Alex Potts

In game 2, a Devils win, they were extremely efficient with turning shot attempts into shots. On Thursday night against Toronto, they were the exact opposite, and it cost them.

The Devils have started strong with a solid 5-2 record. However, they are not winning the possession battle. It will be interesting to see what changes as we move forward.

The Devils were expected to be a very good team coming into this season, with a strong, young roster. But through 10 games, the 5 on 5 numbers show that they have been a remarkably mediocre team.

Through 16 games, the Devils have separated themselves from the pack when it comes to expected goals. They are crushing this analytical metric. But in the other popular metric, possession (Corsi), they are not, at all.

Twenty games in, let’s take a look at how the additions to this offense have helped the squad so far, those additions being Stefan Noesen, Tomas Tatar, and Paul Cotter.

The Devils are doing well so far, but if they want to take things to the next level, there are areas to improve. One of those is their play in the high danger areas.

Last season, the Devils were very poor when it came to starting games, seemingly always giving up the first goal. Well, recently, their play in the first 10 minutes of games hasbeen reminiscent of last season.

Jacob Markstrom was brought in to give the Devils improved, competent NHL-level goaltending. But so far, Jake Allen has been the better netminder for this team.

In terms of record, the Devils have been solid recently, but not amazing. But in terms of 5 on 5 numbers, especially expected goals, they have been fantastic.

The Devils are playing some strong hockey right now, even if they get goalied from time to time. They are playing so well that they are entering outlier territory.