G14 New Jersey Devils vs. Calgary Flames: Putting out fires

The Flames have really cooled off following an unsustainably strong start. The Devils need to take advantage.

Follow along on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess

Be sure to join the Discord channel to talk hockey with our writers and subscribers.

---

A few notes to get you set for New Jersey vs. Calgary:

Kick ‘em while they’re down 🦶

Things have gotten ugly in a hurry for a Flames team that was clearly punching above its weight in the early going.

They have dropped four of the past five games and posted truly miserable 5v5 numbers in that span.

The Flames have controlled only 40.26% of the expected goal share and 38.57% of the high-danger chances. Those are the kind of numbers you expect to see from a team that finishes last in the NHL.

With such dreadul differentials, the Flames are asking their goaltenders to bail them out on a nightly basis. Dustin Wolf and Dan Vladar, as expected, have been unable to do just that, posting an .879 save percentage over the last handful of games.

The end result is 22 goals against, a -13 goal differential, and four losses.

Conversely, five games marks the point of return for Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes. Since they’ve joined the lineup, and made the Devils three (very good) pairings deep, they have controlled 58.14% of the expected goals and 61.63% of the high-danger chances at 5v5. Pretty good!

This is a very advantageous matchup for the Devils and one where they should be able to flex their muscles from start to finish.

If the Devils want to sustain their strong start, and contend for a division title, they need to take care of business when presented with golden opportunities for two points.

Out for revenge 😈