Sharks 5, Devils 2: Slow start proves costly

The Devils were once again slow out of the gate and unable to recover.

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The New Jersey Devils dropped their second straight game Thursday night, losing 5-2 to the San Jose Sharks.

Let’s get into some takeaways:

The Devils miss Brett Pesce 🤕

It’s only been two games without the reliable veteran but Pesce’s absence has been felt across the board.

The Devils conceded just two power play goals through the first nine games of the season, neither of which Pesce was on the ice for. That’s a remarkable feat over 30+ minutes of work.

We’ve seen a noticeable dip in PK performance since Pesce went down. The Devils have given up four power play goals in two games, coinciding with an increase in expected goals allowed.

New Jersey was a high-end xG suppressing team on the PK with Pesce in the lineup. Their rate without him isn’t bad, per se, but drops them closer to the middle of the pack. They are not defending as well.

Luke Hughes has also struggled without Pesce by his side at 5v5, posting a 39 xGF%. It hasn’t shown up on the scoreboard – Hughes is somehow +3 in that time – but he’s definitely spending more time in the defensive zone.

Get well soon, Brett.

Slow start burns Devils again 🔥