Devils show signs of hope for season ahead in 5-4 win over Rangers
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.
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