G32 New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes: A stiff test

Mired in a five-game losing streak, the Devils face a stiff test against a Hurricanes team on a 9-0-1 run.

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A few notes to get you set for tonight’s pivotal game between New Jersey and Carolina:

A lethal combination

Sebastian Aho is doubtful to play tonight, as the Hurricanes want him to first get a full practice in. While that is certainly a boost to New Jersey’s win probability, Aho’s absence by no means things will come easy.

Paul Stastny has done a shockingly good job filling in for Aho as the team’s top center. Martin Necas, Andrei Svechnikov, and Statsny actually form one of the league’s best offensive trios.

Of the 168(!) different line combinations used for at least 55 minutes this season, Carolina’s current top line ranks 3rd place in expected goal generation. They are creating 4.70 expected goals per 60 minutes played, which is downright absurd.

Take a look at the company they’re keeping.

Carolina generally uses this trio against the opposing team’s top offensive line – they hard matched vs Sidney Crosby last time out, for example – so that likely means they’ll see a lot of Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt tonight.

Those guys will have to be responsible and careful with the puck. As good as Hughes is, he sometimes has a tendency to take on the world by himself.

If he does that against this stout Carolina team, the Devils could pay the price; especially against this top line. Necas and Svechnikov are lethal shooters you don’t want ripping pucks on the break.