On Cotter's strong play, regression coming for Hamilton, and more

Cotter has made a remarkably good first impression with the Devils. Plus, Hamilton is playing a lot better offensively than his counting totals suggest.

Follow along on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess

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

---

The timing of today’s game doesn’t really give much shelf life to a preview post so I’ve decided to take things in a different direction and share some takeaways from the first few games.

Let’s get right to it.

Paul Cotter SZN 📈

Paul Cotter sure knows how to make an impression. I’m not sure it’s possible for him to have given the New Jersey Devils more than he did in his first few games with the team – especially given the relatively small role handed to him.

Cotter is sporting a 56.9 xGF% at 5v5 and has helped the Devils control just under 69% of the high-danger chances. That has translated to success on the scoreboard, with Cotter sitting +2 at 5v5 through three games.

He hasn’t been a bystander in those numbers. He’s been a driving force. In fact, Cotter currently ranks 1st (or tied for 1st) in goals, points, and primary points.

And it’s not as if Cotter thinks he’s a superstar now and has no time for doing the dirty work. He has forechecked his ass off, he’s blocked a few shots, and Brenden Dillon is the only player on the team who has laid more hits. Cotter has done it all.

Realizing as much, Sheldon Keefe was quick to carve out a larger role for Cotter and move him up to the 3rd line alongside Erik Haula and Stefan Noesen.

While Cotter is not going to continue being one of the team’s leading point producers, his on-ice impacts, ability to generate high-danger chances, and get involved away from the puck, will make him a very reliable contributor for this team.

Luck will turn for Dougie 🍀