On today’s Halloween edition of the New Jersey Devils Daily, Brian Boyle is about to return to the lineup, Pavel Zacha’s improvement and Scott Wedgewood wins for the Coyotes.
Brian Boyle is finally ready to take the ice in a real New Jersey Devils jersey. He’s going on the Western Canada road trip with the team, and is expected to play this week according to multiple sources including TSN. Boyle says he’s ready to play right now after fighting chronic myeloid leukemia for the last month. He also says it’s up to the coaches which game he returns to, but we could see him as soon as tomorrow.
Hynes: Boyle expected back this week
So what will Boyle bring to this Devils team, one that found a way to win eight of its first 10 games without him? Chris Ryan with NJ.com looks at that. One of the big positives he brings as a veteran is how to be away from home for so long. The players will be in hotels for a week while playing on the other side of the continent. His last two teams were Tampa and Toronto, so he proves he can play with fast teams. He will fit right in with what the Devils are trying to do.
Brian Boyle nearing return: ‘I’m ready to rock’ | How Devils could use him
Todd Correll with Hockey Buzz looks at the improvement of Devils center Pavel Zacha. After a rough first five games, which included a benching against the New York Rangers, Zacha has found a way to create chances for himself. After losing his spot on the top line, that’s what coach John Hynes needed to see from him. He had to prove his worth on a team that’s rolling.
Brian Franken has this week’s prospect update with All About The Jersey. Obviously the big story among prospects is Nikita Popugaev’s return to Russia. He signed a two-year deal with CSKA Moscow after a disappointing showing with Prince George. Joey Anderson has been off to a slow start with Minnesota Duluth after a strong showing in the preseason. He only has three points in eight games, including a point-less week. Jeremy Davies, however, had a great week. He had four assists from the blue line in two games.
New Jersey Devils Prospect Update: 10/31/17
Former Devils goaltender Scott Wedgewood led the Arizona Coyotes to their first win of the season. It was his first game since being traded from the Devils. The Philadelphia Flyers scored two goals late to force overtime, but Wedgewood was perfect in the extra frame to give the Yotes one in the win column.
Coyotes’ Scott Wedgewood: Barely escapes with overtime win
Just a little extra for Halloween, here’s the NJ Devil doing his best thriller impression, with some serious editing skills for the background dancers.