G68 New Jersey Devils @ Pittsburgh Penguins: Connect four

The Devils will look to extend their winning streak to four games against the bottom-feeding Penguins.

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By Tyler Cordell (@TylerCordellNHL)

The New Jersey Devils will take on the Penguins in Pittsburgh this afternoon. Here are some notes to get you set for the game: 

Challenging Pittsburgh’s depth 

It is no secret that the Penguins aren’t the deepest team in the NHL, and the Devils need to take advantage if they are going to land their 4th consecutive win.

Forwards Sidney Crosby (43), Rickard Rakell (36), and Bryan Rust (31) are the only three Penguins with more than 20 points at 5v5 this year.

While it is much easier said than done, if the Devils can keep these three quiet – and avoid giving Pittsburgh an abundance of power play opportunities – they should be in good shape to get another big two points. 

Sheltering Simon Nemec 

Simon Nemec had plenty of assistance from Sheldon Keefe in putting his best foot forward against the Oilers on Thursday.

Nemec played heavily sheltered minutes. While it seemed to benefit his play, he may run into some trouble in Pittsburgh as the Keefe won’t be able to protect him as well without last change.

On Thursday, Nemec played nine fewer shifts than the next closest Devils defenseman and close to a seven-minute gap in time on ice. Nemec also had just one shift against the Oilers’ best.

I’d expect a few more chances will occur for Pittsburgh in this regard with the benefit of the last change.

For Nemec to take the next step in his development, he will need to be able to survive when stuck out against some of the opposing team’s top players. We will see if he is up to the task this afternoon. 

Opportunities to arise 

We are all aware that what the Devils will miss most from Jack Hughes is his ability to create offense seemingly out of thin air.

However, the Devils should still have plenty of opportunities this afternoon in Pittsburgh, even without Hughes. Over the last ten games, Pittsburgh is 5th last in xGF% at 5v5.

In that span, they also rank 29th in high danger chances allowed. The Devils should be able to drive the play and really set Pittsburgh back on their heels.

Pittsburgh also ranks 31st in goals against per 60 on the penalty kill over the last 10. If the Devils aren’t able to take advantage at even strength, they should get plenty of looks on the power play. 

Quick Hits 

• Cody Glass has three points through his first three games (1G, 2A) since being traded to New Jersey. He will look to continue his success against the team that dealt him as he promptly makes his return to Pittsburgh.

• Jacob Markstrom vs Tristan Jarry is the expected goalie duel. Jarry has been strong in all three starts since returning to the NHL. It would be crucial for New Jersey to score early and shake up his confidence. Pittsburgh has been notorious for giving up early goals and it would be a big boost for the Devils to get off to a quick start. 

• Jesper Bratt has 6 points (2G, 4A) in his last two games. He is red hot and should be able to create a healthy portion of chances against a struggling Pittsburgh defense.