MORNING SKATE RECAP
CALGARY, Alberta - The Devils held an optional morning skate at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary on Friday afternoon ahead of facing the Flames.
Those opting to skate were forwards Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, Ondrej Palat, Paul Cotter, Stefan Noesen, Nate Bastian, Justin Dowling, Kurtis MacDermid, defensemen Brenden Dillon, Jonas Siegenthaler, Johnathan Kovacevic, Simon Nemec and goalie Jake Allen.
Marky’s Revenge Tour
Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom will start tonight against his former club, Calgary. Markstrom played four seasons with the Flames from 2020-24 before being acquired by New Jersey in a summer trade.
“It’s tough to play against a former team,” defenseman Brendan Dillon said. “I’m sure he’s got a lot of great relationships with guys on that side. A lot of good memories. Lived in this city. You know the airport, the streets, the dinner spots. It’s not easy for him. That’s on us as a group to play well in front of him and do the best we can.
“For him there will be a little bit of nerves but lots of excitement. It’s always exciting when you come back. You want to get the win first and foremost.”
Markstrom picked up a 20-save shutout against Vancouver, another former team, Wednesday night. He’s looking to make it 2-for-2 on the trip.
Identity
The Devils earned an impressive 6-0 victory against the Canucks in a game that the club excelled at in all three zones. The game is a blueprint for how the Devils want to play.
“Our game was pretty consistent through three periods,” Keefe said. “It was a pretty complete effort all the way through our group.”
The job of any hockey team is to form an identity through their play. Whether it takes 15 games, 20 games, 25 games, the key is putting forth consistent efforts. But there’s no doubt it takes time depending on circumstances.
“Whether it’s injuries or guys filtering into the lineup, trying to find different chemistry on lines, power play, special teams, there’s so many things that go into the team game of hockey,” Dillon said. “Through these first 13 we’ve seen spurts of it. The Vancouver game was a perfect example of when we are able to put it together.”
One thing is for sure, when 31 other teams have their team scouting meeting and they’re all saying the same thing about the Devils, then the team has established an identity.
Dawgson
Devils forward Dawson Mercer has three goals, seven points and a plus-10 this season. He’s been especially strong in the past two games for New Jersey – not coincidentally both wins – scoring a goal, three assists, four points and a plus-6.
“He’s been great. He and Nico have been excellent in their work whether 5-on-5 or the penalty kill,” Keefe said. “Mercer is really starting to pick up his game offensively, I think there’s more to give us there. Hopefully, the goal the other night can help with that. He’s been really consistent with his effort and accepting any responsibilities that come his way defensively.”
He Said It:
Keefe on the Devils limiting shots against lately: “The puck pressure, taking away time and space and forcing shots to the outside or forcing teams to reset, putting the puck on the wall. I think our execution offensively has improved. From our own end, through the neutral zone and in the offensive zone. Naturally that takes away the oppositions ability to have the puck themselves and direct it toward our net.”
--Sam Kasan
