The New Jersey Devils were back in action Sunday night when they opened their preseason schedule with a 2-0 loss to the Boston Bruins.
It wasn't the easiest game on the eyes but hockey is hockey and there were some positives from New Jersey's perspective.
Still, they have a long way to go and they'll be looking to get back on track tonight when they take on the New York Rangers (7 pm puck drop, MSG/MSG+).
Let's take a look at the projected lineup:
Cammalleri - Zajac - Tlusty Sislo - Gionta - Tootoo Kennedy - O'Brien - Matteau Coleman - Pelley - Kujawinski/Pietila
Greene-Larsson Moore-Hrabarenka Gragnani-Burlon
Schneider (half) Danis (half)
What to watch:
- Just a few days after signing with the team Jiri Tlusty will be given a shot on the top line. The Devils need him to put his best foot forward and show he can produce as they don't have many options who can play in the top-6 and hold their head above water.
- If the Devils want to win tonight the Cammalleri - Zajac - Tlusty line will have to be good. If the big line doesn't get it done they could very well be blanked again as they have next to no scoring punch in the lineup beyond this trio.
- Stefan Matteau is basically a lock to make the team out of camp but his play will determine where he slots in the lineup. The Devils are hoping he shows he can do more than play 8-10 minutes per night on the 4th line.
- John Moore is a guy who likes to use his skating ability to jump into the rush and create some offense. The Devils don't have much scoring prowess dressed tonight so look for him to activate and try to contribute from the back end.
- Tyler Kennedy is a guy that needs to show well tonight. There are a couple spots up for grabs but there is no shortage of competition for them. Lee Stempniak (also on a PTO) played well last night. John Quenneville played well last night. Pavel Zacha wasn't bad, either. If Kennedy wants to make this team he's going to have to be good.
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