The breakaways will come, but just about every other element of Grabner's game was on display as the Devils rode a pair of Kyle Palmieri goals to a 2-1 comeback victory on Saturday night. In 13:34 of ice time, Grabner had five shot attempts, including two on goal, plus a takeaway, and he played 1:53 on the penalty kill, fitting in seamlessly after coming to New Jersey in the first-ever trade between the Devils and Rangers.
"I felt good, and the more the game went on, I felt better," Grabner said. "It was a long night, a great day for Patrik (Elias), and I was glad to be a part of it, and after that, we just tried to focus on the game and get the win. It's nice to get that first one."
To help his new team pick up more wins as the Devils chase a first playoff berth since 2012, Grabner knows that what he has to do is exactly what he is capable of doing. That's not just scoring goals, as he did 25 times this season for the Rangers, but utilizing the tool that helps him get those opportunities to put pucks in nets.
"Everywhere I've played, I try to work hard and use my speed," Grabner said. "Hopefully it works out and helps the team. … I'll try to play my game. Obviously, you're trying to get used to the guys, get used to your linemates and the way they play, see what kind of patterns or tendencies they have, but like I said, I'll just go out there and work hard, use my speed, and hopefully chip in some offense. … It's a fast team, and that's what the NHL is about today, is using your speed - skating, moving pucks up quick, putting pressure on the other team and their D-men to make plays. I think we have a lot of speed here that can get in on the forecheck."
Speed, speed, speed, speed. It's what Grabner is known for, he knows it, and the Devils know it. And, he's right, it does make him an easy fit with this team.
"First and foremost, he's got great speed," Devils coach John Hynes said. "And he's got very good instincts. It's his first game in a new system, and he's a veteran player, so he knows how to play, but I think the more and more he plays - he gets another practice on Monday, then we go on the road together - he'll get to feeling comfortable with his teammates, the coaches, his surroundings, the equipment managers, trainers, how we want to play. All those things factor in. I thought he was excellent on the penalty kill, so I'm very excited about him, and I thought it was a good first game for him with a lot thrown at him in a difficult environment, and I certainly look forward to helping him get his game better and better."
One thing that also has Grabner comfortable is that after having worn No. 40 with the Canucks, Islanders, Maple Leafs, and Rangers, he is wearing it with the Devils, too. The previous owner of No. 40, Blake Coleman, switched to No. 20 - negotiations are ongoing for what Coleman will get in return.
"It's been a quick turnaround here, so we were really just focusing on the game," said Coleman, who indicated that a new suit was a possibility. "But he wears it well. He'll be a good asset for us down the stretch, and it's nice to get the first win with him."
