Checking Mentality
Part of the Devils recent success has been their play in critical facets of the game.
Against the Panthers, the Devils blocked 21 shots. Forward Dawson Mercer was stung after blocking a shot and left the game, but was able to return.
The Devils also made a lot of smart plays inside the game: chipping pucks out, safe outlets, staying above the opposing team.
“Part of it is we know we’re missing a lot of big pieces. Everybody is coming up, showing up every single game, every single practice,” defenseman Kevin Bahl said. “We just know where we are in the standings these are must wins. These aren’t games we can throw away and make excuses. We need to win these games. You can tell. Everyone is showing up, everybody is putting on their work boats, winning battles, blocking shots, taking hits.”
Devils head coach Lindy Ruff compared the win in Florida to the way the team played in Tampa.
“We came out hard. We played hard. Won a lot of battles. Checked hard,” Ruff said. “The things I’ve been most impressed with is the checking mentality.
"We said we're going to have to win different ways. Hard compete and hard battles. The quality of chances may go down. I still think we can generate around the net and generate by being really tough on the opposition. I think we've proven that to ourselves."