1K
Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon will be playing in his 1,000th career NHL game tonight. The undrafted veteran has played 14 seasons with Dallas, San Jose, Washington, Winnipeg and New Jersey.
“It’ll be nice to sit back and reflect on the people that have helped me along the way,” he said. “We’d be here all day if listed every name from minor hockey, growing up in Surrey, going away to junior hockey and moving away from your parents, your family, the billet family you live with, the coaches in pro when I got there, every step and every level there are so many people that make this (happen).
“And there’s fortunate things too. I’ve been so lucky and fortunate. The biggest thing I tell all kids is don’t ever take a day for granted. I love coming to the rink. Guys have been so amazing everywhere I’ve played. I’ve had just as much fun hooting and hollering and practicing, the grind of the travel and getting in late. I wouldn’t change it for anything. I love being a hockey player every day.”
Simon and Hughes
The Devils have used neophyte defensemen Simon Nemec and Luke Hughes on a pairing for the past six games. They’ve flourished together offensively, but still have some corrections to be made on the defensive side of the puck.
“We can’t be giving up goals, breakaways, odd-man rushes, being aware of when to get out, knowing where each other are, especially with two offensive-minded guys,” Hughes said. “We’re both looking to jump in on the rush. We’re taking turns. Knowing when to go and when to stay back. I like playing with him. He’s been playing great for our team.”
While the combo has had its growing pains, the good has certainly outweighed the bad.
“You want to show belief in young players, especially with some players out like we do,” Keefe said. “We bounced around different ideas and didn’t really like the other mixes that came up. We’ve seen a ton of great things from those guys together.
“It’s a challenge. You want them to keep doing good things on offense, but let’s be great defensively. The thing you lose is two young guys playing a lot of minutes.”
He Said It
Keefe on Nico Hischier: “I don’t give him any easy shifts. He takes on a lot. That gets amplified with Jack (Hughes) being out and he hasn’t missed a beat.”
