NEWARK, NJ - What was initially a run-of-the-mill back-to-back game became a lot more interesting five minutes before Devils head coach Lindy Ruff's pre-game media availability at 4:55. The Devils announced that Miles Wood would be activated from injured reserve and Ruff confirmed he'd be in the lineup.
"A lot of speed to our lineup. Important piece of our team. Drives other teams back," said Ruff on what Wood brings to the team.
Ruff was asked when he told the team that Wood would be playing tonight.
"I told some guys, just to introduce themselves to Miles," he chuckled. "We've known for a little while now. We targeted this date for him to be back."
Ruff added that it was a tough conversation to have with Wood back in September when the team found out his injury would be a very long recovery.
"The conversation about how he felt and he couldn't play to his potential. What he was dealing with was pretty common with a lot of players. We knew he was a big part of our team and a big part of the way we want to play.
"We knew it was going to be a tough hole to fill."
The Devils head coach was also asked if there was any consideration made by the organization to shut him down, considering there's only 17 games left in the season. He said no.
"Doctor says he's good, go. We gave him plenty of time. We wanted to keep him away from a back-to-back right off the bat. He's anxious to play, medically cleared, no reason to wait any longer."
OTHER UPDATES
Ruff was also asked about the status of injured goaltenders Mackenzie Blackwood and Andrew Hammond.
"Both progressing. Blackwood's been back on the ice which is great. Hammond hasn't gone out in a practice sense but they're both progressing."
Ruff also hinted that Kevin Bahl could return to the lineup tonight with Ty Smith sitting out again, citing a fresh body and wanting to see some younger players get a chance late in the season.
READY FOR HABS
Last time the Devils played Montreal, they won 7-1 but the Canadiens have a new head coach now and that has likely changed a lot about how the team plays.
"We caught them at a tough time. Almost everything we shot went in. We had great rebound opportunities. I see puck pressure, playing hard. They've got a bit of a boost. Their goaltending has changed up since the last time we played them," he said. "I want to see what I saw these last couple of games. Defensively we were pretty solid. Didn't give up a lot of opportunities. Play the game the right way, continue to play the game the right away and continue to grow. We've got guys who are having a good year but there's areas of the game I think we can be better at."
