The Defensive Adjustments Paid Off
Although goaltending was a major part of the 2024 Global Series for the New Jersey Devils, it’s only part of the overall story. For most of the first game, the Devils' defense played with a lead, and as the game progressed, found themselves on their heels more often than not, while the Sabres threw 31 shots on net. The result ended in the Devils' favor, but a theme was identified. “We were much better in terms of protecting our net,” commented Coach Keefe. “No real free sticks or bodies in and around our crease and in the slot.”
On Friday, it’s obvious the coaching staff saw replications of what haunted the Devils last year and quickly made the proper adjustments for game two. An inability to maintain leads was a common theme for the Devils last year. It is very difficult to capture and maintain a lead in the National Hockey League. The Devils passed the initial test on Friday by not giving up the lead and had an opportunity to make test corrections in their follow-up matchup. They did just that, minimizing the Sabres' opportunities, blocking 22 shots, and allowing only 18 shots on net. They passed the initial test on Friday and completed a job well done on Saturday, receiving a grade bump in the process.
Showing Off Their Depth
With two games in the books, it’s clear the Devils possess a plethora of depth this season. Paul Cotter, Stefan Noesen, and Johnathan “Kovechkin” are just a few of the new faces making an immediate impact. On Friday, the third line did exactly what was expected of them, playing a physical and gritty style of hockey, and being awarded with the first goal of the regular season off of Stefan Noesen’s stick. Johnathan “Kovechkin” earned himself a game puck with his first multipoint game as a Devil. Newly acquired multi-faceted forward Paul Cotter showed off his physicality and scoring acumen with three points and as many hits in both games, while Seamus Casey continued his impressive play. The fact that the Devils' top line was a day late to the party amplifies the potential impact depth scoring will have on this Devils team going forward.