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Devils 4, Rangers 3: Five takeaways from a close victory in New York

September 19, 2019, 10:47 AM ET [59 Comments]
Todd Cordell
New Jersey Devils Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
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Five takeaways from New Jersey vs New York:

1. Mikhail Maltsev made a statement

Maltsev has long been everyone’s favorite sleeper prospect to one day make it as a regular with the Devils. He showed why last night. Maltsev was excellent protecting the puck down low and fighting through contact in open ice (see his highlight reel goal). He also drove play, leading the team in Corsi (64.71%) and Expected Goals (65.80%) while finishing with a plus-2 differential at 5v5.

Despite his incredible goal, I don’t think his offensive ceiling is sky high. He does have good hands for a player of his stature, though, and should be able to chip in on occasion when he does make the big club. I still expect him to go back to Binghamton for some seasoning but performances like last night’s definitely increase the chances of him becoming one of the priority call-ups.

2. We’re being too hard on Ty Smith

Ty Smith was a 1st round pick, almost made the team out of camp last year, and went on to put up a billion points in the WHL. I get expectations are high; especially now that he is anything but a long shot to make the team. Even so, I’ve seen some way too critical #taeks about his performance thus far. Has he been spectacular? No. His ‘struggles’ are being over-exaggerated, though.

Beyond the mix up when Cory Schneider came out to play the puck – can he stop doing that? – Smith was actually good. His breakouts were accurate. He recorded as many 5v5 shot contributions (4) as anyone in the top-4. Smith finished with a 52 CF% in a game the Devils posted a 45.33 CF%, and was also one of just three Devils to finish with an xGF above 50%. Let’s stop pretending he looked like a fish out of water out there.

3. Nico SZN is coming

Nico Hischier continues to look like somebody heading for a monster breakout season. He led the Devils in shot contributions for the second consecutive game – shocker! – and potted a nice deflection goal early on.

Hischier seemed to have instant chemistry with Nikita Gusev. They connected on some really nice plays and Nico’s up-tempo style didn’t seem to be an issue for Gusev, who is not a burner. Be it Hall or Gusev on his left wing (I’m guessing more the former than the latter), I have no doubt Hischier will be able to fill the scoresheet with regularity this year. He looks goooooood.

4. A step back for Michael McLeod

The good news: McLeod finished tied for 2nd on the team in 5v5 shot contributions and was not afraid to throw his weight around or mix it up physically.

The bad news: McLeod’s contributions weren’t on dangerous shots and he was caved in to the extreme.

With McLeod on the ice at 5v5, the Devils were out-attempted 17-7 and they controlled *checks notes* 18.91% of the Expected Goals. Not great!

5. The Devils still can’t stop Panarin

Death, taxes, and Panarin lighting up the Devils like a Christmas tree every time they meet. Preseason or not, this guy lives to play against New Jersey. He exited the game early due to a groin strain but not before making his usual impact. He rifled one home on the power play, was moving the puck around with pinpoint accuracy, and picked up five shot attempts.

Data dump

Below are the 5v5 shot contribution numbers (sorted by line and pairing).





numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com

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