Here are some observations from the game:
* Clarke was perhaps the most impressive player in the tournament for the Devils. He picked up his second goal of the Challenge in the first period against Boston. After a great steal by Josh Filmon inside the offensive blue line, he sprung Clarke down the left side. Clarke, who led Utica with 25 goals last season, snap a low left-side shot through goalie William Rousseau for the tally. Clarke also saw some time on the Devils penalty kill unit. Being a PKer is something Clarke will have to add to his repertoire if he wants to make the jump to the NHL and he got his first look today.
Clarke said this is the most excited he’s been entering training camp, because he believes he has a real shot at making the NHL lineup. He wanted to use a successful Prospects Challenge to gain some momentum heading into this week’s camp, and that mission was accomplished.
* Speaking of Filmon, he clearly possesses great offensive talents. He batted a clearing attempt by Boston down just inside the blue line to set up Clarke’s goal. He also created some chances for himself by finding open ice and getting away a couple quick shots. Filmon just seems to naturally know where to go and how to get the puck on net. That’s something you can’t teach.
* Mercer handled himself very well between the pipes for New Jersey. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound goaltender made several big stops in the contest, including a couple breakaway chances. Mercer, the younger brother of Devils forward Dawson, look comfortable and confident. He moved fluidly in his crease, read the play well and was soundly positioned on every shot.
"He's just an enthusiastic kid," Dineen said. "He's obviously his brother's brother, so because of that you know you're getting somebody of high character and enthusiasm. Those are all good things, but you have to follow it up with his play and he did that today."
"I liked my game a lot," Mercer said. "I thought I competed well. Not every game is going to be perfect. But you try to give your team a chance to win and I thought I did that on a few occasions here today. I was pleased with my effort."
* Defenseman Daniil Misyul is a prospect the Devils are very excited about, and with good reason. The bruising blueliner was a physical force. He likes to push the boundries and plays the game with an edge. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound Belarusian uses his body well and loves playing physical. But what really stood out during the tournament was his skating ability. He’s a very fluid skater, shifty and pivots well. Misyul is quite the packaged skillset.
