Devils vs. Avalanche Preview: 3 Keys to Victory

The New Jersey Devils begin an important stretch of hockey tonight but will have a tough test against the Colorado Avalanche.

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It's been a minute, but the New Jersey Devils return to the ice tonight after a 10-day layoff coinciding with the All-Star Break. They'll take on a Colorado Avalanche squad coming off a 2-1 overtime loss to the New York Rangers yesterday at Madison Square Garden. Here are three keys to victory for the Devils.  

Keep Bahl & Nemec Away From MacKinnon

I made note of Kevin Bahl and Šimon Nemec's play as a pair in my post yesterday, but it has not been good. They have an expected goals share (xG%) of 44.75 percent and are allowing 3.41 expected goals per 60 minutes as a duo. Granted, it's a small sample size, but it still hasn't been pretty. 

That's why it's important Devils coach Lindy Ruff keeps them away from the Nathan MacKinnon line tonight. MacKinnon has been a freak this season, with his play worth nearly four wins above replacement, ranked first for all skaters league-wide. And it's not just him dominating on his line. 

Mikko Rantanen has been one of the top scorers in the NHL this season, and they seem to have formed some chemistry with Jonathan Drouin. That trio has a 54.39 xG% and a goal differential of plus-6. They've been the Avalanche's main source of offense lately, especially with their lineup not having the most depth. 

That's why containing them could go a long way in helping the Devils secure a much-needed two points. Given how Bahl and Nemec have looked, especially against the Tampa Bay Lightning before the break, matching them up against the MacKinnon line seems like a disaster waiting to happen. 

That's why I'd expect Ruff to give Luke Hughes and John Marino shifts against MacKinnon when he can. Hughes and Marino have played well this season, totaling a 55.64 xG% while allowing only 2.28 expected goals per 60 minutes. They have been excellent two ways and seem like the right matchup for the MacKinnon line. 

I'd also expect to see plenty of Ondřej Palát, Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt out against MacKinnon. Palát has been the Devils' best defensive forward this season, and that line has been one of the best in the NHL, totaling a 62.77 xG%. They could help take MacKinnon's unit out of the game, too. 

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