New Jersey Devils: Miles Wood Proves He Deserves Spot On Roster

The New Jersey Devils gave a beating to the Toronto Maple Leafs to the tune of 6-3. Miles Wood was the game’s star with two goals.

Miles Wood spent the first game of the season on the bench. He was the lone healthy scratch forward for the New Jersey Devils. It was clear on his face during Opening Night introductions that he wasn’t happy to be in a suit. Injuries to Kyle Palmieri and Drew Stafford in the first game gave him a shot to prove himself. Now, he’s making sure head coach John Hynes knows he needs to be in this lineup.

Wood was amazing against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night. Thanks to Wood, the Devils first deficit of the season lasted just 34 seconds. He got into the right spot in front of the net off a Steve Santini slapper, put his stick across his body and tipped it past Fredrick Anderson.

That’s not it. A little over 90 seconds later, Wood showed how valuable his speed is to this team. Three Maple Leafs watch Wood skate past them after Adam Henrique lifts the puck into the zone. Then it was just him versus Anderson before he lifted the puck over the goalies shoulder for his second goal of the game.

It was interesting to see the Devils face the first deficit of the season. How would this young team react to being down? Wood didn’t make fans wait long.

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Wood has this innate ability to come up with huge goals when the team needs. In two games, he’s shown everything he brings to the table. He dropped the gloves against Buffalo’s Nathan Beaulieu. According to Hockey Fights, he didn’t win, but he clearly got his licks in and proved he can protect his star players.

In this game, he showed his speed and goal-scoring ability. Wood showed coach Hynes that he’s a crucial part of this team’s winning formula.

The Devils have a hard decision to make once Stafford is ready to return. Wood solidified his place in the lineup. Brian Gibbons, who was a head scratcher when he made the team out of camp, has been stellar himself.

That’s a good problem to have. Too many players are playing well. Wood is one of them.