NHL EDGE Stats Reveal Devils as One of the Most Dominant Contenders

The Devils’ Dominance: Analyzing Their Advanced Stats and Impressive Season So Far

The New Jersey Devils have quickly transformed from playoff outsiders to one of the most formidable teams in the NHL, showcasing remarkable advanced stats that position them as legitimate contenders for the Metropolitan Division and the Presidents’ Trophy. After a disappointing absence from the postseason last year, the Devils are proving that they are back in business, driven by key players and impressive metrics that have helped them surge to the top of the standings.

One of the major changes for the Devils this offseason was the acquisition of goalie Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames, alongside the hiring of coach Sheldon Keefe. These moves have certainly made an impact, but the team’s returning players have been the ones to shine. Despite injuries to key figures like Dougie Hamilton and Jack Hughes last season, the Devils have managed to overcome these setbacks and improve upon their performance.

This year, the Devils are once again among the leaders in shot attempts percentage (51.6%, tied for 9th in the league), but this time with far better consistency. The goaltending duo of Markstrom and Jake Allen has been much more stable compared to last season’s struggles, with a combined team save percentage of .899 (tied for 8th in the NHL). These improvements have helped the Devils become a force to reckon with.

One of the most exciting stats this season is the Devils’ high-danger shots on goal, where they lead the league with 282 such shots, only one goal behind the NHL leaders. Their power play has also been a major strength, sitting at the top with an efficiency of 30.9%, surpassing the Winnipeg Jets. They are also among the best teams in the NHL in offensive zone time percentage with the man advantage, ranking 6th at 61.1%.

Key players like Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes have been at the heart of the Devils’ offensive explosion. Bratt has put up an impressive 39 points in 32 games (tied for 8th in the NHL), while Hughes isn’t far behind with 38 points in the same number of games. Bratt, often underappreciated, ranks 24th in points over the last four seasons, with 268 points (98 goals and 170 assists) in 272 games. His advanced stats are equally impressive. He ranks in the 90th percentile or better for speed bursts, midrange shots, and skating distance, proving he is among the most well-rounded forwards in the league.

Other standout players include Nico Hischier and Timo Meier, both of whom are key contributors to the Devils’ success. Hischier ranks 5th in high-danger shots on goal, while Meier is in the top 10. The Devils also boast impressive performances in high-danger goals, with Hischier, Stefan Noesen, and Hughes among the league’s best in that category.

Defensively, the Devils have excelled in forcing their opponents into long-range shots. Dougie Hamilton, now healthy, ranks among the best in long-range shots on goal (48), and Luke Hughes, the younger brother of Jack, has been a revelation, with standout performances in top skating speed and high-danger shots on goal.

Overall, the Devils have maintained consistency and dominance throughout the season, bouncing back quickly from losses and continuing to play at a high level. With strong performances from their key players, New Jersey has solidified itself as a legitimate playoff contender, and with their impressive advanced metrics, they look poised to make a deep playoff run once again. The Devils’ success is built on a blend of talent, depth, and elite advanced stats, making them one of the most dangerous teams in the NHL today.