Mantha Makes Every Look Count as Devils Edge Blues in OT
This was a coin flip that New Jersey happened to call right. The Devils beat the St. Louis Blues 5-4 in overtime, but the chances were almost dead even. By expected goals, which measure how much each team's chances were worth, the Devils came in at 4.25 and the Blues at 4.22. New Jersey threw more pucks at the net, outattempting St. Louis 67-51, but the Blues' looks were just as dangerous.
The difference was Anthony Mantha. He scored two goals and added an assist on just three shots, and those chances were worth only 0.49 expected goals. He played on a line with Jesper Boqvist and Evan Rodrigues. Jack Hughes had the busier night, with six shots and two assists, but didn't score.
In goal, Connor Hellebuyck stopped 28 of 32, while Jordan Binnington saved 31 of 36. The bounces were even, too: Timo Meier and Jimmy Snuggerud each hit a post.
