Quenneville and Lappin make strides at 2018 Training Camp

It was back to the grind for the New Jersey Devils as they hit the ice on Wednesday after a day off. New Jersey's training camp roster is down to 45 players, after a first round of cuts were made on Tuesday afternoon. For those left at this year's camp, it is no secret that there are several open roster spots ready to be earned. The competition is fierce, as this group has come into camp with a strong work-ethic and determination.

"The group this year seems as though they knew a little bit more of what to expect," John Hynes said. "They certainly came back I good shape. They understand what this camp is about. It's about implementing our systems, but also about a strong implementation of our mentality and habits of how we want to play."
Hynes will be back behind the Devils bench on Thursday night when the Devils visit the Islanders in Brooklyn. While the roster for the game has yet to be announced, one thing is clear, it will serve as another opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate the talent in their system and how players have applied the lessons taught at practice into game action.
Two players trying to make a lasting impression are John Quenneville and Nick Lappin. Both have seen limited time in the NHL and hope to make this year, their year.
For 22-year-old Quenneville, the chance to leave a mark started in the off-season and has carried over into preseason play. In his one preseason appearance, he made his impact felt with an assist on the Devils opening goal against the Rangers, a game in which he also dropped the gloves with New York's Rob O'Gara.
"I think I was good," Quenneville said. "I think I did a good job in the D-zone to make good plays off the walls to get us going on the breakout. When we had the chance [5-on-5], we made the plays and did a good job. But now it's time to gear it up and do even more given the opportunity."

But it's off the ice where things started for Quenneville this year. His off-season training leading him to arrive at camp in the best shape he has been in, something not only he has noticed in himself, but something the coaching staff has taken notice to as well.
"I think probably my skating," Quenneville added when asked where he's seen the most improvement. "I think I have maybe, two, three or four steps more than I did last year. I feel really quick, and the speed changes all parts of my game. I've got more time with the puck, and when I have more speed, I have more chances. That's just the way it goes."
"He's certainly come back in better shape," Hynes said. You can see that in his physical demeanor, his test results in the physical testing, that's one of the first steps for him to become a full-time NHL player. John has done a good job of that, when you see him practice now his attention to detail is much better than what it was last year. We're seeing the concepts that we want him to play with, the intensity level that he needed to practice with at this level to develop into a full-time player."
For Lappin, he says he's ready to take the next step in his career. While he played 43 games in the NHL during the 2016-17 NHL season, he spent the better part of last season with the Binghamton Devils. Now, it's about proving he deserves that chance at the NHL level.
"It's good knowing that there are spots available," Lappin said. "I think that I'm ready to take the next step here and help the Devils in an 82 game schedule and get back to the playoffs. Lappin said he worked on his skating this off-season as a way to take his game to the next level.
The coaching staff can see the difference through five days of training camp.

"Nick has come to camp on a mission," Hynes said. "I really like the way he's skating. He's moving the puck really well. He's an identity player for us on the ice in practice and in the games. Against the Rangers was a typical Nick Lappin kind of game, where he was physical, he was feisty, he got to the net and scored two goals. The fact that he's skating as well as he is skating right now is a benefit in his game."
The Devils are back in game-mode tomorrow night against the New York Islanders. The Devils will skate at Prudential Center in the morning, before heading to Brooklyn for the 7 p.m. game.