Devils 6, Senators 2: Welcome back, Nico Daws

The 23-year-old was one of many bright spots in a blowout victory.

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By David Mudrak (@MuddyOpinions)

A few observations from New Jersey’s blowout win over Ottawa:

Welcome back, Nico Daws

In his first NHL game since the 2021-22 season, Nico Daws suggested that he may be ready for more action by securing the win while earning a 0.926 save percentage. 

Daws stepped up while playing against some big names in Ottawa. To go with his solid 0.926, Daws also only let in two goals against on 2.56 expected and, impressively, saved all of the six high-danger chances he faced. 

While this is a small sample size, and it is impossible for him to retain a perfect save percentage against Grade A chances, these are positive numbers that indicate Daws may belong up in the NHL and deserves a long look to see if he could be part of the solution to the Devils’ goaltending woes. 

The positive numbers are great, but the eye test was arguably even better. Daws looked calm, cool, and collected for most of the game. On multiple dangerous chances Daws made the save by staying square to the shot and not over maneuvering. 

For example, with 7:58 left in the second period, Daws saved a point blank back door chance, delivered by Dominik Kubalik, by moving in a quick and controlled manner across the crease that allowed him to get to the puck, staying centered but not pulling himself out of position. 

About a minute later, Mark Kastelic had an excellent opportunity from a quick Senators break out that led to a two-on-one. Daws robbed Kastelic by squaring up to the shot and getting out to challenge the shooter, cutting down the angles. 

Most exciting for the Devils was the timeliness of the saves made by Daws. The previously mentioned saves were made when the Devils had a two goal lead in the second period. Giving up a goal late and dropping to a one goal lead could’ve resulted in a dangerous third period. 

When the Devils had only a one goal lead at the start of the second period, Daws saved a partial breakaway from Drake Batherson and a full breakaway from Brady Tkachuk, which let the Devils strike soon after to cement their lead. 

These are the kind of saves the team desperately needs. Too often, a defensive breakdown that leads to a chance like the Batherson or Tkachuk one ends up in the net, and then the game is tied, or the Devils are playing from behind and frantically trying to settle the game down. 

Hopefully, this is only the first of many games in which Daws makes important saves and puts up impressive numbers. 

Power play

For the last ten games or so, I have not been a fan of the Devils’ powerplay. This timeline corresponds with Dougie Hamilton being out. While that obviously has an impact, it feels like the choices the players are making on the power play are resulting in less dangerous chances. 

Too often, the power play personnel would move the puck around the perimeter, waiting for a seam pass to open up, only to force the pass when it was not fully open or take a low danger shot because everyone was getting restless for a chance. 

Last night felt different. The power play felt simpler and focused more on getting the puck to open players who had the time to walk in and take a meaningful shot. This focus on shooting was helped by quick and crisp puck movement that provided shooters with time. 

Jack Hughes scored by bringing the puck down to the dots and firing just as Nico Hischier moved out from screening the goalie, allowing very little time for Joonas Korpisalo to find the puck. 

Jesper Bratt’s goal was less about strategy and more about taking advantage of a breakdown and quickly moving the puck to the open man. Bratt made no mistake in putting home his opportunity. 

However, there is still room for improvement. The Devils did not register any high danger chances and only put up 0.34 expected goals across four power plays. 

The power play needs to continue to simplify its strategy and get pucks closer to the net to increase the danger of the chances. Players need to stop shooting from distance when there is no screen or traffic unless the only play left is to get the puck on the net. 

Let’s see if they can have the same success against Boston. 

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