com/team/calgary-flames/2013#rolling-10-game-5v5-close-ff">Their rolling 10-game close-score Fenwick graph at Extra Skater illustrates their improvement of late</a>. This improvement has helped lead them to an 11-8-0 record since the beginning of March. So despite them not being a great team generally speaking, they are playing decent hockey (largely thanks to Giordano) and definitely should not be overlooked.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>Keep Rolling With Him:</b> Cory Schneider has regained his form after a lull in early March and has been a big part of keeping the Devils in it over the past week. He has now given up five goals total in this last five appearances. One has to figure DeBoer will keep starting the right guy, given his impressive play of late.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>Big Guns Need a Big Game: </b>With so many injuries throughout the lineup, the Devils will need a good game out of their best line as much as ever. Presumably, <span>Jaromir Jagr</span>, Travis Zajac, and <span>Tuomo Ruutu</span> will find themselves together again, and hopefully they can do what they are capable of doing. I expect a strong performance out of them with the Devils' backs up against the wall.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>Three In A Row?</b>: Please? Is it really so much to ask?</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b>Final Thoughts:</b> Another day, another essential must-win situation for the Devils. It's surely exhausting to deal with, but it's the position they have put themselves in with the litany of earlier missed opportunities. They really gutted out some nice wins over the weekend and quietly have gathered points in each of their last seven games. The push continues tonight and hopefully the Devils can collect another two crucial points at the Rock. Comment with your thoughts on tonight's game below and thanks for reading. Let's go Devils.</p>
https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2014/4/7/5589198/new-jersey-devils-vs-calgary-flames-game-preview-79Mike Stromberg