G59 New Jersey Devils @ San Jose Sharks: Gotta have it

If the Devils are going to crawl out of the hole they've dug themselves, it has to start with a win in San Jose.

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A few notes to get you set for a must-win game against San Jose:

Start strong

The Devils have conceded the opening goal 42 times through 58 games. That means they’ve fallen behind the 8-ball in more than 72% of their games.

It is important that doesn’t happen again vs. the Sharks, which is something I never thought I’d say.

While the Sharks are at or near the top of the list of teams that should feel insecure with a lead, the way the Devils are playing right now doesn’t instil much belief they could erase an early deficit.

They are not generating many chances and look rather lifeless in possession. Even in situations you’d expect a big push (power plays, 3rd periods while trailing, etc.) the Devils continue to lack #TheJuice.

The Devils look like a team that really needs something to go their way. They don’t have any confidence and when things start going against them, it doesn’t feel like even they believe they can get things back on the rails.

San Jose is a bad defensive team that is only going to be more vulnerable coming out of its shell to try and push for offense.

If the Devils can start on time and get the first goal (or two), the Sharks are the kind of team that will spoon-feed them chances and allow things to really snowball.

That’s exactly what the Devils need to get confidence back in their players, and have them feeling good about themselves, as they try and climb back into the playoff mix.

Familiar territory