Anomaly or alarming trend?

The New Jersey Devils have been blanked in five of their 12 losses. Should they be concerned?

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The New Jersey Devils flew out of the gate Sunday night against the Colorado Avalanche.

They were able to control the puck from the jump and create shots in waves, with stars Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt serving as the straws that stirred the drink offensively.

Led by that duo, the Devils generated nine shot attempts – and several scoring chances – within the first four minutes of the game.

Naturally, the Avalanche went the other way and Ross Colton converted on their very first shot attempt of the night.

We didn’t know when it happened, of course, but the eventual game-winner came on the first goal the Devils conceded for the fifth time this season.

That’s right; the Devils have shockingly been blanked five times through 30 games (16.66%) and in five of their 12 defeats (41.66%).

Those numbers are insane for anybody, let alone a star-studded team sitting tied for 3rd in wins and 7th in goals per game.

Naturally, the team’s proneness to being held off the scoreboard has led to a lot of discussion. But is it cause for concern?

The short answer is no. Let me explain!

First and foremost, to be shut out you need to be trailing in a game and aware of the need to push for offense.

Of the five times the Devils were blanked, they fell behind the 8-ball in the 1st period four times – once just nine seconds in.

It’s not as if games were turned on their head with two minutes left and the Devils had to flip the switch unexpectedly. They were tailing for large chunks.

That means a healthy chunk of their time playing from behind this season came from the games they were shutout. Thus, the data from those games is baked nicely into the season numbers.

What if I told you, this season, the Devils are one of the NHL’s best teams at generating opportunities while playing from behind?