Welcome to the first ever Devils Sunday Summary, where we will take a look into the week that was, and the week that will be in New Jersey Devils hockey. This will be a weekly feature here on Hockeybuzz.com, taking a look at the bigger picture surrounding our NJ Devils.
Lets get into it:
Record: 2-1
Sunday L 2-1 Van
Wednesday W 2-1 @Vegas
Friday W 2-1 @Utah
A solid record that easily could've been 3-0, or 1-2. The Devils were definitely the better team at home versus Vancouver on Sunday, but a slow start proved to be a tough hill to climb. NJ outshot the Canucks 21-7 over the final 2 periods, but failed to tie the score. While being outplayed a bit in Utah Friday, the Devils escaped with the win in a huge game for Jacob Markstrom both physically and mentally. The big Swede looked solid, something the Devils will need if they will have any success this year.
Takeaways from the week:
It seems this team has finally figured out that waiting for trades or injured/missing players to return is not a recipe for success. Over the past four games the Devils have seen a much more stable approach, playing a cohesive game in all zones is key to success, healthy or not. Let's hope they keep these good habits as the star power continues to return.
Brett Pesce's return has clearly helped this team that Coach Sheldon Keefe has referred to as "mentally soft". From the crease out, ever player has seemingly played with more purpose and belief, a vibe that can be contagious on benches and locker rooms league wide. The team is now 10-1 with Pesce in the lineup this season, the only loss coming to Carolina on opening night.
The Week Ahead:
Tonight: Buffalo
Tuesday: @NYI
Saturday: Washington
The Devils need to keep the good vibes/structure in tact. With Timo Meier and Arseny Gritsyuk expected back tonight, it is imperative that this team does not regress, and once again defer to the star power. With Jack Hughes "right around the corner" according to Luke Hughes and reports from Emily Kaplan, are the Devils finally digging out of this first half malaise? It sure seems to be trending up, what do you think? Let's hear it in the comments...
Random Thoughts I Think About When My Girfriend Is Talking:
WIll the Devils make any trades? or are we going to heat up and get players back, leading GMTF to neglect the glaring needs that have presented themself over the last month or so. It's evident we need a bit more size and consistent scoring. Easier said then done...
Will these goalies finally hit stride? Inconsistency has been the theme with this tandem for a while. Whether its minute to minute, period to period, or game to game, their inconsistencies have hurt this team for a while. Not sure who I trust on any given night, but right now it's Jake Allen by a smidge(yes, that is an actual unit of measurement).
Thank you all for reading and please feel free to comment. Our members won't attack you unless you're wearing a Rangers jersey in your profile pics...