The Devils Have Outshot Everyone. History Splits on What Comes Next

The New Jersey Devils have outshot all eight of their opponents to start the season following a 4-2 loss to the Washington Capitals. Despite leading the NHL with an average of 35.0 shots per game and an 80-shot differential, the team holds a 4-4-0 record and a minus-2 goal differential. Timo Meier scored late in the third period for New Jersey, while Jake Allen conceded four goals on 25 shots.

James Nichols notes that historical precedent offers mixed projections for New Jersey's unusual split between dominant shot volume and mediocre results. Among 15 teams since 1997-98 to outshoot their first eight opponents, only two shared a flat or negative goal differential: the 2002-03 Ottawa Senators, who rebounded to capture the Presidents' Trophy, and the 2019-20 Los Angeles Kings, who missed the playoffs.