Hey, Devils fans!
Lots of thoughts to get into prior to tonight’s game vs. SJS, as the Devils look to make it 7 in a row and remain undefeated at the Rock!
Another game, another box checked off (for now!) by the Devils, as they took care of business on the second half of the B2B vs. MIN. This was the big narrative heading into Wednesday night, and I hope this game is indicative of the group being able to dig deep and find ways to pick up a higher rate of points in the 14 remaining sets.
The next box I’m looking for the Devils to check off tonight is “Respect your opponents.” If you're the Devils, you have to come out and play to the same level you have been over these last few games. This is a young, extremely dynamic Sharks team that is just having fun playing hockey right now with nothing to lose, and they will make you pay if you take them for granted. That being said, I’m confident, based on what I’ve seen in the maturity of this Devils team, that we won’t have to worry about that being the case tonight.
There are so many fun storylines that have come out of the Devils' 6-game win streak so far, but my personal favorite is the fact that the Devils are finding ways to win games in many different, unique, and important ways. Thinking bigger picture, it has been a very encouraging sign to watch the Devils continue to build a mature, confident, and patient process that is conducive to winning games.
I am so happy for NJD#81 Arseny Gritsyuk, who scored his first career goal vs. MIN. In the process, he also became the first NJD rookie to put up 5 PTS in his first 7 GP since Mercer did so in 2021-22.
I’m also happy and relieved for NJD#47 Paul Cotter, who finally got rewarded for playing to his identity the last few games with his first goal of the season. Cotts was right in saying it was “about damn time.” This goal snapped his longest point drought to start of a season in his career, and equally important, squashed any narrative of him being the only remaining NJD FW to be pointless after 6+ GP.
Tune into our pregame show this afternoon, as I chat ice-side with Luke Glendening during warmups! Then, Rachel and I will break down the Devils' depth scoring and will be joined by Alex Monaco to chat about Grits' first career goal. It all starts at 6:30 p.m. on MSGSN!
-Sal
Here is some additional content from Thursday night's broadcast!
