Last week, the preseason started for the New Jersey Devils and they swept all three games, twice in overtime. This week, three additional preseason games were on the docket as the Devils made their way to Thursday night’s home opener. Let’s look at their games and other newsworthy events in the week that was for the Devils.
A Split and A Cancelation
The New Jersey Devils faced Washington on Monday night and soundly defeated the Capitals, 4-1. Alexander Holtz scored his second of the postseason on the power play with a minute to go in the first period. Michael McLeod doubled the lead 2:39 into the second period. Connor McMichael cut the Devils’ lead in half with a power play goal with just 42 seconds left in the second. Pavel Zacha’s second goal of the postseason restored the Devils’ lead to 3-1 at 5:39 in the third period. Jimmy Vesey’s empty net goal with 10 seconds remaining sealed the win for the Devils.
Wednesday’s rematch against the New York Rangers was not as fun as the Devils lost their rematch at Madison Square Garden, 6-2. The miserable game started only 3:43 in when Mika Zibanejad scored to put the Rangers up 1-0. The wheels fell off the wagon for the Devils in the second period, though, when the Rangers scored four goals during the middle frame. Andreas Johnsson got the Devils within 3-1 at the 9:57 mark. Sammy Blais and Barclay Goodrow concluded the scoring for the Rangers in the second to get the score to 5-1. Marian Studenic made the score a respectable 5-2 before Artemi Panarin’s second goal of the preseason concluded the scoring.
The Devils were to conclude their preseason on Thursday night against the New York Islanders. However, part of the Prudential Center experienced a power outage and the game was canceled. In an act of good will, the Devils offered fans with tickets to the game complementary seats to a regular season game.
Transactions
This week, the New Jersey Devils made additional transactions – lots and lots of transactions. Here’s a quick list:
- The Devils claimed defenseman Mason Geertsen off waivers on Sunday from the New York Rangers. They also loaned Chase Stillman to his OHL team in Sudbury and assigned forward Nate Schnarr to Utica.
- On Wednesday, the Devils assigned forward Joseph Gambardella to Utica.
- The Devils assigned seven players to Utica on Thursday and waived an additional player. Forwards Graeme Clarke, Nolan Foote, Aarne Talvitie, and Fabian Zetterland along with defensemen Kevin Bahl and Reilly Walsh and goaltender Nico Daws will start their seasons in the Elm Tree City. Forward A.J. Greer cleared waivers and was assigned to Utica.
- On Friday, defenseman Nikita Okhotiuk was assigned to Utica. Forward Chase DeLeo was placed on waivers, but cleared and was assigned to Utica. Forward Mark Jankowski was released from his player-tryout contract. Frederik Gauthier was signed to a two-way contract on Saturday.
The Kids are Alright
Head coach Lindy Ruff and general manager Tom Fitzgerald have a difficult decision on their hands. One of those decisions they must make is whether they keep forwards Alexander Holtz and Dawson Mercer in Newark. Both forwards have been very impressive during the preseason for the New Jersey Devils. Holtz is tied for the team lead in points with 4 points (2 G, 2A) in three games. Mercer has 3 points in 3 games (2 G, 1 A). As of this writing, it’s unclear as to whether they’ll start the season in Utica. Regardless of whether they stay in Newark, both players have shown they can score goals. That will be helpful down the stretch.
Goal of the Week
The New Jersey Devils player with the Goal of the Week is courtesy of Zacha’s power play goal in the third period of Monday’s game against Washington. What a LASER.
A shot with friggan laser beams on its head. pic.twitter.com/VxkvTAlQlt
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) October 5, 2021
This week, the Devils will begin their regular season quest against the Chicago Blackhawks. Season preview coming before Thursday’s game. Only Colin White more days till puck drop, Devils fans.
