Keith Yandle makes a wild prediction about the New Jersey Devils success, and fans are not happy
The New Jersey Devils and Lindy Ruff have done a complete 180 this season. They currently sit 2nd overall in the NHL, with a 16-3-0 record, trailing only the Boston Bruins in the standings.
However, the current Devils run hasn't convinced everyone. There are still those who doubt the Devils and that list includes recently retired analyst, Keith Yandle:
No, I don't even think they're going to make the playoffs.
Yandle tries to share his perspective as if his viewpoint of the Devils is grounded and rational.
However, the Devils are analytical darlings this season and it looks like Yandle is amateurish in his view of the team.
"The Devils are all about high event hockey this season," said Meghan Chayka, co-founder of Stathletes. "This team is operating like an offensive juggernaut.
The Devils are scoring by committee and their biggest contributors are Jesper Bratt, who had a breakout season last year, Dawson Mercer, Yegor Sharangovich, Dougie Hamilton, Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Fabian Zetterlund, and veteran Tomas Tatar.
Chayka notes that the Devils are the best team in the NHL at generating shots off the rush through 16 games, averaging 14.9 shots per game at event strength. The league average is 11.8 shots.
The quality of chances has contributed to the Devils leading the NHL in expected goals (3.46 per 60 minutes) and high danger shot attempts (15.72 per 60 minutes) at even strength.
The quality of chances has contributed to the Devils leading the NHL in expected goals (3.46 per 60 minutes) and high danger shot attempts (15.72 per 60 minutes) at even strength.
| POLL | ||
Are the Devils for real? | ||
| No, they'll fall back to earth | 27 | 32.9 % |
| Yes, they're for real | 21 | 25.6 % |
| They'll make the playoffs but aren't this good | 34 | 41.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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