New Jersey Devils notes: On Blackwood's struggles, Hughes' penalty drawing, and more

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A few New Jersey Devils notes on this off-day:

They aren’t playing half bad

That’s not something you can often say about a team with eight points over the last 10 games but I believe it to be true. At 5v5, in particular, the Devils are holding their own and then some.

They rank 15th in expected goals for percentage – sandwiched between San Jose and Winnipeg – and 2nd in high-danger chance share. No, seriously. They’ve controlled 60% of the HD chances during this 4-6 spell.

They’re a little above average in terms of generating opportunities, ranking 13th in HDCF/60. Where they’ve made their hay is in the defensive zone.

Despite the narrative the Devils are a garbage defensive team that routinely leaves their goaltenders out to try, they’ve given up just 8.19 HD chances per 60. The teams right behind them? Boston and Tampa Bay. Yeah.

Finishing has hurt them. The Devils have certainly wasted some opportunities, as we saw last time out against the Coyotes. But goaltending is the much bigger problem.

At 5v5 their team save percentage is .872 over the last 10. That ranks dead last in the league. If they had even average goaltending during this spell, we’re likely talking about a 6-4 record (or better) rather than a 4-6 record.

Which brings me to my next point…