On today’s New Jersey Devils Daily, we speak to Tatiana Rafter about women’s hockey and this weekend’s double header, a preview of tonight’s game with the Ottawa Senators and Nikita Popugaev goes home.
We have New Jersey Devils hockey once again! It’s been a long week, but Tyler Kelley has another preview of the matchup with the Ottawa Senators. Both teams are dealing with injuries, and that will dominate the pregame headlines. Kyle Palmieri has been ruled out for this game, and Cory Schneider will miss this game for the birth of his child.
New Jersey Devils vs Ottawa Senators Game Preview
Chris Ryan with NJ.com talks about hitting the ground running after a long layoff. Devils coach John Hynes tells him he felt this week was impressive. There were a lot of good practices, so the team took advantage of the time off. The team is looking to build off their 6-2 start. The young players will need to stay focused, as right off the back the Devils have a back to back.
How Devils want to hit ground running after long layoff
Pucks and Pitchforks had a great conversation with the Metropolitan Riveters Tatiana Rafter. She talks about the historic double header at the Prudential Center on Saturday, where her team will play the Boston Pride. Rafter also talks about the importance of women’s hockey, and how she’s playing for the young girls looking up to her.
Conversation With Tatiana Rafter: Double Header With Metropolitan Riveters and Devils
Looking at the Devils prospects, Nikita Popugaev will go back to Russia after a tumultuous season with the Prince George Cougars. He’s been bad to start, and was demoted to the fourth line. This isn’t a good thing on paper, but it’s clear Popugaev needs a change of scenery. He was one of the most skilled draft picks the Devils chose this year, he just needs to put it together. Hopefully, going home will help him get his head back into hockey.
New Jersey Devils Prospects: Nikita Popugaev Leaves North America
Mike Stromberg with All About the Jersey talks about Taylor Hall falling under the radar on this jumpstart Devils team. He’s still the team’s best player, but only scoring one goal has him watching others get the headlines. Hall is dealing with some terrible shooting luck (4% shooting percentage) but is still the team leader in points. Expect Hall to start lighting the lamp soon.
Now Somehow Under the Radar in New Jersey, Taylor Hall Continues to Thrive