Here are some observations from the scrimmage...
- The chemistry between Ondrej Palat, Jack Hughes and Alexander Holtz is already well on its way. The trio has looked good in both training camp scrimmages working together. They're reading off of each other well and have a good dynamic between the three, particularly in the offensive zone.
Hughes is the playmaker and game-breaker. He can single-handedly change the course of a game with his skill, speed and stick handling. Hughes will drive this line and create scoring opportunities. Holtz is the finisher. He scored three goals in the two scrimmages and was able to find some open space for his linemates to find him. Palat will be the veteran presence. The physical player that will win puck battles and then get the puck to his more skilled partners. He'll also handle much of the defensive side of the game when that line is on the ice.
Watching them perform in an exhibition game will be the real tell if there is some magic here. But not a bad showing to start.
- Speaking of the Palat-Hughes-Holtz triumvirate. Palat shot the puck toward the net and Holtz was able to re-direct it into the top corner for his goal. In the previous scrimmage, Palat made a flip pass to the opposite circle to find Holtz for a quick snapshot goal. I love seeing Holtz's net drive, and his willingness to get inside the permitter.
- There will be some stiff competition at the forward position, especially on the fourth line. Among those vying for roster spots are Michael McLeod, Nathan Bastian, Andreas Johnson, Tyce Thompson, Fabian Zetterlund, Graeme Clarke and Mason Geertsen (to name a few). With so much depth, every opportunity is important to show what you can do.
McLeod picked up a goal in today's scrimmage with a nice tip in the slot on a Michael Vukojevic shot. Clark also scored with a great play. He collected the puck at the top of the crease, made a couple juke moves and then went glove side for the goal.Meanwhile, Zetterlund finally got into a scrimmage after resolving a Visa issue that kept him out of camp at the start. The preseason is where those players will need to separate themselves.
- Yegor Sharangovich showed some speed and a wicked shot with a goal off a near side rush. The Devils would love to get him going early.
- In a scary moment in the second period, Andreas Johnsson got tangled up with Nikita Okhotiuk and slammed into the corner boards. Johnsson needed assistance from the athletic trainers but skated off of his own volition. Luckily, he returned for the third period and finished the game.
