Photo from nj.com/devils, by AP.
Are The Devils This Good?
By: Michael A. Chase Jr.
11/22/2022
This evening will be the 20-game mark of the season for The New Jersey as they are roughly a quarter of the way through the 2022-2023 season. They currently sit with one of the best records in the NHL and are on quite the winning streak. Today we look at all the contributing factors that have led the Devils to the top of the league standings. Analyzing the key players and statistics that provide context to New Jersey looking like the best team in the NHL.
The New Jersey Devils own a 16-3 record on the season, amassing 32 points which are the second most in the entire league to only the Boston Bruins. They are the only team with at least 8 wins both at home and on the road and have the second-best goal differential at +29. Plus, add in the fact they are in the midst of a 13-game winning streak and the Devils have sprinted out the gates.
Photo from NHLPA.com, by Getty Images.
In nearly every statistical category the Devils are proving why they have been one of the best in the sport. Not only are they 2nd in goals scored per game at 3.8 a contest and total goals with 73. They're also 2nd in goals allowed per game at 2.3 and 4th in total goals allowed at just 44. In terms of shot creation and prevention they're elite as well, ranking 2nd in shots per game at 36.4 a night. While allowing the fewest shots per night in the league at 25.0. Their solid specialty teams have contributed with their powerplay operating at 21%, and their penalty kill at 81%. All these stats culminated in the Devils performing at a league-best level on both ends showing balance and consistency in their play.
A host of players across the roster have been pivotal in the team’s success. Players that have been drafted and developed by the organization along with some very smart offseason acquisitions that have fit the puzzle. They have seen 12 players score at least three goals this season, while also having three different goaltenders win at least 3 games.
Photo from tsn.ca, by Getty Images.
As far as the home-grown talent their top three scorers’ forwards Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischer, and Jack Hughes have led the charge. Hischer is off to a great start leading the team in goals with 9, while Bratt is their points leader with 24. Pair this alongside a healthy former #1 overall pick Jack Hughes (7 goals, 21 points, +7) and you have a dynamic offensive attack spearheaded by a trio set to be pillars of the franchise. Throw in a revitalized Dougie Hamilton back on defense with 5 goals and 14 points thus far and the Devils are getting a lot out of their core group. Their goaltending has also been solid with all three of the netminders posting 2.79 goals against averages or better. Plus, they have two netminders with save percentages over .917%.
In terms of their offseason acquisitions, goaltender Vitek Vanacek has stepped up in the role of a starter in the absence of starter Mackenzie Blackwood. Vanacek has posted a 9-1 record with a 2.14 GAA and .918 SV% holding down the fort as Blackwood works back from injuries. You also have forwards Ondrej Palat – currently out injured – and Erik Haula who have combined for 4 goals and 10 points as productive secondary scoring. Then finally you have a pair of defensemen in John Marino and Brendan Smith who have each provided quality play. Marino has been steady on the top pairing for New Jersey while putting up a few points with 2 goals and 8 assists. Meanwhile, Smith has been a good bottom-pairing defenseman bringing toughness and physicality.
Photo from pressherald.com, by Graham Hughes.