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Boston here we come...

February 18, 2021, 5:51 PM ET [164 Comments]
Roger Mussa
New Jersey Devils Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
PK Subban is looking forward to some Chowder.... and the Devils are looking for a W.

A few updates:
Merkley and Maltsev sticking around and should be in the lineup today.
Vatanen and Kulikov as well.
Zajac off COVID list but will not play tonight.

Eric Comrie was claimed off waivers by Winnipeg. With Dell and Wedgewood, this is no big deal.



The Rangers win, with many players out, was a good win. Wasn't pretty but the Devils outworked the Rangers.
It was nice seeing Butcher look decent out there.
Blackwood looked great.
And many positives from Zacha, Merkley, Kuokkanen, Maltsev.

Palmieri still looks a step behind but Subban has really done a good job (I believe thanks to Ruff) in limiting mistakes and turnovers. He is eating minutes and doing his job.

I have also been asked about Gusev, 1 point in 9 games and 24 shots which ties him for 3rd with Seversen. If you just look at the stats sheet, it is underwhelming but I also believe he has had some bad luck

But that was that. No time to bask in glory this season.


The 5-3-2 Devils, who saw the 10-2-2 Bruins in the opening two games will face a healthier Boston team having Pastrnak is a huge difference since their last games.
Sitting at the top, they are creating space from the rest of the pack and looks like the team to beat in the East.

The Bruins, who played sevens games away, are looking forward to some home cooking. They have not lost at home this season


****
I have been asked about prospect Nikita Okhotiuk.
The 20 year old Russian prospect has looked good so far in his transition. The second round pick by the Devils is adapting to Binghamton and should stay there the entire season.
He adds big body to a good Devils pipeline.
He is on the radar. Since he is exempt of the expansion draft, the Devils can take their time with Nikita's development.
#82 is playing with Kevin Bahl, Nolan Foote, Fabian Zetterlund, Reilly Wa;sh to name a few so he is in good company to see and be seen. After 4 games he has one goal and 4 PIMS.
Another diamond in the rough, hopefully, and one to look out for in the near future.

Lets go Devils!!!!


Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate
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