New Jersey Devils notes: On Dougie Hamilton's shooting and optimal duos

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

On Dougie Hamilton’s shooting

In the Montreal game Dougie Hamilton had the puck in a prime shooting location and, well, he didn’t pull the trigger. Instead, he elected to pass off to a teammate. The pass didn’t connect and what could’ve been a dangerous opportunity amounted to nothing.

While analyzing the play, Ken Daneyko noted that he’d like to see Hamilton be a little more selfish and pull the trigger. That got me thinking…it has felt like Hamilton’s been a little too hesitant to shoot of late. I took to the numbers and it turns out that’s the case. Hamilton’s shot rates are way down right now.

Over the last 10 games he has attempted 11.39 shots per 60 minutes of 5v5 play. That’s not an overly low rate for many players but it’s definitely abnormal for Hamilton.

Through 46 games Hamilton has averaged 17.34 shot attempts per 60. So, over the last 10, he’s attempted nearly six fewer shots than his overall average; and this recent stretch of games is obviously cooked into the data.

If we isolate the first 36 games, Hamilton’s shot attempt rate jumps to a whopping 19.05 per 60 minutes of 5v5 play. That is close to eight attempts more than he’s averaged over the last 10.

Perhaps Hamilton is still dealing with an injury. Perhaps the face guard is driving him nuts and impacting his play. Maybe he lost some confidence from not getting his regular spot on PP1 back. Whatever the case may be, Hamilton is very clearly not himself right now.

I have no concerns about Dougie long-term – this season is lost and, when fully healthy, he has shown the impact he can make on this team – but it’d be nice to see him get on track and finish strong.

That means shooting more. It’s part of his DNA.