Graves, Siegenthaler the New Dynamic Duo | BLOG

The Devils are missing arguably their two best offensive defensemen this season with Dougie Hamilton (broken jaw, COVID-19) and Damon Severson (COVID-19) currently sidelined.
That means the rest of the defensive unit will be counted on to shoulder a heavy load in terms of minutes and responsibilities.
"It's a big challenge. I'm facing it. I'm excited for it," Jonas Siegenthaler said. "We're missing a couple guys. But I think we have enough depth to (handle) that. Everybody that has to step in for the next couple of games, it's huge for them, and everybody is excited to face that challenge."
The team will be forced to shuffle around its defensive corps. And a new pairing will be unveiled Thursday night at Long Island featuring Siegenthaler and Ryan Graves.
"It's kind of exciting to have a new partner for the new couple games," said Siegenthaler, 24, who had previously been working with Severson. "I think we're both steady, play a simple game and I think that's probably how we're going to connect. Hopefully, it's going to work out."

Graves, 26, has played exclusively with Hamilton when the two are healthy. But there have been occasions where he's been moved around as well.
"It's part of what the year is going to be. Dougie is not coming back right away," Graves said. "'Seigs' and I both bring a similar element to the game, strong defensively. We try to bring the same thing to a pairing, what he does for 'Sevy' and what I usually do for Dougie. Combined we just have to be strong defensively."

While Siegenthaler and Graves figure to play big minutes of ice time, one thing they can't do is make up for the lost offensive capabilities of Hamilton and Severson. That doesn't mean they can't contribute on the offensive side of the puck, but no one will confuse them with their more gifted teammates.
"Even the guys that are more defensive minded like (Siegenthaler) and I, we try to contribute where we can," Graves said. "We'll pick our places. I don't think either one of us will be leading the rush, but we'll try to support it when you can and try to drive the play from the backend when we get the opportunity."
Siegenthaler has been arguably the Devils' most consistent defenseman. Never too high and never too low. He's been a steadying partner no matter which pairing he finds himself.
"I think confidence is a big part of a player's game," Siegenthaler said. "As soon as you have confidence you feel good about yourself, and things work out easier. I just try to play my game every night, be solid and consistent."