G50 New Jersey Devils vs Vancouver Canucks: Back in business

The Devils will have some reinforcements in their return to action against the Canucks.

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A few notes to get you set for the New Jersey Devils’ return to action against the Vancouver Canucks:

Marino’s back

John Marino skated on the 3rd pairing at this morning’s skate and is expected to suit up for the first time this calendar year.

To say the Devils have missed Marino would be an understatement. Not only is he a quality top-4 defensemen but, in his absence, Damon Severson was pushed up the lineup. That’s not a problem in itself; Severson is more than capable of playing those minutes.

Where the Devils were hurt: they lost the luxury of having a dominant – yes, dominant – 3rd pairing.

While there is undoubtedly more to the dip we saw than only Marino not playing, the Devils were a completely different team in his absence.

From October until Marino suffered an injury in mid-to-late December, the Devils controlled 56.89% of the shot attempts (2nd), 59.29% of the expected goals (1st), and posted a +28 goal differential at 5v5. That tied the big bad Bruins for tops in the NHL.

Their underlying numbers dropped off a cliff sans Marino. In 17 games without him, the Devils posted a 48.87 CF% (22nd), 47.94 xGF% (25th), and out-scored their opponents by seven goals at 5v5, which they can thank Vitek Vanecek for.

I assume Marino will reclaim his top-4 slot after being eased back into the lineup – especially given how well he has fared against top competition – but, whatever the case, his return gives the Devils three top-4 defensemen on the right side and ensures the 3rd pairing is a strength rather than a weakness.

An early jump