PRE-GAME STORY
NEWARK, NJ - The Devils took the ice for a full morning skate Thursday at Madison Square Garden, where they’ll face the Rangers in the penultimate game of the preseason. With the majority of the regular lineup dressed, head coach Sheldon Keefe is treating tonight as a dress rehearsal for opening night.
“With the Rangers here today, it’s somewhat identical to what a regular season road game against New York would look like — a 7:00 PM start, the routine, everything about it,” Keefe said about why he chose a more veteran lineup tonight versus 12:30 PM on Saturday in Philadelphia. “It’s as close to a regular full day as you can get our guys. That’s why you’ll see most of our group out there — a close representation of our team here today in New York.”
Line rushes during the skate were:
Dadonov – J. Hughes – Bratt
Meier – Hischier – Mercer
Palat – Glass – Brown
Cotter – Glendening – Gritsyuk
Vilen – Pesce
Siegenthaler – Hamilton
Dillon – Nemec
Jacob Markstrom is likely to get the start in goal.
CONFIDENCE AND CHEMISTRY
Captain Nico Hischier said the focus this time of year is on building momentum as a group.
“You want to feel good about yourself, to feel good about the team,” Hischier said. “That’s what we’re trying to get out of this” .
The Devils’ power play has been sharp through camp, and Hischier believes it will remain a critical piece. “We know what we can do on the power play. It comes down to execution and being on the same page. We’ve got the skills, and we’ve proven that. In this league, having a good power play is huge — sometimes at five-on-five not much is happening, and that’s when it can make the difference in a game”.
HUGHES BROTHERS REUNITED
This week brought a boost with Luke Hughes rejoining the team after signing his new contract, something that didn’t go unnoticed by older brother Jack.
“I know he wanted to be here, and our group wanted him here,” Jack said. “I’m excited he’s finally here and can be a part of the group” .
On the ice, Jack continues to build chemistry with Jesper Bratt and Evgenii Dadonov. “It’s been good so far,” he added. “He’s [Dadonov] really skilled and thinks really fast. Hopefully it should work out”.
BROWN'S FIRST TASTE
For Connor Brown, Thursday will be his first taste of the Hudson River rivalry, and his first game at Madison Square Garden in a Devils sweater.
“It’s such a storied rivalry, so it’ll be fun to get it going,” Brown said .
Brown has been alongside Ondrej Palat and Cody Glass throughout camp, a combination he believes can click. “It’s really important to be able to communicate with your linemates — where you want the puck, where you’re going to release it. Those little things lead to maintaining possession and creating offense,” he explained.
