MORNING SKATE RECAP
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The Devils held another morning skate at the Baptist Health IcePlex ahead of facing the Florida Panthers.
The only lineup switch is that goaltender Jake Allen will make the start in goal. The rest of the lineup will be…
Meier – Hischier – Noesen
Palat – Hughes – Bratt
Cotter – Haula – Mercer
MacDermid – Dowling – Tatar
Dillon – Hamilton
Siegenthaler – Kovacevic
Hughes – Pesce
Taking a Step
After defeating the Panthers, 4-1, Tuesday night, head coach Sheldon Keefe said that his club “took a step” with the win. So, what does he foresee as the next step?
“Consistency,” he said. “That’s the biggest challenge going into the game here tonight. Anything can happen once. For us to duplicate the resiliency and the resolve that it takes to find your way through a game like that against a team like this. But also understanding that they’re going to be a better and we need to be better.
“We liked lots of things about our game but there are tons of things that we can and need to be better tonight.”
Strong Start
The Devils played much of Tuesday’s first period against Florida in their own zone and were in a “bend-don’t-break” battle to survive. New Jersey eventually found its footing in the latter half of the second period, but is hoping to have a better showing from the opening face-off tonight.
“It’s the fundamental simple things of the game,” forward Jesper Bratt said. “The D zone structure, taking care of their forecheck and take care of the puck our own way. If you’re doing too many fancy things at the blue line, you’re having waves of their offense coming at you. Taking care of the puck and managing the time of the game is always important at the start. And the continuing on building.”
Moving On
The Devils picked up a 4-1 win Tuesday, but the past does not predict the future.
“Wiping the result the night before, whether it’s a win or loss, it’s a new day,” blueliner Brenden Dillon said. “Especially when you’re playing a team like this, two in a row in their building. We expect more from them. We expect a push. We’re going to have to better all around.
“We take things from losses and from wins as well.”