G40 New Jersey Devils @ Anaheim Ducks: Finish with a bang

The Devils have a great chance to end the year in Anaheim.

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The New Jersey Devils close out the calendar year with a road game against the Anaheim Ducks. Here are a few notes to get you set for the game:

Playing keepaway

One thing the Devils have been especially great at this season is maintaining the puck. If they’re trailing, or in a competitive game, they have the ability to possess it on a string and generate offense in never-ending waves.

When they’re ahead? They control the game in a completely different manner, making smart decisions with the puck and grinding teams down low until they get tired – or make a poor read – and there’s a breakdown they can take advantage of.

Regardless of what the game dictates tonight, the Devils should dominate the puck against Anaheim.

The Ducks have been arguably the worst 5v5 team in the NHL this season. They rank 29th in shot share, 29th in shots against, and have given up more expected goals than anybody.

They are seemingly always on their heels absorbing pressure in the defensive zone. The Devils sit 2nd in expected goals generated, and 5th in expected goals allowed, so it’s quite clear where they’re spending a lot of their time.

If the Devils can stay composed with the puck – and stick to their structure – rather than forcing things that aren’t there, or having lapses in judgement with potential New Years celebrations in mind, two points is very much on the table for them.

Two points they need with a tough game against Los Angeles on the docket Wednesday.

A dream power play matchup