The Devils are off to their best start in 23 years, with a 4-0-0 record and hope to improve that number by one more victory against the Avalanche. Despite being the only undefeated team remaining in the NHL, coach John Hynes has elected to change up part of his lineup. Forward Drew Stafford will draw in for his first game of the year, while John Quenneville will sit out as a healthy scratch.
"John [Quenneville] has done a good job," Hynes said. "He's in one of those situations where he's a young guy trying to earn a consistent spot in the lineup. We feel like we've given him four games and he's done a good job. He hasn't done anything great, he hasn't done anything bad. When you're looking at it, you want a little more impact. We feel like in tonight's game Drew [Stafford] has worked and deserves to be in it. We'll sit with Johnny and talk about a few things we think he can do better."
Hynes explained that while the Devils are off to an exemplary start, changing the lineup and creating internal competition is an important aspect to growing as a team.
"We want to continue to push our team and have internal competition," Hynes said. "Just because you win games doesn't mean you keep the same lineup all the time. You have got to have guys performing at a high level, so you can consistently win."
For 32-year-old Stafford, in his 15th NHL season, to be able to suit up after earning a contract on a tryout during training camp is a special moment.
"It's a privilege to play in the league," Stafford said. "I'm very thankful and grateful just for the opportunity to come in to camp. I believe in myself and what I can do. As far as staying patient and being professional with everything, I know what I can bring to the rink every day to help this group grow. Everyone has a role and it doesn't matter if you're playing or not playing everyone is a piece of the cog."
Hynes will put Stafford on a line with Marcus Johansson and Pavel Zacha in hopes to spark the line. Johansson is the only player on the newfound line with a point this season, a goal in the opening game against the Oilers.
"He's had some really good practices and a training camp," Hynes said. "It's a good opportunity for him to be able to get in. We feel like he's played well with Pavel Zacha in the past, particularly last year, so let's see if we can get that line up and running a little bit better. Drew has worked hard and certainly deserves his chance tonight."
The defense will remain untouched after a strong showing in the first four games. That means Will Butcher is okay to play after missing part of the third period on Tuesday against the Dallas Stars. Butcher left the game with what Hynes described as a "soft tissue" issue after he was hit along the boards.
The lineup against the Avalanche will look as follows:
Hall-Hischier-Palmieri
Wood-Zajac-Coleman
Johansson-Zacha-Stafford
Boyle-Dea-Noesen
Mueller-Vatanen
Greene-Severson
Butcher-Lovejoy
Kinkaid
Lack
