It was a good sign in pregame warmups, when Dougie Hamilton, Connor Brown, and Evgeni Dadonov all took the ice for New Jersey. Even better was that they all did return to the lineup and play in last night's game. However there were not many positives from there as the Devils fell 5-1 in Tampa.
Quick Hits:
A good start is a bad start if you don't score...
The Devils came out of the gate on the front foot, dominating zone time and outshooting the Lightning 14-7 after one. However, it was Tampa with the 2-0 lead and all the momentum which afforded the Bolts the luxury of playing a conservative, opportunistic style the rest of the way. The Devils need to seize the moment and bury pucks when they're dictating pace, especially without Jack Hughes in the lineup. It's too often they control play, don't score and then are undone by one ill-advised play or bad bounce.
Bolts win the goalie battle
Less than a week ago, Andrei Vasilevsky allowed goals on five of the first 13 Rangers shots, including three on the first three shots of the game. That was not the case last night as Vezina Vas was back. Flawless play by the big Russian net minder deflated the Devils, who seemed to be waiting for Jack Hughes to hop over the bench all night. On the contrary, Jacob Markstrom continues to struggle. this is his second worst start to a season since 2013, with a 3.83 GAA and a .864 SV%, the Devils are going to need a lot more from Makry. To be fair, he still does seem a bit rusty since return from injury, and I do think he is capable of returning to form.
Jesper Bratt needs to step up
I'm a huge fan of Bratt let's not get it twisted, however with 86 out it's 63 that must figure out a way to create. Many around the league, especially the members of the anti-Jack Hughes coalition (of which there are far too many) have been flapping their gums about how Jesper Bratt is actually the best Devil. While he is amazing, he's no Jack. Based on the stretches of hockey that Jack has missed, it's pretty evident. A dynamic offense turns mediocre at best with the absence of just one player. Outside of removing Connor McDavid from the Oilers, is there another single player in the league whose absence can impact his team as much as that of Jack Hughes? Call him what you will, small, weak, fragile...I'll just call you one thing, an idiot! Jack is two things, a dynamic, all-world, elite superstar and unlucky. That's it!
Positive Signs
Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec continue to improve. While neither players game is perfect...yet, both are eating major minutes and flourishing. While Luke has been progressing quickly the last few years, Nemec has seen even more rapid maturity. These two were arguably the Devils best generators of offense last night. Both logging over 20 minutes each (which would have been more if the third period wasn't a Keefe opportunity to rest bug guns) both 43 and 17 showed poise with the puck and ability to create, all while staying responsible defensively. Reminder, when the season ends they'll both be just 22 years old...