Opinion
3 min read

New Jersey Devils Eye Redemption in Showdown with Toronto Maple Leafs

As the New Jersey Devils prepare to face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs, fans are eager to see if their team can bounce back from a recent string of mixed performances. The upcoming game at Scotiabank Arena presents an opportunity for the Devils to redeem themselves and showcase their resilience.


Mar 7, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils goaltender Vitek Vanecek (41) makes a save against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

In their last outing on March 15, the NJ demonstrated a commanding presence by trouncing the Dallas Stars with an impressive 6-2 victory. Their offensive prowess was on full display as they capitalized on scoring opportunities, boasting a shooting percentage of 30 percent and netting six goals out of just 20 shots. This level of efficiency is something they'll aim to replicate against TOR.


However, it wasn't just NJ's offense that shone; their defense also stood tall. The team blocked a total of 23 shots and delivered 21 hits, disrupting Dallas' rhythm throughout the game. Goaltending was equally formidable, with NJ's goalie saving all but two of the 37 shots faced – an impeccable save percentage that provided the backbone for their victory.


Mar 7, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitchell Marner (16) celebrates his goal against the New Jersey Devils during the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Contrastingly, in a more recent match-up against New York Rangers on March 11, NJ fell short in a tight contest that ended with a scoreline of 3-1 in favor of NYR. Despite putting up similar numbers in hits and blocked shots compared to their win over Dallas, NJ struggled at faceoffs with only a win percentage of around one-third and incurred penalties totaling eighteen minutes which may have cost them valuable momentum during critical phases.


The upcoming game will require NJ to tighten up discipline while maintaining aggressive play without possession if they are going to overcome TOR's challenge. Special teams could play a crucial role; although powerplay opportunities were not capitalized upon previously by either team involved in these past games – both having zero powerplay goals – any advantage gained here could be pivotal.


Mar 7, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov (35) makes a save against the New Jersey Devils during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Looking ahead at what promises to be an electrifying encounter between these two teams, it is imperative for NJD to leverage lessons learned from past performances while harnessing their evident offensive capabilities demonstrated against Dallas Stars.


Devils fans should mark their calendars for March 26th when this thrilling battle will take place at Scotiabank Arena at precisely 7:30 PM EDT. Those unable or unwilling to make it there can catch all the action live via ESPN+ or Hulu where every check into boards and shot towards goal will be broadcasted for your viewing pleasure.

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