After a week and half of listening to Timo Meier trade scenarios, Devils players vacationing in Mexico, and Jack Hughes at the All-Star game, New Jersey is back in action tonight against the Vancouver Canucks.
Canucks will have Rick Tocchet behind the bench and will be without Bo Horvat, who was traded to the Islanders and signed an eight-year extension with a $8.5M AAV. Who else will be on the move out of Vancouver?
Thoughts and Musings
1. This past NHL All-Star game was somewhat entertaining but I am being generous at best. The All-Star weekend has been too over the top commercialized and not sure if the funny approach of doing a Happy Gilmore-like format is the right way to attract a new audience to the sport. After watching the AHL skills competition last night, I enjoyed it because there was more focus on skill rather than promotional gimmicks. What’s next in Toronto at the 2024 NHL-All Star weekend? Gary Bettman in the dunk tank?
2. Tkachuk Brothers: Matthew tried to fight Nico Hischier at the end of a game on December 21st and Brady’s horse collar tug that could have seriously injured Jack Hughes in an All-Star exhibition game. Not a big fan of either of them.
3. John Marino is back! The Devils defenseman is off of injured reserve!