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Since the Devils' 2013-14 campaign concluded, I've dove into a lot of data including scoring chance numbers.

Generally your scoring chance percentage at even strength is similar to your possession numbers, but like with everything, there are exceptions.

I recently posted the scoring chance numbers for Devils blue liners. They more or less confirmed what we knew: Andy Greene and Mark Fayne are excellent, and that Eric Gelinas still needs some work defensively 5 vs 5.

I graphed the scoring chance numbers for Devils' forwards and here are the results.



The first thing that stands out when looking at that chart is how good the Devils are at controlling play and generating scoring chances. Jacob Josefson's the only forward on the team that's on the ice for more scoring chances against than for. Considering his possession numbers are relatively good (a little over 50%) it's somewhat surprising to see such poor scoring chance numbers relative to the team, considering possession and SC% seem to correlate more often than not.

Travis Zajac and Jaromir Jagr are on a planet of their own, which isn't surprising. Dainius Zubrus is a little higher than I expected, though it makes sense considering he rode Zajac and Jagr's coattails for much of the season. I think the same can be said about Michael Ryder being so close to Adam Henrique, although he had chances all year and simply couldn't finish.

I've defended Pete DeBoer since day 1, but the more I look at the numbers, the more I find myself impressed by his work. Having every regular up front generate at least 50% of the scoring chances at evens is impressive to say the least.

I have said it before and I'll say it again: he's an excellent coach, and Lou Lamoriello was smart to bring him back.

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New Jersey Devils 13-14 season awards

New Jersey Devils 13-14 season awards

On Pete DeBoer, scoring chances, and possession

On Pete DeBoer and how low event hockey helps the Devils

Western Conference playoff predictions

Eastern Conference playoff predictions

Could George McPhee end up in New Jersey?

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