On Monday night, the Devils officially made this a series. The played a near-perfect game, particularly in the 3rd period, with probably the most impressive defensive effort I’ve seen from this team all year.
I thought the Devils continued to do the things that made them successful in game three, and made a few more adjustments that provided an even better effort and result. I talked about a few of those in the preview for game four – dumping the puck away from Shesterkin, keeping their game simple, and weathering the Rangers “storm” or momentum when it came.
Both games three & four were nail-biting, defensive battles, which made for incredibly nerve wracking hockey to watch.
Despite all of that, if I’m being frank and objective, I thought the Rangers were really flat in game four. Their coach and top players echoed that sentiment in their post-game media remarks. That worries me a bit. I don’t expect to see that effort from the Rangers tonight or for the rest of the series, and that means the Devils will need to find another level, despite their recent impressive performances.
On the more positive side, I think they can do just that. I’ve noticed some advanced stats floating around the internet pointing out that basically – the Devils have been the better team through four games at 5v5 hockey, and our top scorers are due to breakthrough soon. On the other side of that coin, so are some of the Rangers top scorers.
Which is why I’ll keep tonight’s preview short and sweet: game five will feel like a different game than what we’ve seen in this series, and both teams are going to bring their best games. I’m confident in that. I expect both team’s top players will show up and make an impact, but the game will be decided by the secondary players.
This might be wishful thinking, but I think our depth guys are ripe to produce something in this series. I’ve liked Boqvist’s game. I’ve liked McLeod’s game for the most part. Lazar & Bastian were effective in their roles in game four. And the trio of Tatar, Palat, Mercer (fingers crossed) need to break out.
Four more additional thoughts:
- STAY OUT OF THE BOX. Same thing as last preview. We still took a few dumb penalties, and luckily neutralized the Rangers power play in game four. But through four games, the analytics are emphasizing the obvious: the Devils are simply the better team 5 on 5. Keep the game even strength, and they give themselves a great chance to win.
- Meier-Hischier-Bratt. The latter two have been mostly great for the last two games. Meier is the x-factor who has shown glimpses of greatness, while also looked like a horrendous liability at other times. If this line can find the back of the net tonight, that will go a long way.
- WHERE ARE YOU? Ondrej & Dawson? I know Palat had an empty netter in game four and provided a nice screen on the Hughes powerplay goal in game three, but we just simply need more from the man who we paid $6M/yr at age 31 based almost exclusively on his magical playoff prowess. Ditto Dawson. He’s a guy that has really been mostly absent for the playoffs, though hasn’t really done anything “wrong.” But we’re four games in now, hopefully he has made the adjustment to playoff hockey and brings the fans to their feet tonight.
- STOIC DEFENSE. I imagine it will be difficult to physically and mentally match the lights-out game the Devils played defensively on Monday, particularly by the 6 defensemen. But if they can, we’ve reason for confidence.
Game five – all tied up. Best of three. There are some polarizing stats around the winner of game five going on to win a series in the NHL playoffs. Can a home team win in this series?
I’m nervous as hell, but feeling hopeful. I’ll see you beauties at The Rock tonight.
Let’s. Go. Devils.
Word Of The Devil 