Boring.... NOT! Yes, the season could be a long season but as every game passes this team adds character and the Rangers win was a character building experience.
And last game was the first time I saw Jack Hughes be well... Jack Hughes. More confidence, more fact talk, more leadership, more talking and directing on the ice and a great game.
And help is on the way....
Bratt has been added to the COVID list and should begin skating once cleared.
Nico, no update but he will help.
Eric Comrie was added to NHL roster, till Dell is able to join the team (also on COVID protocol), so this may very well spell the end of Wedgewood's backup gig. Gilles Senn sent down to Binghamton.
On a surprise move Kevin Bahl was added to taxi squad. Surprised because we have a glut of D, even before Butcher laces em up and Vatanen steps in. This could be to get Bahl some experience but I also feel there is something a bit more to this. Could the Devils trade a D? Butcher did take pre game warm ups on Tuesday but did not play.
So today starts a two game stint against the Islanders. And having played 3 games (only one even strength goal!) we have seen progress. Can it continue?
With a two game winning streak, with three days in between the back-to-back it wouldn't be surprising to see Blackwood start tonight and Sunday.
Gusev and Johnsson didn't play much in the 3rd period of the Devils game. Ruff said it was a "coaches decision" and given the game and timing of penalties , it was hard to put them out there cold and unfair to throw them in penalty kills. Hard to decipher with Ruff if they are in the doghouse or not. But those two need to step it up.
Ruff focused on special situations in yesterday's practice (please work on penalties!!!) and areas he wanted to button up on. No word on lines but I expect much of the same of what we have seen in the first three games.
Bratt, Vatanen and then Nico as they are added to the lineup we will see new lines form. Kuokkanen and Bastian or McLeod may be the casualties. How about Bastian and McLeod? Very nice to see them contribute, and almost score, against the Rangers.
I have had a little gripe with the D pairs. In particular Tennyson in vs. Butcher (regardless of shooting side) but, Tennyson has done exactly what he has been asked to do and it is too early to question the success that Ruff has been able to foster. The Devils look much different than last year on and off the ice.
Ill be ready, with my new reverse retro Hughes jersey on! Yes , Im a fan.
What are you looking forward to seeing in game 4? I want to see Gusev-Zacha-Jonsson line. Zacha has played well, but Id like to see the line develop chemistry.
Let's gooooooo.
Truly yours, The Devils Advocate