Two Games In, the Devils Can’t Sink Like They Used To; Why They Shouldn’t

James Nichols argues that the New Jersey Devils should not allow their 6-0 loss to the New York Islanders to derail their season. Despite the shutout loss at UBS Arena, where goaltender Nico Daws stopped 26 of 32 shots, Nichols notes that the Devils outshot the Islanders 37 to 32 and generated more shot attempts, proving the underlying process was not as poor as the scoreline suggested.

According to Nichols, New Jersey's primary struggles stem from a lack of finishing, particularly from Timo Meier and Anthony Mantha, alongside an 0-for-5 power play performance. Head coach Sheldon Keefe's squad must clean up defensive lapses and secondary line play, but the writer contends they will rebound if their offensive shot volume continues against upcoming opponents.