SHELDON KEEFE MEDIA AVAILABILITY
DETROIT, MI - The Devils did not hold a morning skate with the earlier puck drop time in Detroit, but head coach Sheldon Keefe met with the media ahead of the game.
Finding Motivation
With the Devils officially eliminated from the playoffs, and with just three games left in the regular season, the team is trying to find ways to keep motivated and competitive for the final stretch.
“It’s challenging mentally to get engaged and get up for the games,” Keefe said. “You preach competitiveness and competitiveness is so important in this league. So if you don’t have that little edge, it can be challenging.
“You tap into their pride and professionalism. You get out and you drop the puck and get at it. That’s really all that we can do.”
Meaningful
While the outcome has no bearing on the Devils, for the Red Wings, they’ll be playing for their playoff lives. A loss would all but eliminate them from playoff contention.
With the game holding a lot of meaning in that respect, Keefe is hoping his team can grab onto that.
“It gives us something to talk about. It gives you something to latch onto,” he said. “It should get your attention that the game means a whole lot to the opponent. If we’re not prepared and don’t meet that head on, it’s going to be a real tough night.”
Kane vs. Hughes
It’s no secret that Jack Hughes – along with all American-born players – looked up to Patrick Kane while growing up. Kane is one of the best to ever do it. Even in his 19th season in the NHL, Kane can still play.
Through 1,366 career NHL games, he’s scored 508 goals and is one point shy of career No. 1400. His longevity and skills are very comparable to those of Hughes.
“They play different positions but there are a lot of similarities in the way they play the game, the way they control the game,” Keefe said. “I know Jack looks up to Patrick Kane as all do American players.
“You pair the skillset and the intelligence and purpose that he plays with, I think that’s what allows him to play as long as he is here and still be affective. There are parallels with how Jack approaches the game.”
