Walking a Thin Line
Checking in on the Devils recently, some things have changed, while some things have remained quite the same. Zajac has returned and is certainly feeling some effects of not playing for a while. As for the Devils form, it has been dipping and they are a team that is cutting it close with the way they manage to stack up against teams.
Fans are now getting a bit restless, whereas a few weeks ago, they were rejoicing in playoff joy.
If you look at some of their recent results, the Devs have been falling to some of the opposition that has been able to control games defensively. This is achieved not only through their six men in the back, but the goaltending as well. Andersen from Toronto, to name one goalie, was unbelievable in the game against New Jersey a week ago.
Coach Hynes has also addressed the defensive play, especially along the boards — an area which I believe was a huge concern last season. That, paired with the skating ability to keep up with other clubs, but hasn't been a real bother so much so far this campaign.
Some of what I've touched on already was reflected in last night's close win. The Wild got the majority of the chances. Somehow, the Devils continuously stay in these games and find ways to score.
This is one of the most concerning positions to be in. The boys aren't playing up to the same standard as they were a few weeks prior. Sooner or later, the well runs dry. You simply cannot keep chasing teams around the ice and have leads dissipate at the rate at which New Jersey is letting it happen and still expect to pull out results.
What does help though, is that they're getting help from multiple guys. Henrique had a fantastic display last night as he scored and had a couple of assists to go along with one or two scraps.
He found himself in uncharted territory when a Wild player was digging into Schneider's pads for a puck. Shoving him without getting a penalty can be a fine line to walk, but if it's done correctly, it's an example that the whole team could follow through with more often.
Who knows what sparked it, but Henny had a great showing last night and could do even better to make it happen on a more consistent basis.
One more worthy note is Will Butcher. After spraying the puck all over the rink in his short career early this season for plenty of assists, he finally got his first goal a couple of nights ago before getting his second in back to back games last night. He's already showing more potential than Larsson ever did when first joining the squad, but to the Swede's credit he also began his career as a teenager — a few years younger than Butcher.
Once Butch shores up the defensive side of his game, he will be one of, if not thee best defensemen in Jersey.
Source Photo Credit: Carlos Gonzalez | m.startribune.com
