On today’s New Jersey Devils Daily, we have actual hockey to watch tonight, who could crack the top six as a second-line forward and why Miles Wood needs to improve to make the team this year.
After five long months without New Jersey Devils hockey, we finally see the NJ crest on the ice tonight. Chris Fieldhouse with All About The Jersey preview the team’s game against the Washington Capitals. Unfortunately, the Devils won’t have a TV or radio broadcast (thanks MSG), but those with certain NHL packages can watch the Caps broadcast. There’s much to watch in this matchup, including the first time Nico Hischier, Marcus Johansson and Will Butcher take the ice for the Devils
Preseason Preview #1: New Jersey Devils vs. Washington Capitals
Matthew Paras with the Washington Times looks at Johansson’s first game being against his former team. Nicklas Backstrom says it will be “different” to play against someone he considers a good friend. An interesting tidbit was the revelation that Johansson was still practicing at the Capitals facility as late as August. It will probably be a good thing to get this game out of the way, so that Johansson can move on with his new team.
Marcus Johansson doesn’t have to wait long to face Capitals
Pucks and Pitchforks will be telling you a few players to watch during the preseason this year. The first one in the series is Miles Wood. He was one of the most exciting players on the ice, but it could be argued he hurt more than helped. His possession numbers were rough to say the least. The 22 year old needs to prove that he worked on his flaws if he wants to make this team.
New Jersey Devils Preseason Players To Watch: Miles Wood
Tyler Kelley with Pucks and Pitchforks continues his predictions for the Devils lines on Opening Night. His second-line preview may be his most interesting yet. Sure, Adam Henrique and Marcus Johansson will make most people’s second line predictions, but what about Michael McLeod? In his first NHL season, Kelley predicts McLeod could start in the top six, but with his production prediction he likely won’t stay there. He only has him scoring 14 goals, and that won’t be good enough with how much talent this team has.
New Jersey Devils: 2nd Line Player and Point Projections
Last Word on Hockey’s Puck Drop Preview looks at the New Jersey Devils today. They throw Adam Henrique on the first line to replace an injured Travis Zajac, and have Nico Hischier as the second line centerman. I don’t agree with the wingers picked, although I definitely see them all getting some time. The bottom six wingers are Miles Wood, Stefan Noesen, Joseph Blandisi and Blake Speers. With guys like John Quenneville and Michael McLeod ready to play, it seems like this isn’t the team’s best lineup.