G4 New Jersey Devils @ New York Islanders: High-event hockey

It's early but the Devils and Islanders(!) have been two of the league's most efficient teams at generating 5v5 opportunities.

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

High-octane hockey

I know, I know, I know. That’s generally not something you expect in a game against the New York Islanders. But this is not the same team we have watched for years under Barry Trotz.

The Devils, as we all know, play a high-tempo brand of hockey and more or less give the stars free rein to create as they wish – within reason.

That’s why they have generated shots and expected goals at a higher clip than every team in the league; and why Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Dougie Hamilton and co. are posting ridiculous shot contributions numbers on a nightly basis.

We’re seeing similar out of Lane Lambert’s Islanders. While they haven’t quite matched the Devils’ outputs – nobody has – they are one of the early season leaders in terms of generating shots and expected goals.

The defense is really activating and getting up in the play – Noah Dobson especially – and they’re much more dangerous in transition.

There is every reason to believe this could be an exciting, fast-paced affair; so expect a 2-1 snoozer with 52 shots combined.

The great equalizer