CALGARY, AB --As the Devils look to extend their five game win streak, they'll go up against the Flames two straight games, first here in Calgary.
BLACKWOOD UPDATE
Devils head coach Lindy Ruff had an update on goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood who was injured during Thursday's game against the Edmonton Oilers.
"He has a lower body injury, he will be seen by our doctors on Tuesday back in Newark," Ruff said Saturday.
To help with Blackwood's absence, the Devils recalled Akira Schmid from the Utica Comets ahead of Saturday's game. Schmid is averaging 1.97 goals against and has a .918 save percentage in four games played this season with the Comets. In addition, New Jersey loaned Andreas Johnsson to Utica after recalling him ahead of this Western Canada trip.
BENCH MARKS
New Jersey has had several games serving as bench marks to see how the Devils can compete against some of the top teams. As the team heads into its final game of the Western Canada roadtrip, Saturday's contest will serve as yet another check in point for the Devils and their game.
"I look at this game, we found a way to win the Edmonton game, I don't think we played our best game, I thought they had a second period that got away from us … the strength of our game has been our play away from the puck and I think we got a little away from that," Ruff said Saturday about the lessons the team learned from that win. "It's being able to bounce back, put that game behind us, go back and focus in on what was really making us effective and taking a lot of pride in not giving up odd number rushes, not giving up rush chances.
ON THE FLAMES
Calgary may be on a three-game losing skid; however, they're a team that can compete and challenge the best of teams.
"They're one of the teams that really play a structured defense, they make it tough on you to get the Grade-A opportunities," Ruff said. "I think their size really helps them protect the puck, so we're going to have to use our speed, we're going to have to be quick in small areas, because we know physically they're a team that's really hard to play against."
ROAD TRIP
As the first multiple game road trip of the year comes to a close, it was an opportunity for the Devils to bond away from New Jersey.
"We've had some team dinners, it's great to have everyone together. Some little FIFA tournaments at the hotel, just stuff like that that brings the team together, brings the guys together," said Captain Nico Hischier.
Tomas Tatar agreed with the significance of the road trip, and discussed the importance earlier this week.
"It's always important to spend some time with guys on the road. Ut's nice, we've been waiting on a long trip like this since the start. We're very happy to be together and spend some time and so far we're having fun."
