G74 New Jersey Devils vs New York Islanders: Keep climbing

A win tonight could have the Devils just one point behind the Hurricanes for top spot in the Metro Division.

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A few notes to get you set for when the New Jersey Devils take on the New York Islanders:

Expect a tight affair

Ilya Sorokin is projected to get the nod for the Islanders. It’ll be his 10th start in 12 games, which is not exactly surprising given he’s the best player on a team fighting for their playoff lives.

Sorokin’s presence in goal likely means we can expect a tight, lower scoring affair with little margin for error; at least if history is any indication.

He has made eight starts against the Devils since entering the NHL. An average of just 5.1 goals have been scored in those games. That’s a very low output; especially when you consider one strange game featured eight goals. Take out the high scoring exception and the average dips to 4.7.

This is a long-winded way of saying that we shouldn’t expect a ton of goals in this game. Not when the Islanders’ sole purpose is to try and suck the life out of their opponents, and not when Sorokin is between the pipes.

Vitek Vanecek hasn’t faced a ton of rubber of late but he has conceded two goals or fewer in three straight appearances. It looks like he might be turning a corner.

New Jersey has to hope that’s the case because, again, there’s little margin for error when going up against a goaltender of Sorokin’s caliber.

He ranks 3rd in the NHL in goals saved above expected and 4th on a per game basis. He is much more likely to shave a goal off New Jersey’s deserved total than hand over a freebie.

Thus, Vanecek has to avoid the big mistake and giving the Islanders the easy goal that could keep them in – or win them – the game.