Devils vs. Sharks Preview: Get Back on Track

If the New Jersey Devils lose to the San Jose Sharks for a second time this season, it might be time to wave the white flag

---

Follow us on Twitter: @AlexC_NJD, @NJD_OnTheRush

---

No game is a gimme in the NHL. Just take the New Jersey Devils' first outing against the San Jose Sharks this season, which resulted in a 6-3 loss. If the Devils want any chance at getting back in the playoff race, they cannot lose this game under any circumstance. Here are three keys to victory to coming away with two points in San Jose. 

Devils Need to Capitalize on Sharks' Defense

CJ Turtoro pointed it out on Twitter yesterday, but the Devils' shooting percentage has absolutely cratered since the team changed their defensive zone structure. It's hard to say what the correlation is there, but it's worth monitoring; they had trouble scoring in all four games last week. 

Fortunately, the Sharks should present an opportunity to break those shooting woes. The Devils did get goalie'd by Kaapo Kahkonen the first time they played each other, but it wasn't for the lack of chances. They fired 40-plus shots on Kahkonen. They just couldn't find the back of the net often enough. 

Based on how the Sharks continue to defend, the Devils should get their fair share of chances tonight. The Sharks are allowing 3.10 expected goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five for the season, the worst rate in the league. That number is even worse over their last ten games, as they're giving up 3.40 expected goals per 60. 

Even though the Devils have struggled to score goals and generate high-danger chances lately, they should at least get plenty of quality opportunities at five-on-five tonight. Whether they convert on them is another story, especially with Mackenzie Blackwood starting. With how things have been going for the Devils lately, he'll have the ultimate revenge game.