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Preseason For The Playoffs Is Underway |
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I must admit, as the final buzzer sounded last night and the Devils fell to the Pens, I was a little upset. The Devils got out to a quick two goal lead, and popped it into cruise control, surrendering four straight for their second loss in a row. However, after listening to Sheldon Keefe’s postgame presser, it became kind of clear. While he didn’t say it, Keefe eluded to the fact that they’re not really worried about winning these last few, and really, why should they be?
Keefe mentioned how pleased he was with the Devils 5v5 game and the fact that they started on time, unlike the Boston debacle earlier in the week. The head coach also made mention that Jesper Bratt would’ve got into the shooting lane on the Penguins second goal “if this was the playoffs.”
With three games remaining, let’s rest some bodies, work on situational play, get some bottom guys a little more ice time and NOT give 100%! Don’t skate too hard, don’t throw any unnecessary hits, and definitely do not block any shots.
Keefe Confirms Hamilton’s Expected Return
As I reported here on HockeyBuzz late Sunday evening that the Devils expect Dougie Hamilton back for the playoffs. Coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed that postgame on Friday stating “we’re going to get Dougie Hamilton up to speed here and we expect him to be available for us.” “We’ll be hopeful that Dougie will be good to go, looks like he is but we have to ramp him
up,” the coach quipped. A well rested and hopefully 100% healthy Hamilton will be a huge boost on the Devils back end. In a series where the Devils power play is going to be a major X factor, having the Dougie back will pay major dividends. With Luke Hughes on one unit and Hamilton on the other, the Devils have the lethal one-two combo that even the best penalty kills should fear.
Yegorov Leads BU To The Final
The Devils 2024 2nd round pick, goaltender, Mikhail Yegorov looks to be the real deal. The 6’5” Russian, known as “Big Mike” (actually I just made that up, not sure if anyone calls him that, but they should. On second thought, someone probably does already, right? They have to) stopped 32 of 33 shots that came his way versus Penn State on Thursday. The massive goalie, who just turned 19 last month, was rock solid. With his giant frame, sharp movements and fundamentally sound game, Yegorov looks to be poised for a lengthy NHL career. Former Devil and current BU coach Jay Pandolfo raved about the youngsters “infectious personality” and calmness under pressure. At first glance, Yegorov reminds me of Andrei Vasilevskiy between the pipes, hopefully when all is said and done his career achievements do as well…
RIP Ray Shero
The former Devils GM passed away on Tuesday, at just 62 years old. Shero’s legendary moves including the Taylor Hall acquisition, selecting Jesper Bratt in the 6th round and drafting Nico Hischier over Nolan Patrick, cemented his legacy with the New Jersey Devils. Shero, who also managed the Penguins from 2006-2014, was honored in Friday’s game with both teams wearing stickers on their helmets as well as being named the first of the game. Our deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of the great Ray Shero at this difficult time.
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