Vesey Stepping Up for the Devils | FEATURE

In the
Devils 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals
, New Jersey's head coach Lindy Ruff was not happy with how his team performed. In fact, he shuffled up the lines going into the second period, adjusting minutes for some forwards based on performance.
"We had some players that played very poorly," Ruff said following the game Thursday. "You're not going back on the ice, you're not going to get as much ice time if that's the way you're going to play."
A player who increased his ice time due to strong play, and was specifically mentioned by Ruff postgame, was forward Jimmy Vesey. When reflecting on the game Friday, the forward said he was trying to lead by example.
"I think last night I was feeling pretty good, and the team was a little flat so I was trying to play with a lot of energy and try to create a spark for us," Vesey said. "I'm not really the loudest guy so usually just try to do that by example."

Vesey played just over 18 minutes against the Capitals, up five minutes from the previous game.
"He took advantage last night of being bumped up the lineup a little bit, the extra minutes. Was in on a couple great opportunities," Ruff said. "He's desperate to make a difference, he realizes this is a good chance for him."
Thursday's game against the Capitals wasn't the only time Ruff has been impressed with Vesey this season. After a strong training camp where the forward
earned a contract off of a professional tryout
, Vesey has stepped up to fill his role on this roster.
"I like how hard he's played. He's been hard on pucks, he's been in on opportunities every night and he's been physical," Ruff said. "He's been what we need from him and we need that night after night."
Vesey knows the role the Devils want him to play on this team, and he's feeling more confident about his impact three games into the season.
"In terms of what I was brought in here - penalty kill, bottom-6, experience - I think I've done a good job so far playing with energy, finishing my checks, and being good on the penalty kill," Vesey said Friday. "The last two games it's been really good for us on the penalty kill … I think I'm starting to get the hang of it, and I think it's making me more comfortable and I'm playing with a little bit more confidence because of it."