The New Jersey Devils started the season with a great performance against the Colorado Avalanche. One of the underrated performances came with the team’s last signing, Jimmy Hayes.
The New Jersey Devils won the season debut at the Prudential Center 4-1 against the Colorado Avalanche. No doubt, the young kids dominated the headlines out of the gate. Will Butcher scored three points, and looked like he belongs already. Jesper Bratt scored a goal in his debut and added an assist. Nico Hischier was all over the ice and recorded six shots.
While the kids owned the headlines, one new Devil was great in his attempt to restart his career.
Jimmy Hayes was amazing in limited time on Saturday night. He spent close to 14 minutes on the ice, with almost three minutes on the power play.
Hayes made his name known while on special teams. In the first goal of the Devils season, Hayes did a masterful job screening goaltender Jonathan Bernier. The shot came from the point off the stick of Butcher, and Adam Henrique was able to tip it in. Thanks to Hayes’ screen, Bernier was late reacting to the tip.
On the second goal, Hayes scored it himself. He got great positioning in front of the net on the power play, and was in the right place at the right time. A one-time shot from Kyle Palmieri hit off the back boards and right onto Hayes’ stick. He then hit a perfect backhand shot past Bernier.
More from Pucks and Pitchforks
- Should New Jersey Devils Try Load Management With Vitek Vanecek?
- New Jersey Devils Will Prove That Last Year Wasn’t A Fluke
- New Jersey Devils: Luke Hughes’ Playmaking Will Outshine His Mistakes
- New Jersey Devils: Chase Stillman’s Performance Causes Concern
- Can Devils Fans Separate Zach Parise Heartbreak From Achievements?
That goal was his first of 2017. No, not of the 2017-18 season (that would be a little too obvious), the first goal he’s scored since New Year’s Day.
Hayes didn’t stop there. In 21 shifts on Saturday, he took seven (!) shots. He was all over the ice, and made every second count. That had to be huge in the eyes of head coach John Hynes. In fact, it was so huge Hayes is now getting time with the second line, alongside Hischier and Marcus Johansson.
Hayes came into camp without a guaranteed contract. If he played well, cool. If he didn’t, he’d be looking for another team to give him a chance.
This was only one game. Hayes needs to stay consistent to keep his spot on this roster. If he doesn’t, there is a plethora of young talent ready, willing and able to take his ice time. For now, he’s deserved everything that’s been given to him.