1) I just can't say enough about how well Damon Severson is playing right now. He is making smart decisions with the puck, he's not pinching if nobody is there to cover, he's transitioning the puck out of the defensive zone quickly and his positioning, gap control and spacing is a lot better than it has been in years past. He has always had a lot of potential and it sure seems like he is finally reaching it.
Right now I think he is playing better hockey with Andy Greene than Adam Larsson did a year ago - and that's not a knock on the latter. Greene and Larsson did start more of their shifts in the defensive zone than Greene and Severson are, however, they're still playing top competition and are getting much better results in terms of shot attempts and scoring chances.
The Devils needed Severson to step into Larsson's shoes and at least hold his own. To this point you could make a good case he's been even better.
2) How much of an impact is the new blood making offensively? In short: a lot.
The Devils' leaders in five-on-five shots per 60 minutes played: Taylor Hall, P.A. Parenteau, Nick Lappin, Beau Bennett, Devante Smith-Pelly and Yohann Auvitu.
Five of those six are new to the team this season and all six players are guys that Ray Shero brought in since taking over as GM.
The new guys are doing their part. The Devils just need Kyle Palmieri, Adam Henrique and co. to get going.
3) An encouraging stat: the Devils are averaging ~.30 more goals per 60 at five-on-five this season and many of their guys are scoring on an unsustainably low percentage of their shots.
Hall has one goal on 35 shots (2.86%). Palmieri has one goal on 18 shots (5.56%). Bennett hasn't scored on 16 shots. Auvitu hasn't scored on 22 shots. Pavel Zacha has one goal on 16 shots (6.25%). Travis Zajac has one goal on 17 shots (5.88%). You get the point.
When these guys start getting some bounces the Devils should be in good shape.