NEWARK, N.J -It's a challenge, for sure.
Every night in the NHL is going to provide its set of challenges and adversity, but the Carolina Hurricanes might be in a different stratosphere.
They opened the season with a nine-game win streak, and have streaks of four or more victories three times since. And they come to Newark riding a current three-gamer. Not just that, but they're blowing teams out.
"They play a really good game, and they got good speed there," said head coach Lindy Ruff.
"Their forwards are as fast as any group and it's combined with a defense that can really skate and create offense. So they've got a very well-rounded team."
The Hurricanes have won their last three by a combined score of 17-4, most recently hammering the New York Rangers 6-3 last night in Raleigh.
"We're playing a great team tonight and if our if our heads are not in it, we'll be in trouble," said Devils forward Jimmy Vesey. "So, just got to move forward and and put the work in."
SIMPLY SIMPLIFY
The Devils last outing was a major disappointment. They got out of the gate red hot, tormenting the Arizona Coyotes and hardly letting them touch the puck. But their lack of finish only gave them one goal to show for their effort.
On the other end of the ice, the Coyotes were able to weather the storm and deposit three goals behind Mackenzie Blackwood on their first seven shots of the game. New Jersey ultimately lost 4-1.
As New Jersey looks to put that game behind them, one lesson stands out from the defeat.
"We just need to maybe simplify the game tonight," said Vesey. "The Arizona game obviously was a good start and then we kind of cost ourselves the game in the second period so especially tonight against this team we're gonna have to be on our toes and paying attention to detail for the full game, otherwise the way they're playing it could get ugly."
NO CANES REUNION FOR DOUGIE, YET
Today would have been Dougie Hamilton's first battle with his former team since leaving in free agency for Jersey. However, Hamilton is still recovering from a broken jaw he suffered on Jan. 2.
"I think any player wants to play against their former team, so I think there's obvious disappointment that he's not gonna be able to play and I'm sure he feels that way," said Ruff.
There was a slightly positive update on Hamilton this AM as Ruff indicated he's skating with the club's skills coach, a necessary step in the road back.
"We know he's been a big part of big part of our team, and we've missed him back there," said Ruff. "So I think anytime you see guy like that get back in it just creates excitement for the team, and he's getting a step closer to being back playing."
Hamilton will be evaluated week-to-week.
NO TY SMITH
Devils defenseman Ty Smith will miss tonight's game with an upper-body injury.
--Chris Wescott, New Jersey Devils Team Reporter
