MORNING SKATE RECAP
NEWARK, NJ - The Devils held an optional morning skate ahead of hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs in their home opener at Prudential Center.
Seventeen players took part, including Jack Hughes, Ondrej Palat, Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt.
Frienemies
One person not on the ice was head coach Sheldon Keefe, who will be facing his former club for the first time. Keefe spent five seasons behind the bench with the Leafs (and four-plus years with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League).
It will no doubt be an interesting feeling being on the opposing bench come puck drop.
“I don’t know what to make of it,” Keefe said. “I’ve never been in this situation before. We’ll see when we get out there and the game gets going.
“What does it mean to me? Not a lot quite honestly. I have nothing but love from the people on the other side, tremendous respect from the organization that treated me so well and the players that gave me so much. To that end it’ll be strange being on the other side, but for us it’s our home opener. It’s my first time in front of the Devils fans. I’m focused on that.”
The Devils players are well aware of their coach’s situation. And they intend to make it a nice night for him.
“He’s been on the other side for a while. He’s with us now,” captain Nico Hischier said. “In the room there’s extra motivation.”
“It’s a game that all of us want to win,” forward Jesper Bratt said. “Sheldon has been really good to us so far. We’re excited for him. We know it’s an emotional game for him obviously. We want to help him get that win.”
Home Cooking
Even though the Devils have technically had a home game (one of their scheduled games in Prague was considered home), the real home opener is tonight. And the Devils are happy to be back in the friendly confines of Prudential Center.
“We’re finally back home playing our opening night in our own arena in front of our own fans,” Bratt said. “I’m excited for tonight.”
“My first preseason game here, for a preseason game it was loud,” Keefe said. “I’m excited here for tonight to get a taste of it on this side.”
He Said It:
Keefe on the key to defending Auston Matthews: “Keep the puck away from him, make him defend. Minimize your mistakes and get some love from the crossbar.”
