Devils Western Canada Road Trip Preview

The New Jersey Devils made a statement in Western Canada during the 2022-23 season. Can they do it again?

---

Follow us on Twitter: @AlexC_NJD, @NJD_OnTheRush

Follow me on Bluesky

---

Let's take a trip down Memory Lane. Who remembers when the New Jersey Devils swept their Western Canada trip during the 2022-23 season? Those were wins three, four and five in what ended up being a 13-game winning streak.

And just like this season, the Devils' Western Canada trip came early in 2022-23. This isn't to say they'll go on another 13-game winning streak — that's highly unlikely. But a good trip could set the tone for the Devils entering November. Here's what to expect.

The Hughes Cup

The Devils get their Western Canada trip kicked off tonight against the Vancouver Canucks (10:30 PM EST). With Luke Hughes back in the lineup and healthy, it'll be part one of the Hughes Cup featuring Quinn, Luke and Jack Hughes.

It'll be a tough test for the Devils, as the Canucks are 4-1-3 and should be a contender in the Pacific Division. Aside from Utah HC and the Washington Capitals, the Devils haven't beaten a potential playoff team this season, so a win could go a long way.

The Canucks got off to a fast start last season by riding some unsustainable shooting and save percentages. That hasn't been the case to begin 2024-25, but they look like an improved five-on-five team.

It's still small sample size season, but the Canucks have an expected goals share (xG%) of 53.69 percent, ranked ninth in the NHL. They've been stingy defensively, allowing just 2.23 expected goals per 60 minutes.

The Devils might be able to counter with an offense that seems to be finding its footing over the last few games. They're averaging over four goals per game over their previous five games, as well as 2.87 expected goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five.

Another advantage the Devils could have is in net. I know Jacob Markström is struggling, but the Canucks are without Thatcher Demko, who remains out with an injury.

Kevin Lankinen has filled in admirably, posting a 4-0-2 record and a .920 save percentage, but there are some signs he may be due for a bad game; he has a high-danger SV% of .800, which is below average. It's not like he's playing above weight despite what the .920 SV% suggests. And the Devils are doing well to generate high-danger chances.