Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
1. One thing I really like about Joey Anderson, beyond his forechecking ability and work ethic, is that he doesn't hesitate to shoot the puck. Taylor Hall, Miles Wood, and Blake Coleman are the only Devils averaging more shot attempts/60. My data sample isn't as large for Anderson as some others – he didn't play in a couple games I tracked – but he's 2nd among top-9 forwards in the percentage of shot contributions that are, well, shots. That number currently sits at 73.68%. Only Blake Coleman (74.19%) has a higher percentage of his shot contributions come from individual attempts. Suffice to say, it's probably a good thing those two are playing with a pass-first center in Brett Seney. Nearly 70% of the latter's contributions are shot assists. Travis Zajac (55.56 shot assist%) will also be a good match if he drops down the lineup when Nico Hischier returns.
2. In my Devils vs Flyers preview, I touched on how well Blake Coleman has been playing and speculated he'd get rewarded on the scoresheet sooner than later. That proved to be the case as he pulled off the Taylor Hall Special™ factoring in on every goal the Devils scored last night.
Over the last six games, he is tied 1st on the Devils in points (6) while leading the way in chances (18) *and* scoring chance for% (61.02%), even though his on-ice numbers took a bit of a hit vs the Flyers.
CJ Turtoro recently argued Coleman is the best forward on the roster outside of the big three. Whether you agree or disagree, Coleman is, at the very least, playing his way into the conversation. I never could have imagined that being the case just a year ago.
3. Jesper Bratt's defensive numbers since returning to the lineup are very concerning, to say the least. At 5v5, the Devils have conceded four goals, 29 chances, and 17 high-danger looks in ~45 minutes of ice. That is 5.36 goals against/60 (last on the team), 38.87 chances against/60 (last), and 22.78 high-danger chances against/60 (nearly 10 more than the next closest regular in Brett Seney). Small sample, I know, but it's hardly surprising considering he was a disaster defensively as a rookie. Last season he finished 15th among 15 eligible Devils forwards in attempts against/60, chances against/60, and high-danger chances against/60.
Though his speed and creativity are much needed, especially with Nico out, his play without the puck is a big problem. That's why it might make sense to give him Kyle Palmieri's spot on the top line. They spend a lot of time attacking and get more offensive zone starts than anyone else, which could help mitigate Bratt's defensive issues.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com.
Recent Posts
Five observations from a much-needed win over Pittsburgh
The Devils have big problems
On Zacha, Zajac, and defense shot contributions
Predicting the Metro Division standings in 2018-19
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»