BLOG: Focus Shifts to Friday's Practice

As the Devils look for answers to snap an eight-game losing streak - the team's focus turns to practice Friday afternoon in Pittsburgh. Captain Nico Hischier and alternate captain Damon Severson reflected on the team's recent struggles and what they need to focus on in practice following Thursday's 5-1 loss.
"I want to see that we're sharp," Hischier said. "That we're dialed in at practice, and that it's a work day, not just coming out here for a skate. We all know where we're at and just try to get to hold the guys accountable and just get ready for the next game. That's what I expect."

"We're just going to come out to the rink (Friday) and it's going to be business," Severson said. "Try to get better, work on the things we need to get better at, move the puck around, feel the ice and make sure we're feeling somewhat good about our game and not be down on ourselves and hang our heads for Saturday's game."
For a young team like the Devils, the losses can be demoralizing, however, Severson knows the team needs to have a short memory and shake it off heading into Saturday's 12:30 p.m. game against the Penguins.
"It's the third game of our little mini-series here and then we move on (to Philadelphia Sunday) and we can't be hanging our heads," Severson said. "When we come to the rink (Saturday), business as usual and we have to get better as a team and do our best to win a hockey game.
"And that's all we can focus on. It's game by game. It's been a tough go … We're about 10 games left in the season so we want to get our mojo back especially going into the off-season."