Game 1 of 82 is now only minutes away. The Devils will be in Sunrise, Florida to take on the new-look Florida Panthers. After a second consecutive powerful offseason for Florida, the Panthers first hurdle of the 2016-17 season is New Jersey. The Devils have not exactly replicated the offseason cheers to the extent Florida has, but they did take a 180 degree turn for the better after last season.
The Devils did not have a true identity last year. The reason why this offseason's signings were so key despite the lack of big names is that the Devils built an image and a play style within their foundation of key players. Tonight should be a great test for both newly rebuilt teams.
Here is my prediction of the forward lines which coach, John Hynes, will use to start the season:
Henrique, Hall, Bennett
Zajac, Cammalleri, Palmieri
Zacha, Smith-Pelly, Boucher
Josefson, Fiddler, Parenteau
I also predict a final score of 3-1 in favor of New Jersey, and an excited Devils Army after the game. Let's go Devils!
For Devils fans, the teams' performance on Saturday night should bring hope for an exciting season ahead. Production from newcomers Taylor Hall, Beau Bennett, Pavel Zacha, Reid Boucher, and Kyle Quincey powered Jersey's team past the rival New York Rangers.
The Devils take the ice at the Prudential Center
Taylor Hall, playing his first home game in a Devils uniform, made the most of his debut. Not only did he record his first two points in red (1G, 1A), he visibly made his line mates more effective. Coach John Hynes had Taylor Hall on a line centered by Adam Henrique and opposite of Beau Bennett on the other wing. The line forechecked productively, and passed very well together creating plenty of offensive chances. Hall was paired with Henrique as a penalty kill unit as well.
Hall scores first goal ever as a New Jersey Devil
Pavel Zacha is "ready to compete for a spot" according to John Hynes. Zacha has more potential than most players in the world, and seems to be maturing into NHL form at the right time. The 2016-17 New Jersey Devils are a talented, fast, youthful team who can be complemented perfectly by a player like Zacha. At 19 years old, he stands at 6'3" and weighs 210lbs. He is big enough, fast enough, and physical enough to play both ends of the ice. However, the cherry on top is that he is a purebred goal scorer. Pavel Zacha was the 6th overall pick in 2015, and we are seeing why.
Lindback denies Kreider on a penalty shot late in the game
Beau Bennett and Reid Boucher were present at all times when on the ice. Bennett was a solid contributor to Hall and Henrique. Boucher displayed effort and grit to back his small body and big heart.
To summarize Saturday's showdown, I would have to call it a heated competition to preview the regular season rivalry. The pace of the game started with preseason pace, but finished in regular season form. It was clear neither team wanted to go away without a fight, and that a tone was set for the regular season meetings. The Devils hung on to win the game 5-4.
New Jersey has split the preseason home-and-homes with both the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers. After losing Monday night in Brooklyn against the Islanders, they look to even the home-and-home tonight as they host NYI at 7pm in Newark.
Happy hockey everybody! It is that time of the year again. Not only are the Devils taking the ice at The Rock again, but I am excitedly taking my passion back to the keyboard! While I currently reside in California, the only thing remaining between myself and the Devils is a NHL Gamecenter subscription and a television. Both of those can now be checked off the list. It is time to rock and roll!! LETS GO DEVILS!
The puck drops at 7pm Eastern time in Newark as the good guys host the bad guys for a classic Devils and Rangers rivalry game. While a win may not be as important for the preseason rivalry, there are still many players fighting for their dreams as NHL players. The Devils top prospects; Reece Scarlett, Reid Boucher, John Quenneville, and Pavel Zacha look to seize the opportunity for attention in this Saturday night contest. With only four preseason games remaining; Head Coach, John Hynes, and General Manager, Ray Shero, lead a large army of fans, critics, and observers with all eyes on this group of talented youth. With the exception of the few who have played in NHL games, there has never been a better time for them to bring their best.
In the big picture, I believe the New Jersey Devils will be a surprisingly good team in the Eastern conference this year with a ton of heart, grit, and skill. Let's go Devils!!!
