The New Jersey Devils can feel good about themselves entering the holiday break.
They weren't at their best on Tuesday night but they rode a hot start to a much needed win in Detroit and now sit within one point of a wild card spot.
Some notes on their win over the Red Wings:
1) One thing I've liked about the Devils over the last couple games is their willingness to play with an edge and stand up for themselves. They're not the biggest or most physical group but against Boston and Detroit things were very heated at times and the Devils rose to the challenge rather than allowing others to push them around. If they make the playoffs they're going to be involved in physical, grind-it-out-type games so it's encouraging that they're winning them now.
2) The Devils were caved in from the word go in terms of even-strength shot attempts but they did an excellent job of keeping the Red Wings out of danger areas.
At 5 v 5 the Devils had just 17 shot attempts but six high-danger chances (35%). The Red Wings had 32 shot attempts but just four high-danger chances (12%).
If you're getting the better of the chances and have Cory Schneider between the pipes (aka the goaltending advantage almost every night) you're going to win a fair share of games.
3) Kyle Palmieri tallied another two points last night giving him 14 goals and 27 points in 35 games on the year. He's playing his way into a real nice contract extension; one the Devils will surely be happy to give him.
4) Sergei Kalinin: game-winning-goal, three shots (tied for the team-high) and an important blocked shot while defending the lead. It was nice to see him get some ice late in important situations but even so there was not one Devils forward who played less at 5 v 5. I'd like to see him get a little more ice.
5) The Devils were hellbent on generating shot attempts from danger areas at 5 v 5; point shots need not apply.
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