A few New Jersey Devils news and notes:
1) Things haven't been pretty for Devante Smith-Pelly since his incredible run of riding the percentages reached its end. Last night he recorded just one shot and one scoring chance despite playing more than four minutes on the power play and he failed to record a point for the fifth time in six games. I think it's a good thing that this rough patch has come up as it will hopefully show management that he is not a long-term solution in the top-6. He's a useful player and can fill in over short periods of time if necessary but he can't be relied upon for consistent production.
2) I don't love a team that struggles to create offense scratching one of the speedier and more prolific offensive players on the team in Joseph Blandisi but I can get behind it as long as it's a one-game thing. He hasn't been as effective offensively of late and his defensive game isn't strong enough at the NHL level to warrant a regular shift if he's not creating.
3) The Devils held the Sabres to just seven even-strength scoring chances (tied for fewest they've allowed all season) and didn't allow a high-danger scoring chance at 5 v 5 for the first time all season. They may not have generated much offense themselves but they gave up nothing.
4) Devils prospects Pavel Zacha and Josh Jacobs saw their season come to an end on Tuesday night as the No. 2 seeded Sarnia Sting were upset in Game 7 by the Soo Greyhounds.
Zacha had an excellent series finishing with six goals, 13 points and 29 shots while Jacobs contributed five assists from the back end.
It seems likely Zacha will sign an amateur tryout (ATO) and join the Albany Devils for the stretch run.
5) While a pair of Devils prospects were eliminated from playoff contention there are a handful that will be moving on to the 2nd round of the CHL playoffs.
Blake Speers scored and added four shots in Soo's Game 7 victory while fellow Greyhound (and Devils prospect) Colton White was held off the scoresheet. Up next for them will be the Erie Otters.
Meanwhile Mackenzie Blackwood had an impressive Game 7 showing as he stopped 22-23 in Barrie's 5-1 win over the Mississauga Steelheads. The Colts will play the North Bay Battalion in the 2nd round.
Last but not least we have John Quenneville who recorded a pair of assists in Brandon's blowout victory (10-3) over Edmonton in Game 6 to advance to the 2nd round.
Quenneville had a terrific series tallying four goals - including two shorty's - and nine points in six games.
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