Here are my quick hits following the Devils’ 4-3 OTL in TOR, heading into Captain Nico’s 500th career game today vs. PHI:
Didn’t Get the W for HC Keefe
For the fourth straight game, the Devils found themselves in an OT situation, and unfortunately, they failed to get the extra point for the third time in those four contests. Yes, it was good to see the Devils get a point by starting strong, protecting the slot for a majority of this game, and having a response on the PP just two minutes after conceding a GTG not once but twice in this game. But with that being said, this was a pretty tough loss from the perspective that it would’ve been really nice to get a win for your coach in his return to TOR. Instead, the Devils end up going winless against the Leafs in the season series (0-1-2).
B2B Home Matinees
Turning our attention to the weekend ahead, I’m pumped to see what the Devils can do in a back-to-back set of afternoon games at the Rock vs. PHI today and OTT tomorrow. Over the recent stretch, it’s been extremely encouraging to see the Devils start to establish a significant presence on home ice here, as they are currently riding an 8-game point streak (6-0-2) at Prudential Center and have not given up more than two goals in any of those games. On top of that, I'm also intrigued to see if we have a legitimate trend going here, seeing that afternoon games at the Rock have treated this team really well in the limited sample set thus far (3-0-0). In these three matinee games they’ve played, they’ve held NYR, CHI, and UTA to one total goal and an average of 16.3 shots per game.
Hopefully, we’ll eventually be talking about the Devils being 5-0-0 in this situation when this weekend is all said and done. It all starts with a big 2 PTS against the Flyers today!
Nico’s 500th Career GP
Fresh off a game in TOR in which he scored 2 PPGs (T-career high) and took 33 FOs (2nd most in career), I’m so excited for Captain Nico reaching an outstanding milestone of 500 career games today. I personally had the privilege of starting my role with MSG in the same season as Nico’s rookie year back in 2017-18, and for him now to be skating in career game No. 500 today, 8 seasons later, is going to be an extremely special moment for all of us to watch at the Rock. For me, what’s been most impressive about Nico throughout his career has been his ability to continue evolving his game and leadership and bringing himself to another level each and every season. Watching his development since the day he was drafted, it's no surprise to me that he has now made his name a staple in the Selke Trophy conversation and has equally cemented himself as a true superstar/elite captain in this league.
Now, going back to the fact that Thursday night’s game was a disappointing one because you didn’t get the W for your coach... Today has to be a W for your Captain!
Be sure to tune in at noon today, as Rachel and I have a very special pregame show lined up for the Captain’s 500th career game! We’ll take a look back at Nico’s journey to 500 games, his career firsts, and break down why he should be at the top of any Selke list right now. I’m also hoping to chat with him ice-side during the pregame skate. It all starts at 12:00 p.m. on MSGSN!
Let’s Go Devils!
-Sal
Here are some graphics from Thursday night’s broadcast!
