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The New Jersey Devils' offense (predictably) broke out in a big way as they found the net early and often in their 5-3 win over the Arizona Coyotes.
The Devils conceded the game's first goal before scoring three unanswered to give themselves a comfortable two goal lead heading into the 3rd period. They managed to blow it but, thanks to Travis Zajac, still picked up a much needed two points.
The Good
- Pavel Zacha was hemmed in the defensive zone for a couple shifts later on in the game, which is why he lost a couple shifts alongside Taylor Hall while defending the lead, but overall he had a very strong performance. He smartly kicked the puck to Hall on a scrummed faceoff for the team's first goal and made a nice play in the neutral zone to get Hall the puck on his second goal. Zacha has a heavy shot but he is a very capable playmaker, too, and last night was a perfect example of that. John Hynes will be careful of giving Zacha too much, too soon but it's clear that he is capable of contributing right now. I think it's probably safe to say he's going to stick around for the long haul.
- Hall has been everything the Devils could have hoped for and more thus far. In six games he has five goals, which puts him in a tie for 3rd in the NHL, and 25 shots (4.16 per game). The Devils brought him in to score goals and be a reliable offensive threat. He has certainly been that.
- Damon Severson continues to look better and better each time out. He is playing with a lot of confidence right now and finally isn't hesitating to try and make plays with the puck. He had a couple nice rushes last night and his passing, for the most part, was very good. We know he has the tools to produce offensively but he is looking a lot more comfortable on the defensive side of the puck as well. There are still some things he'll have to work on but the Devils have to be happy with what they've seen from him thus far.
- The Devils out attempted the Coyotes 11-6 at 5 v 5 with the Yohann Auvitu - Ben Lovejoy pairing on the ice and 16-10 with the John Moore - Kyle Quincey pairing out there. It was only one game but for the first time this year the Devils had at least adequate play from all three pairings. In games prior the Moore - Lovejoy pairing was being caved in. Hynes was smart to shake things up.
The Bad
- I'm not sure what is going on but Mike Cammalleri hasn't looked himself this year. He has been a little too prone to turnovers, he hasn't been shooting the puck overly well and he has been one of the Devils' worst players in possession on a pretty routine basis. It's still early, and he is coming back from a long-term injury, but the Devils need more from him.
- Blowing a two goal lead in the 3rd period. Scoring hasn't come easy for the Devils this season so the last thing they can afford to do is throw leads away when they do get them.
- Vern Fiddler playing more than Kyle Palmieri, P.A. Parenteau, Beau Bennett and Mike Cammalleri, among others.
Stat Of The Game
Hall led Devils forwards in ice time by more than three minutes. The Devils are really milking him for all he is worth.
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