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The New Jersey Devils dropped their fourth consecutive game in Chicago on Thursday night.
Despite a solid performance from Taylor Hall in his return to the lineup and a hat trick from Travis Zajac, the Devils were only able to collect one point at the United Center.
The Devils now have just three wins in 14 games away from home ice. Luckily for them, they're the only team without a regulation loss in their own building. That's what is keeping them afloat right now.
The Good
- Hall didn't look rusty at all after missing the last couple weeks. His speed was a factor from the word go and he helped create several quality chances, especially in the first period when the Devils were really taking it to Chicago. The Devils missed his presence.
- Zajac was once again one of the best players on the ice. He was strong on the puck down low and the Devils were all over the Blackhawks pretty much every time he touched the ice. Zajac finished with three goals, six shots and strong numbers in possession. A case can be made he's been the team's best player thus far.
- Miles Wood and Nick Lappin once again were impactful playing in bottom-6 roles. They caused all kinds of havoc on the forecheck and were able to force several turnovers in the breakout to earn extra possessions. Both players will be here to stay if they continue playing this way.
The Bad
- The Devils were dominant in the opening 20 minutes but only had a 1-0 lead to show for it. They took a couple bad penalties and that kind of took the wind out of their sails. It ended up costing them.
- Cory Schneider is not playing his best hockey right now. In saying that, the Devils' defense is certainly making life as difficult on him as they can. There have routinely been blown coverages that led to breakaways, odd man rushes, and players wide open in the slot. Schneider has also been screened by his own teammates numerous times over the last few games. When your goaltender is struggling you need to sharpen up and make things easier on him. That's not happening and the Devils are losing games as a result.
- Last night marked the eighth consecutive game the Devils have allowed three or more goals. I don't know when the last time they had a run like that was, but I know it doesn't happen often.
- Ben Lovejoy, Kyle Quincey and John Moore each played 4-5 minutes more than Andy Greene and Damon Severson. That should never happen.
Stat Of The Game
With Zajac on the ice at 5v5, the Devils won the high-danger scoring chance battle 6-1.
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