Six takeaways from the 6-2 thrashing the New Jersey Devils put on the Buffalo Sabres:
1) One thing that was very apparent from watching the Devils live (I made the trip to Buffalo) is how much team speed they have. Their forwards closed quickly on the forecheck and were able to put all kinds of pressure on the Sabres' defense, which led to turnovers, Grade A chances, and goals. Coupled with tight gaps, constant backside pressure didn't allow the Sabres to breathe in the neutral zone so they were forced to dump it in a *ton* and throw away possession after possession.
2) While the shots were fairly even -- the Devils outshot the Sabres 31-25 -- the game was not. As mentioned above, the Sabres were smothered in the neutral zone and couldn't create offense with any consistency. After allowing 27 chances at 5v5 opening day vs Colorado, the Devils allowed just 12 against the Sabres and didn't sacrifice offense to do so (they had no problem getting good looks around the net, as you'll see below).
3) Jesper Bratt continues to impress each and every night, and not just because his name frequently appears on the scoresheet (although that doesn't hurt). His speed is a big factor and he is already one of the best defensive players on the team, which is crazy to say. In 11:18 of 5v5 ice the Devils allowed just two chances and only Brian Gibbons played more on a penalty kill that scored as many goals as they allowed.
As each game passes, it becomes less and less likely he'll be returned to London. He's making too much of an impact at both ends of the ice.
4) Nico Hischier is as quick and fluent with the puck on his stick as without it and he is so advanced for a player of his age. He's always in position defensively and established defensemen are already having a tough time containing him. I'm glad I was in attendance to see his first career point.
What a set up from Nico Hischier for his first NHL point pic.twitter.com/nGOGuxPbxM
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) October 9, 2017
5) Credit where its due: Brian Gibbons was fantastic. The whole 4th line was good, but he led the charge. He had a goal, an assist, a game-high six(!) even-strength chances, and was the team's leader in time on ice while down a man. Every time he was on the ice the Devils were able to dictate play, which is something I never thought I'd say.
6) There were a lot of positives but, once again, the Mirco Mueller - Steve Santini pairing was not among them. They had a tough game at 5v5 and, while it's still early, their numbers together are not exactly encouraging.
If they don't settle in soon, they'll need to be split up or opposing teams will target them with their best players on a nightly basis.