Fun game to watch. Really liked that they didn't roll over after getting so severely outplayed in the 1st period. I think that is large in part due to the play of MB29 - without him, the wheels would have fallen off pretty quickly. If they play like this each game, at least we will be competitive, but it is definitely not sustainable.

Small sample, but the game was a good indicator of how the season will go. Great goaltending (hopefully on a consistent basis), porous D that easily gets beat down low, and lack of offensive talent/fire power. However, one would hope that the Offense picks up notch once Nico and Bratt return. Does anyone know of their individual return timetables? Vatanen as well?

Lastly, does anyone think MB29 is a little upset about Crawford (relax, Vlongo - I know the guy got hurt)? But, MB29 signed his contract extension AFTER Crawford had signed a 2-year deal that pegged some sort of timeshare (60/40?). Now, with Crawford's exodus it looks like MB29 will be looking at more of a 85/15 split. Probably would have been a much more lucrative contract for MB29 if this was the case going into negotiations.....
- hockeybocc

His contract was always going to be a bridge deal, to prove he can play at that level for more than half a season. NHL players have zero leverage in negotiations until they are able to become UFAs, unfortunately. Seeing proven stars take low money/short term deals tells you that there just wasn't any money being paid this year.

I'll be happy when Bahl is NHL ready, we need someone willing to throw his weight around! I'd also be happy if Miles wood went to the dentist! Loved that Ruff let Zajac start the game off, total respect to a player knocking on 1000 games.

His contract was always going to be a bridge deal, to prove he can play at that level for more than half a season. NHL players have zero leverage in negotiations until they are able to become UFAs, unfortunately. Seeing proven stars take low money/short term deals tells you that there just wasn't any money being paid this year.

I'll be happy when Bahl is NHL ready, we need someone willing to throw his weight around! I'd also be happy if Miles wood went to the dentist! Loved that Ruff let Zajac start the game off, total respect to a player knocking on 1000 games.
- ShoresideDevil

Agreed - overly apparent the league is cash starved this season which comes as no surprise. However, the helmet advertisements, sponsored division names...what is next? Goalie pad ads? God I hope not....

Wood is so hard to figure out. Want to like the guy for his style of play but then he turns on his one-trick-pony act and takes a costly penalty in process (I believe Boston scored both PP goals with Wood in the box.....).

Sorry homie. I’ve been watching Devil’s hockey for 35 years. My instincts are good.
- WayneZ

I too have watched Devils games since the start, WOR being the method back then. Some players need time. I remember when a kid straight from the draft played with the Devils and after half a season the boo birds were out in the Meadowlands. Shanahan turned out to be OK though. Give it some time.

1 game, 1 period in. I’m going on the record, to be recalled if I’m wrong, Hughes will go down as one of the biggest 1st overall flops in NHL history. I haven’t seen a single thing from him in any game at this level to convince me otherwise.
- WayneZ

This is what is wrong with our fanbase, right here! 1 period into the game, a game that our entire team played poorly (in said period) and you point a finger at the 19 year old kid. How about a little patience? He doesn't even have 82 games under his belt.

No preseason, No Nico, No Bratt, shortened camp, new coach, new system, new teammates, some paying in NHL for the first time & new linemates. Based on your reaction, should we send Palmeiri to the AHL b/c of his game?

Loved seeing Jack cut across the middle for a great shot. Loved seeing him in open ice turn on the burners. He doesn't get involved, Wood doesn't score. He hesitated on his own breakaway looking for a teammate to catch up before hitting the gas, and still was 2 strides ahead. 2 great scoring opportunities of his own and 2 assists.

Sounds like a bust to me.

Those shoot out attempts were absolutely dreadful.

Those shoot out attempts were absolutely dreadful.
- FAZOOL

If you watched the Bruins/Devils shoot out from last year - Gusev pulled the same move on Rask last year - they were identical. I love Gusev, but gotta show some creativity.

Those shoot out attempts were absolutely dreadful.
- FAZOOL

Watching our shootouts really makes me miss/appreciate Kovy's talent....I know, I know - now put your pitchforks away!

Well when Miles Wood is your best player on the ice your teams has problems. Furthermore Devils looked small, slow and always on falling on the ice.

Well when Miles Wood is your best player on the ice your teams has problems. Furthermore Devils looked small, slow and always on falling on the ice.
- Shadyron

Wood was 100% not our best player on the ice. And lets not forget, we were playing the Bruins who Vegas has pegged as one of the top teams coming out of the East.

Wood was 100% not our best player on the ice. And lets not forget, we were playing the Bruins who Vegas has pegged as one of the top teams coming out of the East.
- hockeybocc

Yea but they were also missing their best player and were minus 2 starters on D with Krug and Chara.
With Kovy, Parise and Elias, we had the best top 3 for shootouts in the league. It was almost a guaranteed win if we got to the shootout.
And yes I’m aware it was 1 game, which is why I specifically mentioned that for context. Context is everything.
I was torn with wanting them to win or lose. I wanted both offenses to score cuz I want to see our boys do work but also have best odds at Power.