R2, G2 New Jersey Devils @ Carolina Hurricanes: Time to rebound

The Devils came out extremely flat in G1 and they paid the price for it. They need to respond in G2.

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A few notes to get you set for Game 2 of Devils vs. Hurricanes:

Start on time

The Hurricanes are known for jumping down the throat of their opponents from the word go. Only eight teams scored more 1st period goals during the regular season and the Bruins were the lone side better at limiting them.

That’s their pathway to success, especially missing so much scoring on the wings. The Hurricanes want to get one or two early and then they can create offense on the counterattack the rest of the way.

When they can’t gain an early lead, sit back, and eventually pounce on a mistake – similar to what they did in Game 1 – they have a harder time generating offense.

Through seven games, the Hurricanes have averaged 2.18 expected goals per 60 at 5v5 when tied. That ranks them 13th among playoff teams; and the sides below them are all golfing.

Carolina sits below 50% in terms of controlling the expected goals, and high-danger chances, in such situations.

The Devils need to survive the early storm and keep things tight. If they fall behind again, they’ll be in deep trouble.

We all know how good the Devils were at protecting leads this year; they ranked 2nd in expected goals against while ahead. The Hurricanes were the only team better (although it was very close).

The Devils can’t afford to fall in an early hole again because, as we saw in G1, it’s extremely difficult to climb out of against this team.

Get to the paint