New Jersey Devils Are 2017 Metropolitan Underdogs
The New Jersey Devils came into the 2016-17 season as underdogs. No one seemed to look twice at the team until suddenly they were 4th in the Metropolitan Division, just one point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for 3rd.
The New Jersey Devils are this season’s breakthrough underdogs, currently holding a 9-3-3 record this season and sitting 4th place in the Metropolitan Division with 21 points.
The Devils have used their determined and defense-oriented play to get ahead this season. Expert goaltending by Cory Schneider has also given New Jersey an upper hand thus far when it comes to blocking out the opposition.
Overall, the Devils have used their strengths to their advantage to start the season right. If New Jersey can keep this kind of play up, they’ll continue to take the division by storm.
Offense Up
The Devils made a few additions over the off-season to boost their production. New Devils Taylor Hall and P.A Parenteau make up for 10 of the 37 goals New Jersey has so far this season. Despite Hall’s recent sidelining due to a knee injury, the Devils have forwards who are capable of rising to the occasion.
Devils’ favorites Adam Henrique and Travis Zajac are also producing this season. The roster is filled with players who are very capable of scoring and producing. Keeping these players motivated to produce will keep the Devils on a good path.
This season the Devils have a goals-average of 2.43 per game. While this certainly isn’t topping the league, New Jersey is up from their 2.22 goals-per game and 30th rank last season.
The Devils will need to make up for the offensive hole left by Hall. Losing Hall for three to four weeks is much less than ideal for the Devils but they can manage if they continue to boost production. In the Devils first game without Hall, they beat the Dallas Stars in overtime in a low-scoring 2-1 game.
A Solid Blue Line
Devils’ coach John Hynes has been making sure the team puts their defense-oriented play on full display. The Devils have always stood strong by the blue line and now Hynes is regularly pushing the Devils to their defense-first mind of play.
When in doubt the Devils turn to solid defensive play to keep their opposition away from the net. New Jersey has a solid defensive core this season and the small changes have made a difference. The addition of Ben Lovejoy, former Penguin, and rookie Yohann Auvitu have had positive effects on defense.
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The Devils’ opposition is consistently faced with firm and confident defensemen at the blue line and has difficulty getting to the Devils’ net in the first place. If the team is solid enough to get passed Devils defense they face a new difficulty of getting the puck through Schneider.
The defense also shares a productive side with the offense. Currently, five of six Devils defensemen have at least one goal and all six have points so far this season.
With Hall sidelined, rising third-year d-man Damon Severson is leading the team with 12 points. Last season Severson led defensemen with 21 points (1 G, 20 A) and is on track to do even better.
The Devils currently rank second for their 2.07 goals-against per games played with just 31 goals against this season. The strong defense combined with an expert performance from Schneider has kept the Devils ahead.
Schneider Excels In Net
Schneider has been excellent for the Devils this season. Currently ,the 2016 All-Star Goaltender has a .929 SV% and a goals-against average of 2.14; therefore Schneider has been a rock for the Devils.
Schneider has been incredible for the New Jersey Devils and has made tough saves when his team’s needed him. His outstanding goaltending performance is the perfect top for Jersey’s strong defensive play.
Schneider has been reliable and strong therefore the Devils have had confidence in him to be there when they need it. A solid goaltender is a vital component for any team and the Devils are lucky to have Schneider in the net.
If Schneider can continue the rest of the season the same way he started it he will continue to lead his team to more victories.
Related Story: Metropolitan Division Regular Season Predictions
Underdogs For The Long-Haul?
The New Jersey Devils have not been a predicted forerunner for the playoffs in quite some time, therefore it isn’t surprising that many might not expect them to keep this play up. Regardless, the Devils can use their underdog status to their advantage as they sneak up the standings.
The Metropolitan Division is filled with talent this season. The New York Rangers have suddenly re-sparked and lead the league with 26 points and 74 goals. The Capitals and Penguins also rank high and are battling it for second but are both just one point above the Devils.
New Jersey has the power to keep it going this season and definitely have the opportunity to be a strong playoff contender this season. The underdog reputation might pay off as the Devils continue to ease through the season under-the-radar and ready to play.