G16 New Jersey Devils vs Montreal Canadiens: Shooting for 10
The Devils will put their nine-game winning streak on the line as they take on a Canadiens team that has won three in a row.
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A few notes to get you set for New Jersey vs Montreal:
Feast on the power play
Only five teams have scored more PP goals than the Devils (eight) over the span of their winning streak.
The power play figures to be a big factor if the Devils win their 10th in a row tonight. Not just because it’s running nicely; but because of the advantageous matchup against Montreal’s penalty kill.
The Canadiens have been an unmitigated disaster while down a man for a while now. They have allowed 132 attempts (30th), 33.28 high-danger chances (29th), and 10.07 expected goals (28th) per 60 minutes over the same period as New Jersey’s winning streak.
Giving up shots and chances in bulk is problematic enough. Making matters worse, though, is an inability to stay out of the penalty box. Montreal has spent 6:12 per game shorthanded, which is 8th most in the league.
New Jersey should get plenty of power play opportunities in this contest. With the way they’re clicking, and the way the Canadiens are struggling to kill penalties off, this matchup figures to play a huge role in deciding the winner.
Manage the puck
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