A few thoughts on a surprising New Jersey Devils team that is currently holding down a playoff spot in an ultra competitive division:
1) At full-strength the Devils have been remarkably stingy when it comes to suppressing shot attempts and scoring chances ranking 1st in both categories.
Note: sorted from left to right by least scoring chances allowed per 60. The top-6 teams in that regard have been graphed.
The Devils don't generate much offensively at full-strength - they're 4th last in 5 vs 5 goals for - but they've been betting on solid team defense and Cory Schneider to win them games and so far it's paying off.
2) They may not get much recognition but the play of the Mike Cammalleri - Adam Henrique - Lee Stempniak line has been nothing short of spectacular.
To put it nicely other teams are taking it on the chin when that trio is on the ice as they've generated 56% of all scoring chances at 5 vs 5 and have combined for 45 points through 17 games.
As surprising as it may sound they have been one of the better lines in the league this season.
3) Cory Schneider is 4th among 25 eligible goaltenders (10+ starts) in save percentage as he is stopping .928% of the shots he faces. He owns a .926SV% for his career so it's not like he's playing at an unsustainably high level right now. He's a legitimate star between the pipes.
4) There are no easy games in today's NHL but the Devils' schedule is about to hit a soft spot.
In the next 10 games they face a team currently holding a playoff spot just three times and one of those games is against a Vancouver Canucks team that has won just seven of their 18 games.
The Devils have a good opportunity to really bank some points here. They need to take advantage of it.
Prospect Updates 1) After posting a .971SV% or better in four consecutive starts Mackenzie Blackwood was shelled in Barrie's 7-3 loss to North Bay allowing four goals on 13 shots prior to being pulled. Despite his rough outing Blackwood is still 12-6-0 on the year and owns a .927 save percentage.
2) Blake Speers tallied an assist in a losing effort to Windsor. He's up to 19 points in 20 games on the year.
Colton White was held pointless and had one shot in the loss.
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