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New Jersey Devils: Boston Bruins Game Is Huge For Bubble Players

By Vincent Parise |
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Jesper Boqvist #90 of the New Jersey Devils celebrates his second goal of the game which became the game winner at 15:57 of the third period on the powerplay against the New York Islanders at the Prudential Center on September 21, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Islanders 4-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 21: Jesper Boqvist #90 of the New Jersey Devils celebrates his second goal of the game which became the game winner at 15:57 of the third period on the powerplay against the New York Islanders at the Prudential Center on September 21, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Islanders 4-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The New Jersey Devils are playing in a preseason game that is very important for a lot of bubble players in the organization.

The New Jersey Devils are getting down to the wire as far as the preseason goes. The final cuts are on the horizon and this is one of the last chances to impress the management team before that happens. There are obviously the locks to make the team like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Andy Greene, but there are plenty of guys who are on the bubble of the roster.

Hughes is going to play his first-ever road game. This is going to be the first time that fans get to see him in the road whites. He is going to play in this game and it is currently unclear who his linemates are going to be. Throughout the day on Wednesday, there should be more details released by the team and it’s beat writers.

We already know that Taylor Hall, P.K. Subban, and Sami Vatanen aren’t going to play for the Devils in this game. The Bruins will see the likes of Nikita Gusev, Blake Coleman, and Jesper Bratt. This game, however, isn’t important for any of the previously mentioned players. We know they are making the team. It is important for those who are not locks to make the team. People are running out of time to make an impression in the preseason to earn a spot on the opening night roster.

This might not be a bigger game for anyone than it is for Ty Smith. He has been less than good since training camp began. Everyone expected him to take a major step forward this camp based on how last year went, but it hasn’t happened yet. Whether it is nerves or what, he needs to figure it out. He is still so young, so even if he struggles to make the roster this year that does not mean he is done.

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Most Devils fans see the way Jesper Boqvist has played as a reason to keep him around. That has certainly been the case but a large number of worthy forwards makes it less than a lock. A good game in Boston would go a long way for his chances. Guys like John Hayden, Kevin Rooney, Nathan Bastian, and Michael McLeod are also fighting for roster spots and this is an important night for them. The preseason is almost over and these bubble players need to take full advantage.

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