This article is part of our The Daily Puck series.
Around the Rink
While recent rule changes and fan sentiment have encouraged an increase in scoring around the NHL, some teams continue to resist the trend. There are three teams with positive goal differentials in the bottom-third of the NHL in scoring (Devils, Penguins, Lightning). The Devils currently reside in a playoff position, the Penguins are a point out, and the Lightning trail the Devils by only three points. Watching these teams play is far from exciting, and their styles create restless fan bases.
Penguins coach Mike Johnston was fired Saturday and replaced by Mike Sullivan, as Pittsburgh looks to activate their offensive firepower. Meanwhile, the Bolts have taken a defensive approach and leaned on Ben Bishop in lieu of Steven Stamkos's struggles (22 points in 30 games) and the evaporating production of the "Triplets" line.
However, New Jersey has taken a pragmatic approach toward achieving success since the start of the season and will continue to do so. With a forward group lean on talent and a young defensive corps, the Devils utilize the abilities of their best player, Cory Schneider, to the fullest. In coach John Hynes's system, the team sits fairly deep when defending transition, keeping opponents to the outside where they allow shots from distance that Schneider can easily handle. The Devils maintain their patience throughout the game, rarely taking chances when presented, and rather hoping to capitalize on an opponent's mistake or score a dirty goal.
A perfect example of this system in action occurred as I languished through a Devils-Canadiens game at Bell Centre on Nov. 28. After the Canadiens jumped out to an early 2-0, New Jersey continued to weather the storm and kept the lead to only two until the third period. The Devils then scored two timely goals in the third before winning 3-2 in overtime against a far superior Montreal squad.
It may not be attractive, but teams short on talent will continue to play overly defensive as long as it gets them into the playoffs.
Projected Goalie Starters (all times Eastern)
Devils (Cory Schneider) vs. Islanders (Thomas Greiss), 5:00 PM
Avalanche (Semyon Varlamov) vs. Blues (Jake Allen), 6:00 PM
Canucks (Ryan Miller) vs. Blackhawks (Corey Crawford), 6:00 PM
For updates on the projected goalies later in the day, check out our Projected Goalies Grid.
Injury News for Teams Playing Sunday
Chicago Blackhawks
No current injuries
Colorado Avalanche
Gabriel Landeskog, LW (back) - missed last two games, including Saturday; further update should be provided later
Ben Street, C (chest) - remains on IR without timetable for return
Brad Stuart, D (back) - no indication to when he will return
Jesse Winchester, LW (concussion) - out indefinitely
New Jersey Devils
Bobby Farnham, LW (upper body) - placed on IR retroactive to Dec. 8
Adam Henrique, C (lower body) - out Sunday
Tuomo Ruutu, LW (foot) - nearing a return
Lee Stempniak, RW (illness) - questionable for Sunday's tilt
Travis Zajac, C (upper body) - out Sunday
New York Islanders
Cal Clutterbuck, RW (upper body) - no word on his status for Sunday
Ryan Strome, C (upper body) - left Saturday's game and did not return
St. Louis Blues
Patrik Berglund, C (shoulder) - not likely to return until 2016
Steve Ott, C (lower body) - out for three months
Jaden Schwartz, LW (ankle) - could return mid-January
Vancouver Canucks
Derek Dorsett, RW (personal) - returned to Saskatchewan on Saturday
Dan Hamhuis, D (jaw) - expected to miss two months
Luca Sbisa, D (hand) - could return after Christmas
Brandon Sutter, C (abdomen) - out for another two-to-four weeks
Hot
Matt Duchene, RW, COL - The third-overall pick in 2009 has scored at a near point per game rate before (43 points in 47 games in 2012-13, 70 points in 71 games in 2013-14), but he has never scored goals as freely as he is doing now. Duchene scored just one goal after 11 games this season, but in the 19 games since, he has erupted for 14 goals. At this rate, the soon to be 25-year old will score 53 goals in 2015-16.
Alexander Edler, D, VAN - Eight of Edler's 17 points have come on the power play this season, playing on a Vancouver team that spends more time with the man advantage than any other team in the league. Edler himself averages 3:49 of power play ice time per game, but in his last two contests, the Swede has averaged 5:34 power play time on ice while scoring three points.
Cold
John Tavares, C, NYI - Tavares's relative struggles have been largely overlooked this season, likely due to Sidney Crosby's similar situation. In the two seasons before this, Tavares scored 152 points in 141 contests, but has tallied only 22 points in 27 games during 2015-16. The former top pick is trending in the wrong direction as well, scoring two points in his last eight games, in addition to going scoreless in his last four.
Recommended Pickup
Frans Nielsen, C, NYI - While his superstar teammate has faltered, the veteran Dane has done admirably in picking up Tavares's slack. Nielsen is on pace to score 60 points this season, which would better his previous career high of 58 points in 2013-14. Nielsen is a strong play Sunday due to the fact that he is a streaky scorer, registering just three points in games that fall outside scoring streaks. The 31-year old has bagged three goals in his last two games.
