The Devils beat the Montreal Canadiens in their first preseason game by the score of 2-1. Graeme Clarke and Tomas Tatar each had a goal.
WOO NOTES
Devils Goaltending
Mackenzie Blackwood and Nico Daws split time during this game. Blackwood looked sharp and moved side to side effortlessly, which is a good sign after dealing with a nagging heal injury all of last season. Blackwood gave up one goal to Cole Caufield, which he probably should have had.
Nico Daws was stellar especially towards the end of the game when the Canadiens were putting pucks on net in a series of flurries to get the equalizer. For a brief moment, the Habs and their fans thought they had tied the game. But a challenge from Devils coach Lindy Ruff was able to keep the score 2-1 in favor of New Jersey because the Montreal goal was offsides.
Save The Captain!
Nico Hischier came out of the game as Devils fans held their breath. Once news came from the Devils PR that the Devils captain had been dealing with cramps due to dehydration during the game, it was sigh of relief. This was a smart move to hold Hischier back.
Graeme Clarke
This kid could be a sleeper to make the team if he keeps shooting the puck. So far, he is off to a good start. Clarke has a good shot and might not get the attention like fellow Utica Comets teammate Alexander Holtz. He is one of my favorite prospects in the Devils system.
Tatar’s and Johnsson’s contract year
Both Tomas Tatar and Andreas Johnsson made the scoresheet last night. Both are on a contract year. Could this be a good sign to come for these two veteran forwards this upcoming season?
No go for Fabian Zetterlund
I was quite disappointed not to see Fabian Zetterlund play against the Habs. According to Amanda Stein on her Twitter account, Zetterlund was originally scheduled to play but had immigration issues. Zetterlund will be challenging for a Devils roster spot. He is a young kid that plays with an edge which is what the Devils need.
What to look out for tonight against the Islanders at the Rock
Three things that I am looking forward to when the Devils host the Islanders tonight.
1. Debut of new Devils play-by-play voice on MSG Sportsnet Bill Spaulding.
2. Watching Palat, Hughes, and Holtz
3. Presumably the debut of the new Devils PA Announcer.
Podcast - Devils Netminders Come Up Big, Win 2-1 Over Habs (Devils After Dark)
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