Devils vs. Bruins Preview: 3 Things to Watch

New Jersey Devils conclude their 3-game road trip against a Boston Bruins team that has struggled some at 5-on-5 lately

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Since the New Jersey Devils have a Monday matineé against the Boston Bruins today, we have a game preview to go with your morning cup of coffee. Here are three things to watch for the Devils if they want to return home with 5/6 points from their road trip. 

Bruins' 5-on-5 Play Has Been Lagging

The Bruins are 6-1-3 in their last ten games, but it's not like they're playing their best hockey of the season. In fact, they've been one of the weaker teams at five-on-five lately. 

The Bruins have an expected goals share (xG%) of 47.41 percent over their last ten games, placing them 20th in the NHL. Their defense has been fine, but a significant reason they've struggled at five-on-five is that they're not generating much in the way of quality chances. 

Over their last ten games, the Bruins are averaging just 2.33 expected goals per 60, ranked 22nd in the NHL. Granted, they did have some injuries during this stretch. But the offense hasn't been there, which may benefit the Devils. 

Considering all the injuries that Lindy Ruff's team is dealing with, getting into a low-event affair might benefit a Devils roster that won't have Jack Hughes, Timo Meier and Ondřej Palát for another contest. 

It may also help their goaltending. Given how well Nico Daws played against the Panthers on Saturday, it makes sense to turn back to him. The Bruins are generating 9.66 high-danger chances per 60 over their last ten games, which isn't much. 

Meanwhile, Daws is stopping .886 percent of the high-danger shots he's facing. Combined with the Bruins struggling to generate much at five-on-five, this could be a spot where they're ripe for the picking. 

Taking the Middle of the Ice Away From the Pastrnak Line