ANDERSON SUITS UP
Joey Anderson will make his season debut for the Devils after being recalled from Binghamton. Anderson said he was happy to play in Binghamton and build some confidence in his game.
"It was the perfect spot for me to be. I got comfortable down there and was able to free myself up to make plays and have some fun," he began, adding that winning 12 of the team's last 14 games has been fun also. "We found some good chemistry with who they put us with down there. We've had some success lately, which has been great. The atmosphere in the locker room has been great."
Last season, Anderson played 34 games with the Devils and had four goals and seven points. He feels much more prepared and ready this time around.
"It's been a good year, a long year. I'm ready and excited for this. It's going to be a nice night to get my feet back in the NHL."
Nasreddine said he wants Anderson to play the same way at the NHL level and is prepared to give him the opportunity to do so.
"To bring that swagger that he found in Binghamton. He's a good player, played a simple game. Will be a good fit on that line. He might touch on both special teams, we'll see how the game goes. He's done a good job in Binghamton on both the penalty kill and power play."
Another player called up who might get to play is Colton White. He'll draw in if Subban can't go. White said he's ready for the chance.
"Wait and see what's going to happen. If I'm in, do my thing and if not just keep working as hard as I can," White said, adding that he doesn't expect to replace Subban. "Just play my game. It's a simple game. I get it out of my zone as quickly as I can. Efficiently, too. If I do that, I'll have an impact on the game."
PALMIERI ON HUGHES
Kyle Palmieri talked about playing with Hughes tonight instead of Hischier, who's out due to injury.
"He's excited to get the opportunity. With Nico being out, Nico is playing 19-20 minutes a night for us. It's going to be a huge role playing against top competition."
Palmieri said that the opportunity for a number of players to step up and in, including the aforementioned Anderson, will ultimately help the overall depth of the club.
"Nico's a huge part of our team but it's going to give other guys big opportunities to play big roles. It pushes guys up in the lineup with opportunities. We're looking forward to seeing how they step up."
-- Marc Ciampa, NewJerseyDevils.com