New Jersey Devils Against Toronto Maple Leafs Gameday Thoughts (Nov. 8)

The New Jersey Devils play the second of a back-to-back and make the trip to Canada as they face the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are also on the second of a back-to-back. It suggests some sloppy play from both teams and a lot of goals. That said, the Devils have Connor Hellebuyck starting with extra rest. 

That's a good place to start. But first, some quick stats.

The Devils (12-5 & 2nd in the Metropolitan Division) are averaging 3.59 goals per game (7th in the NHL) & allowing 3.00 goals per game (9th in the NHL).

The Maple Leafs (8-8-2 & 7th in the Atlantic Division) are averaging 3.56 goals per game (8th in the NHL) & allowing 3.28 goals per game (13th in the NHL). 

Now, time for some thoughts.

1) What type of Hellebuyck will the Devils get tonight? Hellebuyck is one of the best in the NHL. However, the goaltender hasn't put together lights-out starts, at least not yet. He's 4-0, but the defense protected him in the first two games and then allowed the opponents to find easy scoring chances against him in the next two games. 

This should be the bounce-back or get-right game for Hellebuyck. It's a good one for him to build more confidence before the Nov. 10 game against the Winnipeg Jets, which he'll presumably start as well. 

2) The Maple Leafs and their high-flying offense won't make it easy. They've struggled lately with two losses in a row and only four goals in those games. However, they have a top-10 unit led by Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and a younger core that has Easton Cowan and Gavin McKenna in it. They'll give Hellebuyck and the Devils' defense all they can handle. Plus, playing on the road in Toronto is never easy. 

3) Can the defense continue to open things up at the point? Luke Hughes is emerging as a number one defenseman this season, with great play on both ends. The pleasant surprise, especially in the recent game against the New York Islanders, was the way the rest of the blue line stepped up, with Declan Chisholm and Dougie Hamilton adding goals in the 5-4 overtime win. The Devils hope the depth steps up, especially on defense. 

4) Sheldon Keefe is back in Toronto. This is always a sentimental game for the Devils' head coach, who got his coaching start with the Maple Leafs and in the greater Toronto area (with success in the Ontario Hockey League and the American Hockey League). This time around, Keefe has a team built to win a Cup, and he wants to prove to Toronto and the rest of the league that he is a great coach who can take great teams to another level.

5) Speaking of Keefe, it will be interesting to see whether he leans on the depth more in this game. The Maple Leafs remain a top-heavy team, and their third and fourth line can get exposed by the Devils. It's why Keefe might turn to the Anthony Mantha, Evan Rodrigues, and Jesper Boqvist trio to win this game.

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