The New Jersey Devils have kicked off their 2024 preseason with two games under their belt. What can we gather so far?
Preseason hockey may not be significant in terms of results, but it carries weight for the players and coaching staff. For the Devils, with a few roster spots open due to injuries to key players like Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce, it’s a time for players to prove their worth. New head coach Sheldon Keefe is also working to implement his system and establish the team’s identity for the upcoming season. Here are a few key takeaways from the Devils’ preseason so far.
The Pace Is Picking Up
Coach Keefe emphasized speed right from the start of training camp, with sprinting drills symbolizing the pace he wants the team to play. Though it may sound cliché, the faster the team plays, the more puck control and offensive opportunities they create.
While it’s far from perfect, with only two preseason games under their belt, the increased pace is noticeable. Time will tell if they can maintain that intensity as the season progresses, but so far, players appear to be buying into Keefe’s high-speed approach.
More Physicality
One thing missing from last season was physicality, and it’s clear the Devils are addressing that. Keefe’s system encourages a more aggressive style of play, and players like Brenden Dillon, Paul Cotter, Curtis Lazar, and Nathan Bastian are setting the tone. This more physical, “tough-to-play-against” mentality is what the Devils sorely lacked last year.
The Cotter-Lazar-Bastian line, in particular, has shown signs of becoming a high-energy line that can create offensive chances while delivering hits, which the Devils hope will carry into the regular season.
Simple, Effective Hockey
Keefe’s emphasis on forechecking and disrupting opponents’ zone entries is another positive sign. By pressuring the puck, the Devils can force turnovers and limit the opposition’s scoring chances.
In addition, the Devils have shown a renewed focus on getting bodies in front of the net and crashing for rebounds. The Devils need to score “dirty” goals more consistently, a hallmark of playoff hockey. The plan is simple: put pucks and bodies before the net and capitalize on those second-chance opportunities.
Dougie Hamilton’s Offensive Presence is Key
Defenseman Dougie Hamilton has always been known for his offensive abilities, and he wasted no time getting back into form. Hamilton registered five shots on goal in the first preseason game, showing that his shot remains a weapon the Devils can rely on.
Hamilton’s presence on the power play and his ability to create offense from the blue line will be crucial to the team’s success this season. His return from last year’s injury is already making a noticeable difference.
Improved Goaltending
Goaltending has been a sore spot for the Devils recently, but the preseason has given fans hope. Jacob Markstrom, who was acquired over the summer, and Jake Allen have shown they can provide competent, if not exceptional, goaltending. Both goalies limited second-chance opportunities and handled high-danger chances well.
Markstrom, in particular, stood out in the Devils’ first preseason game, stopping several high-danger shots and avoiding the kinds of costly rebounds that have plagued New Jersey in the past. While it’s early, the tandem of Markstrom and Allen seems to offer stability the Devils have sorely needed between the pipes.
The Importance of Scoring First
One of the Devils’ biggest issues last season was consistently falling behind in games. Starting from behind often led to risky plays that only worsened the situation. The team fell behind in 57 of their games last season, a trend that needs to be corrected.
Scoring the first goal sets the tone, and in the preseason, it was encouraging to see captain Nico Hischier net the opener in their first game. The Devils will focus on setting the pace early to avoid the pitfalls of constantly chasing the game.
Final Thoughts
Preseason hockey may not count for much in the standings, but it’s clear the Devils are making strides in areas they struggled with last season. With an emphasis on speed, physicality, and simplifying the game, there’s a lot to be optimistic about for Devils fans. As the preseason progresses, the team will look to continue refining its identity as it prepares for the challenges of the regular season.
