G55 New Jersey Devils @ Pittsburgh Penguins: Stop the bleeding
The Devils' recent slide has seen them slip to 3rd in the Metro Division.
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Here are a few notes to get you set for New Jersey vs. Pittsburgh:
More than meets the eye
The Penguins rank 31st in goals against on the season, just traded one of their biggest minute munchers in Marcus Pettersson, and are well outside of a playoff spot.
Given those facts, it’d be easy to assume this is a spot where the Devils should have an easier time generating offense and taking care of business. Not exactly!
The Penguins have raised their game 40 notches and are playing far better, and much more structuredly, than they have for most of the season.
Pittsburgh has controlled 57% of the high-danger chances at 5v5 over the past 10 games. That’s the 5th best rate in the league.
And, no, it doesn’t stem from Sidney Crosby super-charging the offense and masking the fact the defense isn’t holding up its end of the bargain.
The Penguins have conceded 72 Grade A looks in that span, the 3rd fewest in the NHL.
It’s led to great defensive results. Pittsburgh has allowed 16 5v5 goals over the last 10 games, tying them with the Winnipeg Jets for the 6th fewest. Yeah.
The Devils have had a difficult time scoring goals for a while now – even when the chances are there in abundance. It’s probably not going to get easier in Pittsburgh.
