Devils 2018-19 team discussion (news and notes) - part IX

[Darkauron]

"Butcher played a career-high 25:01 in a 6-5 shootout loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday, and he followed that with a 22:40 game 24 hours later against the San Jose Sharks."

Hynes: "It seems like he’s gotten his game going better. He’s skating, he’s moving the puck well, he’s defending harder, and that’s what we needed from him, so we put him with Sami. He’s done a nice job with some of the increased ice time and some of the increased responsibilities.”

Why Devils moved Will Butcher into bigger defensive role

Butcher sucks. He will never be good a D. Trade him.

 

[Devil X]

If NHL stars had their own goal songs ...

I wonder what Palmieri or Hall would pick?

If the Devils did this.

 

[Jets012]

I haven't a clue how to go about doing this, but it would be interesting to look at the goalies save % on high danger scoring chances compared with non-high danger chances and see how those numbers stack up this season vs last season or vs other goalies in the league. Also, is the team giving up more high danger chances this season?

Team Season Totals - Natural Stat Trick

A lot of that information is here ^. We are best in the league in not giving up high-danger chances. Middle of the pack in high danger goals allowed. But bottom 4 in high danger save percentage. Also bottom 7 in 5 on 5 save percentage.

 

[Triumph]

I feel Zacha needed to stay in Bingo. I have a feeling he now has to pass through waivers, so it's not reasonable to send him down anymore.

If he can't go to Bingo, I think he should be on the 4th line. I think he can do some damage playing against weaker competition and with line mates who have a simpler game. Zacha needs to simplify his game. He doesn't shoot. He's looking to make the pretty play. That's the reason he was yelled at for the back pass. It's because he did something he's been told not to do. Zacha just needs to get the basics down. He's got tons of skill that he can add on top - if he just would do the simple things first.

I don't really get this criticism of Zacha looking to pass because he doesn't pass either. He doesn't handle the puck in the offensive zone very much.

He can't go back to Binghamton, but he was clearly tearing it up down there and I don't really think staying down there would've done a whole lot. By your profile of him here, he's not lacking confidence - he's overconfident, if anything. I don't see what keeping him in Binghamton would've accomplished.

 

[devilsblood]

I don't really get this criticism of Zacha looking to pass because he doesn't pass either. He doesn't handle the puck in the offensive zone very much.

The over passing critique goes beyond just the offensive zone.

And maybe "passing too much" is the wrong way to phrase it, more like he is too quick to pass it.

 

[MadDevil]

I haven't a clue how to go about doing this, but it would be interesting to look at the goalies save % on high danger scoring chances compared with non-high danger chances and see how those numbers stack up this season vs last season or vs other goalies in the league. Also, is the team giving up more high danger chances this season?

According to Natural Stat Trick our HDSV% is about 3% worse than last year, and 4th worst in the league. Over the past two seasons our HDSV% is 5th worst. Interestingly enough Vegas has a very similar HDSV% over that same span, so I'm not sure how much stock to put into it.

 

[Csonked Out]

So just a thought, I wonder if we may show any interest in Brayden Schenn. I know his contract is up after next year, I suppose it depends upon how close Ray thinks we are to competing.

 

[Hischier and Hughes]

Once Zacha is 24 and hasnt produced more, Ill be about done with him

But he has quite some time between now and then. His defensive game is already Zajac-lite level at 21, the offense coming slowly doesn’t bother me too much. Except obviously the lack of 2nd line scoring

 

[ChicksDigTheTrap]

So just a thought, I wonder if we may show any interest in Brayden Schenn. I know his contract is up after next year, I suppose it depends upon how close Ray thinks we are to competing.

IMO he addressed the 27-28 year old Brayden Shenn types in the interview. I certainly hope he has no interest.

"I've said all along, with the support of managing partners, Josh (Harris) and David (Blitzer), that you don't build a team that's rebuilding through free agent signings that would handcuff you in 3-to-4 years," Shero said. "Doing something for the sake of getting a little bit better, or to just say you're doing something, is patchwork and not a plan. There's only one way to do this. The idea is to build something that once you do build it, you're in a good position each year to have a chance to make the playoffs and at a certain point you're considered a Cup contender.

Five Questions with Ray Shero

 

[Emperoreddy]

 

[Csonked Out]

I'll be honest, I was hoping for a bit more substance from that interview but I completely understand why they lobbed him a bunch of beach ball questions.

 

[Better Call Sal]

I think everything Ray said is bang on.

I understand the frustrations people have, but it isn't possible to do something reactionary from a management position at every peak and valley over the course of a season.

Perspective and the big picture is important.

 

[glenwo2]

@Hischier13Hall9 "not going to lie i left to my friends house how did we win "

Since no one answered your question in the PostGame thread, here is your answer.







LET'S GO DEVILS!!!!

 

[Nubmer6]

Funny, but when I read this, the first thing I thought of was Corey scoring on himself last night.

 

[Davegarri]

@Hischier13Hall9 "not going to lie i left to my friends house how did we win "

Since no one answered your question in the PostGame thread, here is your answer.







LET'S GO DEVILS!!!!

I may print out that second photo and get Nico to sign it. That's a great photo

 

[NjDevsRR]

It was fantastic to see Nico driving a line all night and being an absolute force. Id keep Hall and Nico separated.

Hall Zacha Bratt
Johansson Hischier Palmieri

Zacha playing with Hall will also help PZ’s production and hopefully confidence.

 

[JimEIV]

Interesting article... nothing in it is new but the fact that the article was written is what I find interesting.

What do the Devils do with Cory Schneider now?

 

[ChicksDigTheTrap]

I think everything Ray said is bang on.

I understand the frustrations people have, but it isn't possible to do something reactionary from a management position at every peak and valley over the course of a season.

Perspective and the big picture is important.

Agree. Posters are just upset because Shero is not going to throw anyone under the bus and they will have to wait until spring to get their shiny new toy as opposed to getting it at Christmas.

 

[Brooklyndevil]

Time for the Devils and Zacha part ways. May be best for both after this season. He has no trade value and I’m not sure if his entry contract expires. If it does, let him walk. Time to move on and stop complaining or expecting things to change.

 

[NjDevsRR]

Time for the Devils and Zacha part ways. May be best for both after this season. He has no trade value and I’m not sure if his entry contract expires. If it does, let him walk. Time to move on and stop complaining or expecting things to change.

He arguably had the best game of his career last night and as you said he has no value so why would we lose him for nothing?

Let him find his game, at the very least he will be a 3C who can provide a good defensive game.

 

[Mike27Devils]

Time for the Devils and Zacha part ways. May be best for both after this season. He has no trade value and I’m not sure if his entry contract expires. If it does, let him walk. Time to move on and stop complaining or expecting things to change.

Your comments are extreme. I like Zacha a lot he’s a good player. He consistently makes really nice slick plays that just haven’t been ending up in the back of the net and his defense has been on point. His tools along with his size are above average and his hockey iq is very good. He’s been facilitating Bratt and Johanssons strong play right now. He obviously needs more time to figure out how he can potentially dominate games (he has the ability in him which is why he can be frustrating). He had a solid game last night so I’m not sure why people are harping on him so bad at the moment. Maybe it’s all point related? When he figures everything out he’ll be a great 2C if not a good 3C. I have plenty of faith in him. He just needs to play with a bit more bite to his game.

 

[DerekDevils30]

You think this team is bad defensively now? Let's see how it looks without Zacha. He does all the little things away from the puck that often go unnoticed.

Has his offense been a major disappointment? Of course but let's give the kid a chance to grow

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

He arguably had the best game of his career last night and as you said he has no value so why would we lose him for nothing?

Let him find his game, at the very least he will be a 3C who can provide a good defensive game.

Lmao the best game of his career? When “the best game of your career” results in zero points you really are garbage.

 

[BahlDeep]

Bratt-Zacha-JQ need to remain together

 

[BahlDeep]

Lmao the best game of his career? When “the best game of your career” results in zero points you really are garbage.

He plays very well defensively and that line looks fantastic.