G60 New Jersey Devils @ Vancouver Canucks: High-danger hockey

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A few notes to get you set for tonight’s game between the New Jersey Devils and Vancouver Canucks:

The danger zone

The Devils have won only five of their last 10 games but make no mistake: they’re playing well. Very well.

They rank top-10 in both 5v5 shot share and xG share, which is impressive in its own right. Where they really shine, though, is controlling the middle of the ice; at both ends.

They’re generating high-danger chances at an efficient rate while conceding very few. Believe it or not, they have controlled a league-leading 60% of the high-danger looks during this 10-game window.

Things don’t look as rosy for Vancouver. At 5v5 they sit 21st in HDCF% and have conceded more Grade A looks than all but seven teams.

New Jersey should be able to get the better of Vancouver in terms of slot chances, which is of the utmost importance when you have a rookie goaltender going up against someone of Thatcher Demko’s caliber.