Grading New Jersey Devils Lines After First Two Games
After week one, though only two games, the New Jersey Devils are off to a fantastic 1-0-1 start. What makes it more impressive is they came against last season’s Presidents’ Trophy winners the Boston Bruins. In those two games, head coach Lindy Ruff kept the same lines, which gives us ample time to assess them.
Line One
Sharangovich-Hughes-Palmieri
These three have shown chemistry already. Considering how Yegor Sharangovich just came over from the KHL and the low amount of time Jack Hughes spent with Kyle Palmieri last season, this is a big surprise from a line that looked like a big wildcard. Hughes has his legs under him this year and the hands are silky smooth. He already has 3 assists on the season, which is massive for his confidence. It could have been low if he had another slow start.
Sharangovich was absolutely the Devils’ best player in Game 1 besides Mackenzie Blackwood. On Saturday, he scored his first career goal. It just happened to be a breakaway overtime winner. His speed and skill look to be on par with Hughes. If he keeps this up, the Devils got an absolute steal in the draft (he went in the 5th round) and took a massive leap forward unexpectedly.
Palmieri was the quiet one on the scoresheet in comparison but added one assist on Miles Wood‘s goal. His physical play spoke volumes and his compete is as high as ever. It is very clear he wants to win every game. With another 5 hits tonight and getting into it after whistles Palmieri is showing why he was this teams best player the last few season.