MORNING SKATE RECAP
NEWARK, N.J. - The Devils are starting a back-to-back, home-and-home series against the New York Rangers in the second half of New Jersey's preseason. As the main roster is in Prague for the Global Series, it's an opportunity for the remaining Devils players to make a statement with their play and show the organization who they are.
“There’s some real excitement,” head coach Kevin Dineen shared pre-game. “We got the point across, we’re not expecting two goals and a fight to make a huge difference, just go out and play your game, make a statement. It’s going to take a real group effort over these next three preseason games, but what an opportunity for them to get this chance to play here at Prudential Center, and then two away games, it’s an exciting time for all of them.”
“Offensive ability, defensively responsible,” Jack Malone said about the team's focus tonight. “Trying to make plays, play the right way, and play physical for sure, and try to make the other team uncomfortable. I think we have a lot of different abilities in this room, a lot of different skill sets, I think everybody brings a different thing to the forefront. I think what’s going to make this team successful is everybody bringing their game, whatever that may be.”
Helping lead the way is Ryan Schmelzer, who served as the Utica Comets captain last season. As Schmelzer enters his eighth season of professional hockey, he is the ultimate pro according to Dineen.
“That’s what you want,” Dineen explained. “He does everything the right way. He does a great job for our group in Utica. There’s also that personal side, there’s a lot of good guys in the game, If you don’t back it up with your play, and he certainly does on the ice. He’s a big piece of the depth in our organization.”
Leaning on Familarity
For tonight's preseason game, a core of the players have played together in the organization at the AHL level with the Utica Comets. That familiarity will help the group play a connected game.
“From where we were last year to where we are now, we’re a complete group,” Schmelzer shared. “It’s nice having familiar faces around. It’s makes a big difference just with playing with one another and just doing things together around here. Chemistry is always something you can lean on, and familiarity so we’re going to look to do that.”
Facing the Rivals
Even though it is preseason and tonight's game will not reflect in the regular season, this is still a meaningful game for the Devils. The Hudson River Rivalry is something players, coaches, and fans all have a vested interest in every time.
“I saw it as a kid growing up,” Malone shared about the Devils-Rangers rivalry. “It’s a great rivalry. I’ve been to plenty of games, and I’ve heard from guys and their own experiences about the rivalry so it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
“If we’re in Utica, we’re watching those games,” Dinnen explained. “Those are the ones you just don’t miss. There’s emotion, there’s intensity, there’s a lot of skills on both sides. Certainly it’s something that stands for something and we’re looking to putting the logo on and going out and representing the team well.”
Workflow from Morning Skate
Here is how the Devils lined up at morning skate, a good indication of how things could shape up tonight against the Rangers:
