Some off day thoughts as the New Jersey Devils get set to host the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night:
1) The Devils are tied for a wild card spot right now because their top line has been incredible and Cory Schneider stands on his head every night but they need a lot more from their bottom-6 or they're not going to remain in the hunt for very long.
I don't think Mike Cammalleri will produce more than a point per game the rest of the way and Adam Henrique and Lee Stempniak will probably slow down a bit, too.
That means someone else will have to pick them up.
Brian O'Neill has two points in 21 games. Jordan Tootoo has four points in 28 games. Bobby Farnham has four points in 16 games (0 in his last eight). Stephen Gionta has three points in 28 games. Sergei Kalinin has shown flashes but has just four points in 26 games.
Those guys will be relied upon less when Travis Zajac, Jiri Tlusty (who could play tomorrow) and even Tuomo Ruutu return but for the time being the Devils don't have many options.
2) Schneider is 12-7-4 with a .926 save percentage and 2.10 goals against average on the year. He's posted a .920SV% or better in 14 of his last 16 and owns a .932SV% in that span.
I know it's early but if Schneider continues his stellar play - there's no reason to believe he can't - and the Devils somehow grab a playoff spot he should not only be a serious candidate for the Vezina but also the Hart Trophy.
The Devils would probably sit near the bottom of the league without him.
3) John Moore has quietly played some excellent hockey of late; and not just because his point totals have increased (he has seven points in his last seven games).
Over the last seven games the Devils generate 47.6% of the shot attempts with Moore on the ice at 5 v 5 and just 43.3% without him.
His improved play is reflective in the scoring chance numbers, too, as the Devils are getting a 50% share with Moore on the ice and 45.9% without him.
I liked the Moore signing from the get go and it has proven to be a good one.
4) With Travis Zajac and Adam Henrique both banged up the Devils have elected to recall Joseph Blandisi from Albany.
I know the Devils wanted to have him develop there for most of the season (if not all of it) but he's played very well and is deserving of the shot.
Hopefully he can make the most of it.
Recent Posts Schneider steals Devils a point against Maple Leafs