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Greer
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Head Coach Lindy Ruff
WHAT'S NEXT
The Devils hit the road for a season-long five-game road trip starting in Dallas Saturday. The game can be seen on MSG+ and heard on the Devils Hockey Network, including right here at NewJerseyDevils.com. Puck drop is 2:08 p.m. ET.
Here are some observations from the game...
- A.J. Greer scored his first goal as a member of the Devils. It was also his first NHL in over three years, dating back to Feb. 20, 2019 against Winnipeg as a member of the Colorado Avalanche. And you can tell it's been a while judging by his celebration.
- After Greer's wraparound shot went off the stick of Montreal's David Savard, off the mask of goalie Jake Allen and into the net, Greer screamed and leaped into the arms of linemate Michael McLeod.
At 25 years old, Greer is at a crossroads in his career. He hasn't been able to stick with any organization at the NHL level, and with his increasing age he may be running out of chances. So, every game he gets to showcase that he belongs is immensely important. Right now, he's playing for his life. And scoring a goal will go a long way in that battle.
"When he went down before he said he thought it was his best games," Ruff said of Greer. "I said to him we need tonight to be even better than your best game. I thought it was again."
"I thought I brought a physical presence down low," Greer said. "I tried to create as much room for my linemates as possible and get in front of the net, drive the play down low and make the plays when I can."
- Greer isn't the only player getting an opportunity in the lineup due to a rash of injuries at the forward position. Fabian Zetterlund also got a look. He played three games previously for the Devils, solely in a fourth-line checking role. But tonight, he got a look on the third line and second power play. Zetterlund unleashed a couple bombs (though one missed the net) while working the flank position on the second power-play unit. You can see why he has eight man-advantage goals for Utica. Zetterlund also skated well, played physical and provided a spark when needed. All in all, a good showing for the 22-year-old Swede.
- Jesper Bratt snapped a four-game pointless drought, his longest since the beginning of the season, with his 23rd goal of the season.
- Goaltender Andrew Hammond made his second start for New Jersey since the Devils acquired him from Montreal at the trade deadline. He was beat early on a shot glove side by Nick Suzuki. And the night didn't get much easier for him after that. He lasted until the Habs scored two goals 15 seconds apart in the opening 86 seconds of the third period. He finished the night allowing six goals on 19 shots.
