G34 New Jersey Devils @ Boston Bruins: Trending upwards

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Five things to watch when the New Jersey Devils take on the Boston Bruins:

1. Climbing the mountain

New Jersey’s playoff chances remain very, very, slim despite their current three-game winning streak. They’d have to leap frog four teams to qualify for a Wild Card position, including a Bruins side that is three points ahead with five fewer games played. That’s likely insurmountable.

Boston is playing at a 99.5 point pace. In order for the Devils to match that, they’d need 68 points over their final 49 games. That’s a 113 point pace so the gap is larger than it appears on the surface.

If the Devils are going to even remotely threaten for a playoff position, they have to pile up the wins; especially against teams they’re chasing.

Besting the Bruins tonight is a difficult task. While the Bruins have won only five of their last 10 games, they’re playing very well.

They rank 4th in expected goals per 60 and 2nd in expected goals against per 60 during that period. They’re generating tons of opportunities and allowing few. A low shooting percentage (they’re 31st in that span) is about the only thing that’s held them back.

The Devils must bring their ‘A’ game to have a chance tonight.