G54 New Jersey Devils vs St. Louis Blues: Shooting the lights out
The Devils have been extremely opportunistic during their 11-1-2 run. That figures to be the case once again vs Jordan Binnington.
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A few notes to get you set for New Jersey vs St. Louis:
The (potential) return of 86
Jack Hughes’ week-to-week injury has turned into more of a one week injury, which is a huge blessing for a Devils team that has been playing far worse than their recent results indicate.
While the Blues might seem like a mouthwatering matchup on paper, they are; at least for centers.
The Blues have allowed the sixth most goals to the position this season while only two sides have conceded more shots per game.
Given their struggles, Hughes – in his current form – is probably the last player the Blues want to see right now. And that’s no exaggeration.
Hughes has recorded 28 points (17 goals, 11 assists) over his last 15 games. 28! He has amassed a ridiculous 82 shots on goal during that time and created 4,000 opportunities for his linemates in the process.
The level of hockey we’ve seen from Hughes of late is legitimately unmatched (Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, and Matthew Tkachuk all have 24 points over their last 15 games).
By all indications Hughes has been keeping sharp in practice – the Blue Jackets broadcast was gushing about what they saw from 86 when he was in Columbus – so he should be able to hit the ground running in such an advantageous matchup.
Note: As a hedge if Hughes does *not* play tonight (I’m guessing he’ll push to play but we’ll see whether the team obliges), I’d expect Dougie Hamilton to be extremely active once again. He has put up 15 points over the last 10 games and, among defensemen, attempted more shots than all but Roman Josi in that time. He leads the Devils in goals, assists, points, shots, and scoring chances without Hughes in the lineup. He has been the focal point of a more simplified attack.
Shooting the lights out
The Devils are on an insane 11-1-2 run. Despite that, I’d argue they’re not playing very well.
They have simply finished at a high clip and outperformed expectation based on the amount of shots/chances they’ve created and allowed.
While that’s not a recipe for success come playoff time, it may be tonight against the Blues.
Jordan Binnington is playing some truly terrible hockey right now. Since December 23rd, Binnington has posted a putrid .884 save percentage and conceded three goals or more in 13 of 17 games.
For perspective, Spencer Martin and Collin Delia – a pair of AHL caliber goaltenders on a bad Canucks team – are the only netminders to post worse save percentages while appearing in at least 10 games during that span.
A case could be made that no starting goaltender is in worse form. With the Blues playing for nothing, and starting to sell players off, I have a feeling things aren’t going to get much better for Binnington.
These struggles are no doubt eating at Binnington, who is an emotional netminder at the best of times. If I’m a Devils player – a la Miles Wood or Nathan Bastian – I’m going out of my way to cause havoc around the net. Maybe give him a bump in a net front battle, take the extra whack after the whistle, and so forth. It could cause Binnington to take a dumb penalty or unravel even further.
Watch out for Kyrou
The Devils have been bleeding shots for quite some time. In fact, only the Anaheim Ducks and Montreal Canadiens have allowed 5v5 shots at a higher clip over the course of this 11-1-2 run by the Devils.
One player who’ll undoubtedly be chomping at the bit for a chance to play the Devils right now is Jordan Kyrou.
He is a truly dynamic star on the wing for the Blues and he enters this game playing his best hockey of the season. He has piled up 13 points over the last 12 games and put up some gaudy shot totals over the past 10.
Kyrou has attempted 56 shots in that span at 5v5 alone. For perspective, Nathan MacKinnon and Timo Meier are the only players in the league with more; and they’ve logged 50 and 22 more minutes respectively.
Kyrou’s speed and skill make him a prolific player off the rush and he is clearly not shy about pulling the trigger. I think he’s the one guy who can really cause the Devils problems and hurt them with quick strike offense.
New Jersey’s defensemen will need to be on high alert and make sure their feet are moving every time he’s on the ice. If someone is caught flatfooted while Kyrou accepts an outlet pass, and attacks with speed through the neutral zone, he is going to make the Devils pay.
Quick hits
The Vegas Golden Knights are the only team in the NHL that has spent less time shorthanded than the Blues. Despite their reputation as a rough and tumble team, the Blues don’t take many penalties. This is likely a spot where the Devils need to win the 5v5 battle to get a result.
Don’t look now but Ondrej Palat is heating up. He has picked up at least a point in four straight, six of the last seven, nine of the last 11, and leads the Devils in xGF% since Hughes departed the lineup. He is making plays at both ends of the ice.
Whether Hughes returns tonight or not, I would like to see Nico Hischier be a little more trigger happy. He has attempted just 12 shots over the past four games, good for an average of three per night. That’s nothing for a center of his caliber playing top line and top power play. Nico is a sneaky-good shooter who is in the midst of a third straight season converting at 13% rate (or higher). Use that shot!
numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
Maybe bumping the goalie is something Wood can do. He hasn't done anything else.
Binnington was the main reason the Devils lost the last time these teams played. Absolutely goalied them that game. Would like to see the reverse tonight considering how bad he’s been of late.