New Jersey Devils Daily: Boyle Battles Cancer, Second Preseason Game, More

On today’s New Jersey Devils Daily, Brian Boyle faces the fight of his life after he was diagnosed with a form of leukemia, the Devils take on the New York Rangers tonight and who fits on the first line defense.

New Jersey Devils center Brian Boyle was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia on Tuesday. It’s a cancer that focuses on bone marrow and it’s production of blood cells. Pucks and Pitchforks stands behind Boyle, as do every single Devils fan. He says he plans to play Opening Night, but the obvious goal is to get him healthy long term.

New Jersey Devils Center Brian Boyle Battling Cancer

Cory Schneider spoke to the media after practice today, talking about Boyle’s diagnosis. The two played together at Boston College, and Schneider was a huge reason Boyle signed in New Jersey. Schneider says that after what his family has been through (his father beat cancer twice) they look at this diagnosis as a challenge, and that Boyle’s had a very good attitude about everything. He’s walked around like he’s already beaten cancer.

Tyler Kelley with Pucks and Pitchforks previews tonights game against the New York Rangers with five players to watch. There are so many players fighting for roster spots, fans should really look at everyone, but the most interesting thing to see tonight is how the goalies do. Schneider will make his preseason debut. After his first ever down season, it’s interesting to see how he could bounce back. Mackenzie Blackwood will play the second half. He was rushed to the AHL last year, and was inconsistent. It will be interesting to see how he plays this season.

New Jersey Devils Preseason Game 2: Who to Watch

Kelley also looks into the best possible top defensive line for the Devils to start the season with. Unsurprisingly, it’s Andy Greene and Damon Severson. Kelley expects Greene to have a major bounce-back season, despite the fact he’s 34 years old. Severson is expected to have an amazing offensive season after signing long term a few weeks ago.

New Jersey Devils: 1st Defensive Pair Player and Point Projections

Sean Cerise with Elite Sports NY talks about five Devils who need to “bring fire” this season. There are obvious players like Cory Schneider and Taylor Hall, but the most interesting name on the list is head coach John Hynes. It might be irony, because he has to be on the hot seat this season. Hynes was great in his first season, but fell apart last year with any expectations coming from the team. Cerise calls this a ‘proving year’ for Hynes. I agree that if Hynes doesn’t show serious improvement this season, Ray Shero will move on.

5 New Jersey Devils Who Need to Bring the Fire This NHL Season