We're in the throes of spooky season, and fittingly, the New Jersey Devils just got a lot scarier with the acquisition of superstar goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. One of the best goaltenders in the world, Hellebuyck fills the biggest need on the Devils roster. With him in between the pipes and an electrifying group of forwards, New Jersey will be a force in the Eastern Conference.
Don't take my word for it. Just look at what the Devils did Tuesday against the Dallas Stars. In his first start with the team, Hellebuyck stopped 17 of the 18 shots he faced -- allowing one goal on 2.04 expected goals against -- in a 5-1 victory.
Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes each had multi-point nights as the Devils took full advantage of the chances they created against a stout Dallas team. This type of game has to be exactly what general manager Sunny Mehta envisioned when he swung the deal for Hellebuyck. Moving forward, the Devils will be burdened with the pressure that comes along with being a bona fide Cup contender.
For a franchise that's fallen short of expectations a few times lately, that can be a scary prospect, and it inspired a special Halloween edition of the NHL Power Rankings in which I highlight the scariest thing about each team. Goals saved above average and expected goals data via Natural Stat Trick
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