PRE-GAME STORY
NEWARK, NJ – The Devils held a morning skate Wednesday ahead of facing the Boston Bruins.
The club had full participation at the skate, including Erik Haula, who missed the team’s previous game at Edmonton with an upper-body injury but skated on Tuesday, and Curtis Lazar, who left halfway through Tuesday’s practice and did not return.
Haula and Lazar worked in line rushes and fully participated in the morning skate, meaning they will likely play in the game tonight.
“It looks like (Haula) will be able to go,” head coach Lindy Ruff said. “It’s good to have him back.”
For Lazar, he left practice after taking a puck to the face. He’s sporting a new gash on his nose as a result.
“It doesn’t really change much. I’ve always had a face for radio,” Lazar joked. “It’s just another day for me.”
Workflow…
The Devils used the following workflow during the morning skate.
Palat – Hischier – Bratt
Toffoli – Hughes – Meier
Haula – Mercer – Holtz
Lazar – McLeod – Bastian
Siegenthaler – Nemec
Bahl – Marino
Hughes – Miller
Vanecek
Consistent Bruins
The Bruins have been the model of consistency for a franchise. For well over a decade, the club has been a Stanley Cup contender, and has forged an identity regardless of the amount of roster turnover over the years.
“They all buy into the system for a lot of years. Everybody buys in there,” Devils captain Nico Hischier said. “Everybody does his job. They’re a good team.”
The Bruins have maintained their level of dominance despite losing some incredible players throughout the years, including the recent retirement of Patrice Bergeron.
Lazar, who played for the Bruins from 2020-2021, saw firsthand the culture in the locker room.
“It starts with that culture within the dressing. The guys that moved on have helped out that next generation of guys,” Lazar said. “What everyone marvels at the Bruins is they play the same way consistently. It’s hard to get them on a game that they’re off. You’ve got to play you’re a game every night to have a chance to beat them.”
The Devils are hoping to build the same in New Jersey, particulary with Hischier as the captain.
“When you have a young captain that plays on both sides of the puck, defends and is an offensive guy,” Ruff said. “He’s like a Bergeron. He doesn’t have the years of experience yet but he’s much like him as a player.”
