NEWARK, NJ - The Devils return home with a new-look lineup after a couple of recalls this morning from Binghamton: a familiar face and a fresh one.
Defenseman Dakota Mermis was recalled from Binghamton along with goaltender Cory Schneider. Mermis will play while Schneider will back up Mackenzie Blackwood between the pipes.
The lineup will be:
Hughes - Hischier - Palmieri
Bratt - Zacha - Gusev
Wood - Zajac - Simmonds
Hayden - Rooney - Anderson
Mueller - Subban
Mermis - Severson
White - Carrick
Blackwood
Schneider
Will Butcher and Nick Merkley draw out of the lineup with both still day-to-day according to interim head coach Alain Nasreddine.
The 26-year-old Mermis talked about getting a chance to play what will be his third career NHL game.
"My whole career path's been the longer one. Anytime you get a chance to play in the NHL it's great. It's exciting to be back here. It's a great group of guys and great staff," he said.
As for what he can bring to the team, he said he's a blueliner who can play in all situations.
"I like to be a steady guy first. Whether it's offensively, defensively, penalty kill," Mermis stated.
Coach Nasreddine echoed those thoughts.
"We liked him in training camp. He can play all situations and plays a fairly simple game. He was the best defenseman down there and deserves to be called up by merit."
Schneider was also asked about Mermis and he had high praise.
"He's an awesome human being. Got to know him pretty well down there. Plays all situations for us. Power play quarterback, kills penalties, smooth skater."
SCHNEIDER RETURNS
Schneider won't play tonight but he comes up prior to the trade deadline to give the Devils some roster flexibility, according to Nasreddine. Schneider talked about getting the chance to once again show himself at the NHL level.
"Got sent down after the last game and felt my game stayed pretty level in Binghamton and played well. I'm feeling pretty good about things. Another opportunity here to make the most of it and play as best I can," he said. "I had some starts and stops. Played, AHL break, came back. I felt good where I was at. Good to pick up where I left off."
SHARKS TONIGHT
While the Sharks haven't had a season that they're happy with to this point, they still pose a challenge to their opponents.
"They're a veteran group. Like us, not happy with how the season's gone. I told the group, it' more about a response from our last game. Offensively, we couldn't generate much and a lot of it had to do with 50/50 puck battles," Nasredine stated.
"They play a pretty simple game. With Boughner there, they haven't changed much. A lot of it is coming from the top and looking for tips."
-- Marc Ciampa, NewJerseyDevils.com
