New Jersey Devils
Devils Must End First-Line Ondrej Palat Experiment; Full Analysis
The Devils’ first-line has been held back by Ondrej Palat for far too long. It’s time to give Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt better support.
When analyzing what prevents the New Jersey Devils from taking a healthy step forward from an inconsistent team with upside, there are a few factors that you can point to. The NHL trade deadline is just eight days away, and perhaps that’s when said factors will be addressed. However, one thing is long overdue. The Devils must end the first line experiment with Ondrej Palat.
On the back of an embarrassing loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night, Palat was the worst individual forward in terms of gamescore.
READ MORE: Outclassed by Avalanche, Blackwood Haunts Devils, Again; Allen Storms Off in 5-1 Loss
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The lone Devils’ goal derived from Jack Hughes at 5-on-5 was created between brothers. Jack won an offensive zone faceoff to Luke who set up his brother in the slot for a one-time chance to finally score on Mackenzie Blackwood this season.
Most of the goals generated on the Devils’ top line are derived from the play of Hughes and Jesper Bratt.
The duo that’s been coined “Peanut Butter and Jelly” have evolved into a two-way threat, creating elite scoring chances in the offensive zone while also playing strong defensively in their own end.
Ask anyone in the Devils’ locker room and they’ll all tell you the same. Hughes and Bratt enjoy playing with Palat. They claim he does all the little things well, and they’re right, although it’s not consistent. He wins his puck battles and opens up the ice for the dynamic duo. That’s not the concern.
The bigger issue is in the offensive zone, where Palat has pockets of success, but is otherwise holding Hughes and Bratt back.
According to Evolving Hockey, Palat has some of the worst individual Corsi-for per 60 and expected goals per 60 rates among forwards.
Via Evolving Hockey
Despite Palat’s negative impact, Hughes and Bratt play so well together that the Devils’ first line is considered among the best in expected goals at 5-on-5.
In other words, the Devils’ top line could be even better if they reinforce one third of the line.
Ideally, the Devils want Palat playing as part of their depth.
So what can they do?
Well, perhaps the answer can come by the trade deadline by outsourcing.
However, internally, there is one glaring option.
As much as the Devils must end the Palat experiment, they must also maximize Timo Meier, their highest paid forward.
Recently, Sheldon Keefe has dropped the Swiss-forward to the third line, elevating Tomas Tatar to the Nico Hischier and Stefan Noesen duo.
Meier has typically done his best work alongside Hischier, but if Keefe is hellbent on moving Meier off his line, he should be put with Hughes.
It hasn’t worked before. However, there are certainly adjustments that can be made.
First and foremost, Meier can drive play similarly to Hughes and Bratt. That was seemingly the root cause of the struggles in their first go as linemates. Too many cooks in the kitchen.
However, can Keefe coach Meier into simplifying his game? Simply, let the Devils duo continue to drive the play, while Meier finds the open ice for scoring opportunities or cause havoc at the top of the oppositions crease.
Meier has all the tools to be the goalscorer the Devils need alongside elite linemates. Perhaps, he just needs to simplify his approach.
One goal in his last 18 games isn’t going to cut it. He’s admitted he’s been focused on the defensive side of the puck, and it shows.
However, Meier is perennial 30-goal material. He’s got four 30-goal seasons under his belt, one of which he scored 40. Last season, he netted 28 in 69 games.
There’s no reason he should be on a 21-goal pace this season.
Spare me the, “He’s just not that good” propaganda. Meier is an elite talent. He just hasn’t been unlocked.
Otherwise, the Devils desperately need to go out on the market and acquire a top-six talent. Nick Kyperos’ latest NHL trade board shows that there are potentially plenty that are available.
Names such as Brock Nelson, Kyle Palmieri, and even Jordan Kyrou—a new addition—could all be had.
Brock Boeser is another goalscorer that should be of interest.
Whether it comes internally or it’s outsourced, the Devils must improve the forward group after prioritizing the blueline and goaltending this summer.
For starters, it’s time for the Devils to end the top-line Palat experiment.
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