MORNING SKATE RECAP
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - The Devils held an optional morning skate at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Those that took part in the skate were forwards Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Stefan Noesen, Paul Cotter, Nathan Bastian, Curtis Lazar, Justin Dowling and Kurtis MacDermid, defensemen Brett Pesce, Simon Nemec and Seamus Casey and goalies Nico Daws, Jake Allen and Jacob Markstrom.
Although the lineup is not official, the Devils sported the following look at Friday’s practice…
Palat – Hughes* – Bratt
Meier – Hischier – Mercer
Cotter – Haula – Noesen
Tatar – Lazar – Bastian
Hughes – Hamilton
Dillon – Nemec
Pesce – Kovacevic
(MacDermid) – Casey
*Justin Dowling filled in for Hughes during the practice because Hughes was given a rest day. Hughes was back on the ice for the optional morning skate.
“Our forwards are getting back to a more familiar type of look that we’ve had for lots of the season,” head coach Sheldon Keefe said. “Mix up a little bit on defense, too. Since (Jonas) Siegenthaler has left the lineup we’ve really moved things around in-game, mixed and matched, and you’ll likely see that continue.”
If that lineup holds, it will feature Lazar returning to the lineup in place of Dowling, as well as Nemec coming back into action for Casey. As far as Nemec’s return, Keefe has certain expectations for his return.
“You’re hopeful he gets a little bit better each time that he’s out,” Keefe said of Nemec. “We want to see him play to his strengths with the puck, help us get the puck moving up the ice for us, getting the puck out of our end and through the neutral zone.
“But any player, especially a defenseman, there has to be a foundation there defensively to end plays, protect the net. That’s what you want to see him focus on, and whenever he does that a lot of his offensive strengths will be more at the forefront.”
Nico Daws has been confirmed as the game’s starting goaltender.
New Look
The Devils have a lot of new looks. While Johnathan Kovacevic and Brett Pesce have played together for a few games, the duos of Brenden Dillon-Simon Nemec and Dougie Hamilton-Luke Hughes are getting a look.
Keefe on Hamilton-Hughes: “Those guys have spent a little more time together. We’ve liked it, especially on offense. You look at the left side, Pesce came over, with Siegenthaler being out we need more from Luke. He’s a young guy and most capable of any of our guys to finding another level to his game. He brings so much on both sides of the puck. You give him more opportunity that way.”
Dillon will provide Nemec with a veteran partner.
“Having a veteran (like Dillon) beside him and talking to him,” Keefe said, “who’s made a career of being a good teammate and a veteran, reliable defender and competitor.”
Progressing
Markstrom worked another full session-plus on Saturday. He took part in the morning skate and remained on the ice for a lot of extra drill work.
“He’s progressing very well,” Keefe said. “He’s taking on more and more. Today was another important day for him. He’s had no setbacks. Moving in a positive direction. I’d say he’s getting closer, no doubt.”
Scouting Utah
Keefe on Utah: “They’re a really well-balanced team. You have all sorts of speed and skill at the top of the lineup. At the bottom of the lineup they have real big, strong, fast guys that can also make plays and finish chances. Some of their young talent has taken a big step and maturing their game. The defense again, balance of defending, speed and skill. All those things I see coming together for their group. They’re a confident team and playing really well right now.”
