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The New Jersey Devils closed out preseason on a high note as they beat the Philadelphia Flyers for the second time in as many games.
It took almost half the game for the Devils to break through and beat Steve Mason, but once they did they never looked back en route to a 4-1 win.
Some thoughts on the game:
- Make no mistake about it: the Devils dominated throughout the entire game. New Jersey had 24 more shot attempts than Philadelphia at even strength and only one Flyers player had a positive Corsi rating. That player was Michael Raffl, who had a +1 rating.
- I thought Bryce Salvador was having a strong game, but when I looked at the numbers I was shocked. He had a +18 Corsi rating at even-strength in 17:28. Salvador was on for 20 shot attempts for and just two against in that amount of time. Think about that. Two shot attempts, not registered shots, in over 17 minutes.
- Perhaps the biggest positive for the Devils this preseason has been the play of Adam Larsson. He looks a lot more poised and confident with the puck and is making plays almost every shift. He's skating with the puck more frequently, using his body to rub players off the puck and overall looks like a much better player.
Larsson has logged over 20 minutes of ice every game he's played and last night he led all Devils skaters in ice time with 21:34.
It looks like Pete DeBoer is finally taking the leash off Larsson and letting him do his thing.
- Jacob Josefson had another strong two-way game. His positioning defensively was excellent and he used his creativity in the offensive zone to generate a lot of chances. Like Salvador, Josefson was on for just two shot attempts for and finished with a +12 rating in that regard.
- Stephen Gionta played less than every Devils player - including Cam Janssen. I actually thought Gionta played pretty well but he did only win 40% of his faceoffs. Considering he's not getting much ice and is on a two-way contract, I wouldn't be surprised to see him sent to Albany - at least to start the season.
- Cory Schneider's preseason save percentage: .988. He's been absolutely spectacular for the Devils and if he's remotely close to as good in the regular season, the Devils will win a lot of games. With Schneider and Martin Brodeur, I think it's safe to say that the Devils have one of the best goaltending duos in the NHL.
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Devils cut nine; Eric Gelinas, Jon Merrill among them.
Devils sign Damien Brunner to two-year deal.
Pete DeBoer has an interesting perspective on line combinations.
Eastern Conference playoff predictions.
Western Conference playoff predictions.
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