New Jersey Devils: Preseason Impressions Through Three Games

MONTREAL, QC - SEPTEMBER 21: New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (13) celebrates with teammates during the second period of the NHL preseason game between the New Jersey Devils and the Montreal Canadiens on September 21, 2017, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Steven Ryan/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Drew Stafford and Pavel Zacha

My early projections for Devils lines had Zacha and Stafford paired up on the Devils third line. I’m getting to the point where I think the Devils will have a first line and then a 2A and 2B. Zacha and Stafford really showed early chemistry in their one game so far.

Stafford had two assists and Zacha added a beautiful deflection goal off a feed from Stafford. I’d like to see Coach Hynes experiment with some different left wingers, ideally Marcus Johansson, but I’d also like to see Adam Henrique get some time on the wing with those two.

If Stafford and Zacha continue to play well together, the Devils could have a deep forward group this year. Getting scoring from all 4 lines is important and it looks like the Devils lineup may actually be capable of that this year.

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