New Jersey Devils Against St. Louis Blues Gameday Thoughts (Nov. 5)

Time for take two. After posting some thoughts ahead of the game against the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday, it's a good time to do the same as the New Jersey Devils host the St. Louis Blues tonight (7:00 PM Eastern start time for this one, a big plus for those covering the game). 

First, let's take a quick glance at the two teams. 

The Blues (7-7-1 & 6th in the Central Division) are averaging 3.00 goals per game (18th in the NHL) & allowing 3.00 goals per game (11th in the NHL). 

The Devils (15-5 & 2nd in the Metropolitan Division) are averaging 3.40 goals per game (11th in the NHL) & allowing 2.87 goals per game (7th in the NHL). 

Here are five thoughts ahead of tonight's game (as we tinker this gameday thoughts idea). 

1) Is this a trap game for the Devils? Every team wants to say they treat every opponent the same and aren't as focused on the opposition as much as on how they look. At this time of the season, that's particularly the case. However, the Oilers' game had a different atmosphere to it. The Devils wanted to make a statement in Connor Hellebuyck's home debut and against one of the league's best teams, a team that entered the night 7-0 on the road. 

The Blues are a middle of the pack team. However, they have enough talent that they can catch teams by surprise, especially if they are caught napping. The Devils can't take them lightly.

2) The Devils are looking to build on their hot streak and head into the back-to-back over the weekend with plenty of momentum. This is the last game of the Western Conference stretch. The Devils have played seven consecutive games against Western Conference teams and have won six of them. They face the New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs on a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday, so another win builds more momentum. 

3) If Hellebuyck doesn't start Thursday's game, which games does he start? The Devils face the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday, Nov. 10, a game that Hellebuyck will presumably start (it's a safe bet considering it's his first game back). That means there are four games in six days. So, the Devils might turn to Jake Allen for another start as well. It's a reminder that he's more than just a backup

(Update: per Amanda Stein & the Devils media who attended morning skate, Hellebuyck was in the starting net. So, it will be interesting to see which games he gets after this).

4) The Blues aren't top-heavy like the Oilers and are led by depth instead. The Devils typically have the depth advantage, and head coach Sheldon Keefe finds matchups, especially with the Evan Rodrigues and Cody Glass lines. Does he lean on his stars more in this game?

5) The power play scored twice in the 4-3 shootout win over the Oilers. Was that a sign that the unit is turning a corner or a one-off? Connor Brown moved to the top power-play unit and scored a goal, so the Devils hope the new look results in success. 

What's on your mind ahead of tonight's game? Any comments or questions should be posted below!