There’s a huge amount of buzz going into the season for the San Jose Sharks. They made the biggest offseason trade during training camp, when they acquired superstar defenseman Erik Karlsson. The new look Sharks visited the Prudential Center on Sunday to take on the New Jersey Devils.
This game was a little different than the first two games of the season for the New Jersey Devils. They trailed for the first time this season when they surrendered a goal to Joe Pavelski in the first period. Nothing is every going to be easy during an 82 game NHL schedule, it is all about how you respond to adversity. That’s exactly what the Devils did, defeating the Sharks 3-2 coming from behind not once, but twice.
Kyle Palmieri is off to a scorching hot start, as he had histhird straight game with TWO goals. If Palmieri can stay healthy and contributing, he absolutely can score 35-40 goals. Him and his linemates Taylor Hall and Nico Hischier have looked as dynamic as any line in the league both 5 on 5 and on the power play. Look for Palmieri to have an amazing season.
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Taylor Hall added two assists in the contest, and even though he is still looking for his first goal, he is at a point per game pace already to start off with three assists. Last season, he scored his first goal of the season in game 4 vs Washington, and then went on to score a team leading 39 goals. He should break out in that department any time now.
How smart does Ray Shero feel right now? The answer should be “Very smart”! Jean-Sebastien Dea has been an incredible waiver wire pick up so far. His goal in Sunday’s game, his second in as many games, stood up as the game winner vs San Jose.
He seems to be a great fit on the fourth line, and was given the opportunity due to the unforeseen injury to Jesper Bratt. If Dea keeps it up, it is hard to see his name be the one off the lineup card when Bratt comes back.
No team has perfect seasons, but the 3-0-0 start, and being the last remaining undefeated team is a great start, and something to build on. The Devils next take on Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn and the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, October 16th!