Devils Lead Dallas, and Hellebuyck Keeps the Gap Wide
New Jersey has the shot count, but Dallas has had the better chances, and Casey DeSmith has been the one beaten.
Written during the game · 10:11 PM ET. Final was NJD 5, DAL 1.
The box score says New Jersey is cruising, but the better chances have actually gone Dallas's way. The Devils lead 4-1 with 6:22 played in the 3rd, 13:38 left in the 3rd, and Connor Hellebuyck is a big reason the lead is that wide.
New Jersey leads shot attempts 52-27 and shots on goal 24-11. Even so, Dallas's chances have been worth 2.18 expected goals, which is how many goals they should have scored from the quality of their looks. New Jersey's have been worth 2.1. The Stars have scored once.
Hellebuyck has stopped 10 of 11 shots. His goals saved above expected is +1.18, so he has kept out more than an average goalie would have on the same chances. The one goal he allowed was Justin Hryckowian's at 16:08 of the 2nd.
At the other end, Casey DeSmith has made 20 saves on 24 shots and has allowed four goals, two of them from Nico Hischier.
