G74 New Jersey Devils @ Colorado Avalanche: High-event hockey

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

Chances galore

The Devils have done a pretty good job of punching above their weight in terms of limiting chances. In saying that, they are still prone to blowup spots; as we saw when they conceded 15 goals in a two-game span against the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers. Goaltending absolutely made matters much worse but there were still some rough breakdowns in those games.

One would expect that to be the case against a lethal Colorado Avalanche team; especially without Jonas Siegenthaler in the mix.

While New Jersey is missing some key weaponry up front, they should be able to generate their fair share of looks. This isn’t so much a ‘they still have Nico, Jesper, and have scored all year’ thing. It has more to do with Colorado’s inability to defend of late.

At 5v5 the Avalanche have conceded 13.61 high-danger chances per 60 over the last 10 games. That ranks them 28th; ahead of only Anaheim, Detroit, Chicago, and Montreal.

They have struggled as much – if not more – when it comes to killing penalties. Five teams have conceded xG at a higher rate over the last 10 and no team has given up more high-danger chances per minute on the PK this season.

Considering their defensive struggles in all situations, their tendency to pull teams into high-pace, high-event games, and New Jersey’s general offensive potency, there should be a lot of chances in this game.