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New Jersey Devils Notes: Josefson, Brunner, Schneider & More

September 22, 2013, 10:09 AM ET [91 Comments]
Todd Cordell
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The New Jersey Devils took on the New York Islanders for the second time in as many games, and were able to pick up a convincing 3-0 win.

Jacob Josefson, Patrik Elias and Steve Bernier scored for the Devils while Cory Schneider stopped 26-26 en route to a shutout victory.

Some thoughts:

- Josefson is going to make it very difficult for Pete DeBoer to not keep around. He's always been a good defensive player, but so far this preseason we've seen more offence from him. He's looked more confident with the puck and has made some pretty good plays with it.

He played on a skill line with Elias and Damien Brunner Saturday night and made things happen offensively. I don't think it was a coincidence and, as I've said all along, I feel as though Josefson can produce some offence when put in the right situation. He did that last night with a two point (1G, 1A) performance.

-
DeBoer on Brunner: “He made a couple of great plays tonight. He’s got instant speed and it creates a lot of offense, backs teams off. I've been impressed with him"


“He’s a good player,” Elias said. “He’s a smart player and you see that right away. You can see what he can bring. He’s patient, he’s got a good shot, good creativity, always moving and we’ll see what happens. But he’s a really good player.”


The Devils could use more speed and skill and Brunner brings both to the table. The Devils have the cap space to sign him and after reading comments like those, it's hard to see a scenario where they don't.

- For the second consecutive game Schneider stopped every puck that came his way, albeit he only played two periods Thursday. Nevertheless, Schneider hasn't allowed a goal through five periods as he's stopped all 48 shots. I know it's preseason and about half the guys dressing are fringe NHLers, AHLers or prospects being given a look, but it's still impressive.

There's no way DeBoer can give him any less than 40 starts. You could make a strong case he deserves more.

**

- Devils prospect Graham Black scored the game winning goal in his season debut with Swift Current on Saturday. The Broncos managed to pick up a 3-2 win over Regina.

- Anthony Brodeur stopped 18-22 in a 6-4 Gatineau win over Rouyn-Noranda. It was Brodeur's first regular season start in the QMJHL.

**

Eastern Conference playoff predictions.

Western Conference playoff predictions.

Henrik Tallinder wasn't a fan of Pete DeBoer.

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