After a pair of disappointing losses the New Jersey Devils rebounded in a big way Saturday afternoon with a 2-0 win over the Arizona Coyotes.
Notes:
1) The Devils were far from their best against Arizona - I don't think they played well at all - but they were still able to walk away with a much needed win.
Why? Cory Schneider was dominant once again. Schneider stopped 38-of-38 and made a plethora of 10-bell saves to keep the Coyotes off the scoresheet.
If the Devils make the playoffs he should be seriously considered for the Hart Trophy. The Devils don't score much, they've dealt with a ton of injuries and their possession numbers aren't good yet they continue to win their fair share of games. Schneider is the biggest reason for that and it's about time he gets the recognition he deserves.
2) It's pretty crazy to think the Devils registered a shutout win in what may have been their worst game of the season.
Playing against a team that struggles in possession the Devils were out shot 38-16(!) and out attempted 96-31 (54-18 at 5 v 5). The Devils were significantly out played but they say goaltending is the great equalizer and that was certainly the case in this game.
3) Reid Boucher gave the Devils' offense a much needed shot in the arm against the Coyotes. He scored the game-winning-goal, had two shots, three shot attempts and led the team in power play time on ice.
Boucher possesses an excellent release and we saw it on his goal. It's nice that he used it with confidence and didn't hesitate to put pucks on net. The Devils don't generate many shots or goals so they can certainly use every bit of offense they can get from him.
4) Joseph Blandisi didn't muster up a ton of offense but he was disruptive on the forecheck, picked up an assist on New Jersey's second goal and was the team's 4th best forward in possession despite not starting a single shift in the offensive zone at even-strength.
5) Adam Larsson recorded another assist against the Coyotes, which gives him four assists in his last five games after tallying seven points in his first 41 games of the season. Larsson is by no means a prolific offensive player, and probably never will be, but he certainly has the talent to produce more than he did in the first half of the season.
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