G70 New Jersey Devils vs. Winnipeg Jets: High-event hockey

The Devils and Jets have both played with a lot of pace of late. That should continue on Thursday night.

Follow along on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess

Be sure to join the Discord channel to talk hockey, and everything else, with our writers and subscribers.

---

A few notes to get you set for New Jersey vs. Winnipeg:

Another busy night

Jake Allen has seen a lot of rubber since joining the Devils, facing at least 36 shots in all three starts. I expect Allen to face plenty of pucks again in this one.

The Devils have really struggled defensively since deadline day, conceding 32.03 shots per 60 minutes of 5v5 play. That is more than all but the Blue Jackets, Blues, and a Flames team that gutted their defense core. Not the kind of company you want to keep.

This is not a spot where I expect the screws to be tightened. The Jets rank inside the top-10 in 5v5 shots per 60 over the last 10 games. The additions of Tyler Toffoli and, to a lesser extent, Colin Miller should only help maintain that volume.

We’re also looking at a matchup that should feature plenty of pace. The Devils and Jets both rank top-12 in total 5v5 pace (attempts generated + allowed per 60) over the last 10 games.

With the Devils laboring defensively, yet leaning on their stars to produce enough offense to keep up, they are playing in fast, high-event games.

A lot is going to be asked of Allen, as will likely be the case at the other end with Laurent Brossoit. How each guy holds up will likely determine the winner; both teams should get their looks.

The Swiss sniper

Timo Meier is one of the hottest scorers, and shot generators, in the NHL. He has 11 goals over his past 13 games, putting him just one back of a tie for the league-lead.