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Sunday afternoon the New Jersey Devils put forth a strong effort against the Columbus Blue Jackets but, as has been the case in 12 of the last 13 games, left the ice without two points in their pockets.
A few notes:
1) I know the NHL is a results driven business and nobody cares about moral victories but, at this point in the season, I don't think yesterday's game could have gone much better.
From the word go the Devils were the better team at 5v5. They had some pep in their step and out-attempted, outshot and out-chanced a Columbus team that is tied for the league lead in wins. Thanks to a couple penalty shot goals the Devils still managed to lose in regulation but there were a lot of positives in their performance.
2) As mentioned above, the Devils were the better side at 5v5 and that was in large part due to the play of the Joseph Blandisi - Adam Henrique - Beau Bennett line.
The sample size is small but that trio has been very good together. Blandisi and Bennett have kicked their production up a notch and also helped smooth out some of Henrique's struggles in possession.
3) I have liked Blandisi's work as a net-front presence on the power play. He is not a big guy that easily screens goaltenders, however, he is very feisty and causes a lot of commotion around the net. He also has the hands and skill to make plays with little wiggle room.
As a whole, I've been impressed with his play of late and it's clear I'm not alone. John Hynes has given Blandisi at least 14:58 of ice time in five straight games. Blandisi played that much just once in his first 14 games so he's being rewarded for his efforts.
4) I know the Devils dressed seven defensemen, but Severson being 4th in minutes and playing less at 5v5 than Dalton Prout seems questionable. Severson is actually going to be around for the long haul and could use the minutes to help develop. If you're going to cut minutes of established players, cut minutes for older guys.
5) John Quenneville has an assist and seven shots on goal in less than 30 minutes over the last two games. So far he is making the most of his opportunity with the big club.
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