Good morning Devils fans. The day is upon us. After an important offseason of roster building and contract negotiations, followed by an undefeated preseason, the Devils open their season against Detroit tonight. The game kicks off at the Rock at 7:30. HC Lindy Ruff will most likely be using the lines from yesterday’s practice, per Amanda Stein:
Meier-Hischier-Mercer
Toffoli-J.Hughes-Bratt
Palat-Haula-Holtz
Nosek-Mcleod-Lazar/Bastian (Most likely Lazar if I’m guessing)
Sieganthaler-Hamilton
Bahl-Marino
L. Hughes-Smith
Vanacek
Schmid
Detroit will most likely run with this group, per Ansar Khan:
DeBrincat-Larkin-Perron
Fabbri-Compher-Raymond
Sprong-Copp-Rasmussen
Kostin-Veleno-Fischer
Walman-Seider
Chiarot-Petry
Gostisbehere-Maatta/Holl
Husso
Reimer
For reference, Detroit went 5-3 in the preseason with relatively close games, excluding a blowout win over Chicago. Detroit HC Derek Lalonde will be looking to make an early impact this season, hoping to avoid another sub .500 year, coming in 7th last season in the Atlantic Division. Offseason acquisitions like Alex DeBrincat, Jeff Petry, and Christian Fischer will be making their regular season debut for the Red Wings.
3 Keys for a Devils WIn:
1. Capitalize on the Power Play
The two man advantage units remained the same from previous practices. Towards the end of the preseason, we saw how effective and dangerous they could be. A balanced approach to their game, with a focus on possession, movement, space capitalization, and pacing could make all the difference this season. Having Dougie Hamilton and Luke Hughes quarterback their power play is a solid choice. However, the young Hughes brother will have to make possession and avoiding costly passing errors a top priority.
2. Keep the Defense Simple and Effective
Over the offseason, there were multiple changes to the defensive system and bench. The loss of Damon Severson and Ryan Graves was responded with the promotion of Kevin Bahl and Luke Hughes into full time expectations and the acquisition of the veteran Colin Miller. Whether Brendan Smith will play a majority of this season or if Simon Nemec cracks into the roster’s frame, the blueliners need to keep the play efficient and productive. No easy chances, no blown passes, no crossed wires.
3. Last Year is not This Year
The Devils played out of their minds last year, setting franchise records, defying expectations, and reaching a second round playoff. That being said, nothing is guaranteed. If the Devils go out there with the entitled expectation of victory over the Red Wings, they will be disappointed. Play their game the way it works best; quick and hungry, relentlessly fighting for control and ready to respond to any chance possible. Particularly, you’ll want the defense constantly complicating passing patterns and marking well against the top line. Leaving Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat with too much space can prove lethal.
Additional Notes:
- HC Lindy Ruff and the Devils agreed on a multi-year contract extension yesterday, per Bridget Hyland of NJ.com. CapFriendly is reporting that the contract will take him to the end of next season. While I’ll be the first to say that I’ve had my frustrations with him over the years, particularly in regards to line shuffling, I agree with the decision. First, keeping in place with new assistant coaches like Travis Green getting their feet on the ground in NJ will help provide stability and guide the team. Additionally, players like Jack Hughes and Erik Haula seem to be in support of the decision as well, based on comments to the media. Finally, if things don’t work out and the team moves on from him, that’s not a huge term to handle while bringing in someone new and one could argue that there is at least a solid four-six year cup window based on age and contracts.
-Today’s home opener will feature the beginning of season festivities at the Rock and the area surrounding it. Events start at 4 PM with all fans in attendance receiving a team poster. I’ll be at the game so I’ll let you know how it was.
What are your thoughts? Predictions for the game? Position on Lindy Ruff getting an extension until the end of next season? Anyone catching the game at the Rock?
Leave your thoughts and comments below. Raise Hell,
-Josh Biringer
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
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