Some thoughts on the New Jersey Devils' impressive win over the Calgary Flames:
1) The Devils beat the Arizona Coyotes a few days back but they were severely out played, out chanced and really didn't deserve the win. That was certainly not the case against the Flames.
The game was close because the Devils struggled with discipline and gave up a couple power play goals as a result but they definitely deserved the two points.
At 5 v 5 the Devils were decisively better out attempting the Flames 46-32 and out chancing them 26-20 (15-11 in terms of high-danger chances).
Cory Schneider was very good as per usual but in this case he isn't the biggest reason the Devils won. They played very well in front of him.
2) Another game, another impressive showing from Joseph Blandisi. He had a couple excellent chances early on and seemed to create opportunities for his teammates every shift. He was also effective at driving play up ice and gaining the line with possession.
Blandisi has no time for your neutral zone defense. https://t.co/JlU4r0JGBn
— Todd Cordell (@ToddCordell) January 20, 2016Blandisi finished the night with two shots, two high-danger chances, three shot attempts and five hits while bringing fans out of their seats in the process. He's not going back to Albany if he continues playing like this.
Joseph Blandisi is fun to watch. https://t.co/WjT3JK3A8J
— Todd Cordell (@ToddCordell) January 20, 20163) Another A-Devil making an impact with the big club is Reid Boucher. In just his second game since being recalled he scored on a net drive and picked up a nice assist on Adam Larsson's goal.
Boucher has two goals, an assist, five scoring chances and six shots in the last two games. He and Blandisi have really given the Devils' offense a much needed shot in the arm.
4) With Mike Cammalleri back in the lineup the Cammalleri - Adam Henrique - Lee Stempniak line was put back together by John Hynes and, well, they picked up right where they left off.
The line finished positive in possession - despite defending a lead for the final 40 minutes - and combined for four points, eight scoring chances and 11 shot attempts.
There was also this.
Adam Henrique gives Dennis Wideman a seat. https://t.co/QgpWSC4Sbd
— Todd Cordell (@ToddCordell) January 20, 20165) Adam Larsson deserves praise for another strong showing against the Flames. He had a game-high plus-14 shot attempt differential at even-strength and also chipped in offensively with a goal and an assist. He quietly has six points in his last six games.
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