Tyler Brennan subbed in for Blackwood halfway through the second period. Blackwood has used every practice, and now scrimmage, as a chance to get his game ready for the upcoming season.
Brennan, a 2022 fourth-round draft pick made several saves throughout the remainder of the middle frame. Following the first two periods of play, Group A held a 15-11 shot advantage over Group C. Daws continued to play in the third period for Group C and Brennan returned for Group A. Filmon earned stick taps from both teams after he blocked a big shot from Thomas Hickey. The Group C forward hopped to the bench, and continue to play in the final period.
Holtz scored his second goal of the game at the 12 minute mark - tucking it home past Daws. Jack Hughes drew three defenders and then passed it to the Swede. Holtz spent the summer working on the speed in which he played, which was apparent on his two goals in this scrimmage.
Dougie Hamilton would increase Group A's lead with a goal in the final five minutes of the third period, to make it 4-2 for the white team. Group C pulled their goalie and after a penalty, Dawson Mercer was granted a penalty shot. Brennan came up with a big glove save to keep the score 4-2 with the advantage for Group A.
However, less than 30 seconds later, Group C scored to make it a one-goal game thanks to Erik Haula. Group C pulls their goalie for the extra skater with a one-goal deficit but Graeme Clarke would seal the win for Team A with an empty net goal in the final minute of the third period.
Group A experience was on display in the win and the veteran players are making sure to help mentor the prospects on their team through training camp.
"(We're) just trying to do the little things right and bring the younger guys along as well because some of them in their first camps and you want to make them feel comfortable because that's when they're going to play their best as soon as they get to feel as comfortable as quick as possible," Gambardella said post-game. "It's an honor any time you get to come to an NHL camp, it's a real honor and privilege and you have to make the most of it."
With the loss, Group C loses both of its intersquad scrimmages; however, it was a much closer game and better effort on Saturday.
"I thought the detail in the scrimmage was better than yesterday for both teams system wise, compete wise, heavier plays on the body, harder on pucks, more stuff we were looking for," said Devils head coach Lindy Ruff following today's on-ice activities.