PRE-GAME MEDIA AVAILABILITY
PRAGUE, Czechia – The Devils did not hold a morning skate at O2 Arena due to playing on back-to-back days and with less than 24 hours of recovery.
The only lineup decision that head coach Sheldon Keefe would reveal is that the club will start goaltender Jake Allen in net.
Finding their Game
The Devils spent their brief training camp period and a few practices in Prague trying to implement a new system, structure and style. Despite the abbreviated time in camp, the Devils had their first real test of what they’ve learned in the past two-plus weeks.
Keefe has preached speed, sprinting to spots, playing physical and a hard forecheck. All of those elements were on display in the 4-1 victory on Friday night.
“If you look at the three goals that we scored there are parts of all things that we’ve talked about and working on since Day 1 and coming together,” Keefe said. “When that happens, it makes it uncomfortable for the opposition. That’s a positive of the game.”
Tatar’s Return
Keefe on Tatar: “I think he’s been great. On the ice he’s got a great skillset. He can move up and down the lineup and can play with anyone. He’s a very useful player that way. He’s an incredible guy. He’s got great leadership qualities. He’s been around the league. He’s got great character. He’s a great addition to the team in terms of personality and it’s more of a bonus that he’s been with this group before.”
Updates
Keefe noted that he didn’t have an updated on the status of defenseman Santeri Hatakka (undisclosed). For Brett Pesce (leg) he said:
“Pesce continues to skate and increase his workload on a daily basis, so that’s encouraging. What means we’ll find out when we get back. My focus of course has been on those who are here.”
