Good evening Devils fans. Sorry for the delay in this article. Let’s kick off with a quick review of the Devils’ 3-2 OT win vs. Philly on the road. Scoring was kicked off by Wade Allison, who sliced through Bobby Brink to start the game’s scoresheet. Tough chance upfront for Vitek Vanacek, who tried to close out the backhander. The Devils would bring it back courtesy of Tyce Thompson’s rush creating a 2-1 and his patience with slipping the pass around the defender for a closing Curtis Lazar. On the subject of Thompson, I think he’s having a really solid preseason and could be one of those players who scratch a spot into the roster for a bottom 6 role if an injury or trade occurs. The scoring continued for New Jersey as Alexander Holtz capitalized on Flyers defense puck-watching the corner near the net. He was set up by Nico Hischier and Timo Meier to bring the score 2-1 for the Devils. Holtz and the organization have to be happy so far with how he’s playing and particularly, the chemistry building with the two Swiss forwards. Following a scoreless but back and forth 2nd period, the 3rd caught Rhett Gardner evening the score upfront. Overtime would be decided by an Erik Haula goal created by a streaking Dawson Mercer. Overall, a decent showing against a desperate Philly team looking to avoid another rebuilding year through tough 2-way shut down and puck block hockey.
Highlights from the game can be found below:
Looking at today’s game, the Devils will be taking on the New York Islanders, returning to Newark. The Isles are 2-1, coming off of a 5-3 over the Rangers. They will be missing Kyle Palmieri from the lineup. The Devils for tonight are:
Here’s you #NJDevils lineup from today morning skate… Hughes line stays in tact.
The forwards filling out the middle are all trying to make a case for why they should stay and will look to capitalize on any and every chance they get. Particularly, this will be a duel tonight between Tomas Nosek and Tyce Thompson. Who will edge out the other for the roster spot? While Nosek has the contract in place and more NHL experience, we saw a lot of good come out of Thompson after his last game.
2. Nemec and Misyul - Ice and Fire
The defensive pairing did well for themselves since preseason has started and are a lot of fun to watch. While Nemec has no fear skating into tight zones and distributing the puck to keep offense alive, Misyul for the most part has balanced him out by being more conservative and focusing on shutdown tactics. If neither make the roster this year, they’ll be a welcome return for the Utica roster.
3. The Balance of Schmid and Vanacek
Assuming no moves are made, the Swiss-Czech duo will be minding the pipes. They’ve done well in the preseason and now the question is, if we run a 1A / 1B system, who’s the 1A? The obvious answer has to be Schmid based on the results and last postseason. However, Vanacek has shown to be a capable secondary option.
Before we wrap up, some organizational notes. The Devils have F Kyle Criscuolo on waivers and assigned Michael Vukojevic to Utica, per NHL.com. They are slowly but surely narrowing down the roster. Tonight will be a big chance to see what the 4th line could look like and the team’s plans are for offensive depth.
What are your thoughts? Any predictions for the game tonight? Who’s next to be cut?
Leave your thoughts and comments below. Raise Hell,
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
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