G33 New Jersey Devils vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Stringing wins together

The Devils earned a much-needed win against the Kings last time out. Can they build on it against Chicago?

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By Tyler Cordell (@TylerCordellNHL)

Here are a few thoughts to set the table for New Jersey vs Chicago 

A clear path to victory

The Devils will look to their two former 1st overall picks, Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, to spark offense in a Saturday afternoon game vs. the Blackhawks.

Chicago has struggled all year long against the center position and that should be no different against the Devils, who have one of the best 1-2 punches in the league. 

Chicago ranks 31st in goals against by centers and dead last in shots allowed per game to centers. I wouldn’t expect those numbers to improve anytime soon as they also happen to be thin on the backend with both Seth Jones and Alec Martinez sidelined due to injury. 

I expect the Devils to really control the play in this one. They are one of the best teams in the league at creating high-danger scoring chances while Chicago is bottom-10 when it comes to allowing high-danger scoring chances at even strength.

If a healthy chunk of those chances come from the likes of Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, it should be a long afternoon for the Blackhawks. 

Avoid special teams battle vs. competent Blackhawks units