Introduction
After improving to 3-0-0 in the preseason Saturday afternoon, the New Jersey Devils will look to remain undefeated tonight. Unlike Saturday, a lot of the team’s NHL regulars will be in the lineup. If you missed it, the Devils defeated a New York Islanders team with most of their everyday players. Meanwhile, the Devils’ lineup only featured about three skaters that will make the opening night club. Tonight, the roster will look much different.
The Rosters
Per the rosters released courtesy of Tom Gulitti, there will be a lot to watch for tonight. Head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed that Mackenzie Blackwood will play two periods tonight. He played one on Saturday and stopped 15 of the 16 shots he faced. Scott Wedgewood will play the game’s third period.
Both rookies, Alexander Holtz and Dawson Mercer, will play tonight. Holtz has three points in two games, while Mercer has two goals in two as well. Each are in a tight race for roster spots. Also, Jesper Bratt is set to make his 2021 preseason debut. Bratt was originally suppose to play on Saturday but was held out of the lineup due to a non-COVID related illness.
Defenseman Damon Severson was suppose to play in his second preseason game of the young season but was injured during morning skate. Severson reportedly went down hard in the corner and collided with the boards. After the skate, head coach Lindy Ruff explained Severson slipped on a puck and fell into the boards. He reportedly has a muscle strain and will not play tonight. It is to be determined who will take his spot in tonight’ game.
Newest Devil, Mason Geertsen, is listed as a defenseman on the above roster. However, head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed after practice he will skate as a forward on the fourth line wing. He has experience as both in his career, but, as Ruff explained, is currently more comfortable up front. In case you missed it, Geertsen is a six-foot-four, 216 pound career AHLer. The 26-year old has 297 career AHL games under his belt where he has racked up a total of 529 penalty minutes. He was claimed off waivers by New Jersey from the New York Rangers yesterday.
As for Washington, of the team’s 18 skaters tonight only about nine project to be everyday players. In net, per Tom Gulitti, Vitek Vancek will play the whole game.
What To Watch
- As mentioned both Holtz and Mercer will once again play. Each have been extremely effective so far. Their underlying metrics, which are strong, mirror each other at five-on-five despite playing on separate lines. Worth noting, they are not battling each other for roster spots, as Holtz is a wing and Mercer is a center. Before preseason started it became apparent that two roster spots were up for grab. Have each done enough to grab these spots? It certainly seems so. Hopefully they both continue to show they are deserving.
- Jesper Boqvist is another forward in the conversation for the above mentioned open roster spot. He had a very strong showing on a line with Mercer and Jimmy Vesey in his first preseason game. His Corsi-for % (CF%) of 69.57 and his expected goals-for (xGF%) of 71.92 each leads the team. Boqvist has yet to take the next step in his progression, it’ll be interesting to see if he can build on a solid first game.
- Despite being claimed off waivers, it is readily apparent Geertsen will find himself there once again in a week or so. His tough, physical nature is one that New Jersey does not have in the AHL level. This ever since Brandon Baddock left for Montreal. Given what he has done so far in his career, he is not a NHL player. In the meantime, look for him to throw his body around and protect those around him in these net couple preseason games. Hopefully he passes back through waiver and remains with the organization in Utica (AHL) when the time comes.
Other Updates
In his post morning skate conference, head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed the below:
- Ty Smith is dealing with an injury and will not play in any of the team’s preseason games. There is a chance he is not ready for opening night.
- Jack Hughes is progressing and the hope is he practices tomorrow. He was injured during Saturday’s preseason game.
In the recent few days the Devils have made the following cuts/roster moves:
- Chase Stillman to the OHL.
- Robbie Russo and Brian Flynn on waivers, will report to Utica (AHL) when cleared.
- Ryan Schmelzer, Jermey Groleau, Michael Vukojevic, Marek Mitens to Uțica (AHL).
Where To Watch
Luckily, despite the game not being televised, the New Jersey Devils are streaming the contest on their website. You can find the link here. If you would like, you can also follow along to our social media pages for all the updates.