After a bit of a rough patch following New Jersey's 3-0-0 start, they seem to have found their stride again as they've won three of their last four, and have picked up at least a point in five of the last six games.
Still, there's room for improvement, and with some injury problems there are moving parts throughout the lineup.
Some thoughts:
- I don't mind the decision to send Reid Boucher back to Albany one bit. He didn't force himself into the lineup, and with Mike Cammalleri and Martin Havlat returning soon he'd be going back down, anyways. Boucher's demotion will allow him to have more playing time and seasoning in Albany, while Jacob Josefson gets promoted to the 3rd line because of his excellent play. I like it.
- Sticking with roster moves, I think the decision to recall Steve Bernier is worth a shot. He's off to a pretty good start in Albany with five points and 16 shots in nine games, and has shown in years past he's a capable depth player at the NHL level. He's a better player than Jordin Tootoo, so if it comes down to it I have no problem with him on the 4th line in Tootoo's place. It looks like that'll be the case, at least for Tuesday night against St. Louis.
- The small sample size makes Scott Clemmensen's numbers look terrible, but there's no denying he hasn't exactly been a rock for the Devils in his two relief appearances to date. He's allowed four goals on 17 shots and has a .765SV% so it's probably a good decision to send him to Albany. Both Keith Kinkaid (.931SV%) and Scott Wedgewood (.911SV%) have been good this season and are both probably better alternatives for the backup role. It's likely a safe bet Kinkaid will be the goalie recalled, though, and rightfully so.
- Adam Larsson has quietly been very good in his last couple games. The Devils are generating about 70% of the shot attempts during 5 vs 5 play with him on the ice, and he's chipped in offensively with a goal, too. It's a small string of games but it's nice to see him showing some signs of improvement. If he can solidify himself as a regular it'll be a big boost for New Jersey's defense.
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