The New Jersey Devils are still finding their way early this season, but they will get a good test against the Western Conference over the next couple of weeks.
Starting tonight against the Colorado Avalanche, the Devils play eight straight games against the Western Conference.
That may seem daunting, but not all of their Western foes are challenges the Devils can’t overcome. Either way, we’ll learn plenty about this team.
The Avalanche haven’t gotten off to the scorching start they did last season, but that’s not surprising. That’s difficult to repeat.
Still, the Avalanche look like one of the NHL’s best teams. They have an expected goals share (xG%) of 56.8 percent, fifth in the NHL.
They will be the Devils’ stiffest test early this season, but they should get a bit of a reprieve after tonight’s game.