Devils vs. Coyotes Preview: Avoid a Letdown

The New Jersey Devils' offense should be in a prime position to help them avoid a letdown against the Arizona Coyotes.

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The New Jersey Devils are coming off an impressive 6-2 win over the Dallas Stars and are looking to build off it when they take on the Arizona Coyotes early this evening. Here are three things to watch as the Devils try to claw their way back into a playoff position. 

Devils Offense Should Have Room to Breathe

Even though the Devils scored six goals against the Stars, that was more a result of them being opportunistic and taking advantage of a struggling Jake Oettinger. While they did have 11 high-danger chances at five-on-five, they fired just 20 shots on goal at all strengths. 

That wasn't necessarily a surprise. The Stars are a stingy defensive team, and the Devils essentially parked the bus in the third period once they went into the second intermission with a 5-2 lead. 

But tonight should present the Devils an opportunity to get their struggling offense going. The Coyotes have been bleeding shots and chances since the trade deadline a week ago, giving up 3.08 expected goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five. Granted, that's only a four-game sample, but the Devils will welcome that news. 

After playing a couple of bad offensive matchups in the Carolina Hurricanes and Stars over the last week, the Devils should have more room to breathe against the Coyotes. Then again, the New York Rangers have been bleeding quality looks lately, and the Devils managed a measly 21 shots on goal against them. 

Still, I like this matchup for the Devils. The Coyotes' top pair of J.J. Moser and Sean Durzi has been giving up 2.8 expected goals per 60 minutes, while their third pair of Travis Dermott and Josh Brown are allowing 3.35 expected goals per 60. The Devils should be able to generate quality chances against this group. 

Devils Power Play Has an Opportunity, Too