Skip to main content
Pucks and Pitchforks
Fansided

Sheldon Keefe is considering a less-than-ideal lineup because the team is dealing with ailments

The New Jersey Devils have been traveling for this week, going from Dallas to Colorado and now to Vegas. All the traveling could be putting players at risk of missing a game.
ByNick Villano
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on Reddit
Google Discover
New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) and Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson (11) battle for the puck in the third period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) and Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson (11) battle for the puck in the third period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The New Jersey Devils are in a very non-optimal situation with their schedule right now, and they may have to grind out a few wins instead of their expected dominant style. They are currently on a brutal road trip through Dallas, Colorado, and Vegas, where they have three games in four days, and the most rest they’ve gotten between games was 42 hours. And that doesn’t include travel time. 

And it looks like this schedule is starting to affect the team. Of course, we can’t be sure, but we’re hearing that the Devils are dealing with some ailments. Whether that’s sickness or minor injuries, it could keep the Devils players out of the lineup. 

Luke Evangelista was dealing with a serious sickness that kept him out of the lineup for a few days. It might come down to that again, and it would push head coach Sheldon Keefe to do something we know he hates doing. 

We know Sheldon Keefe hates the 11-7 lineup, but he might not have a choice

Making this even more complicated is the Connor Hellebuyck trade. That put them all the way up against the salary cap, and they traded two NHL roster players (Dawson Mercer and Nico Daws) for one. So, the Devils are dealing with 22 roster players, one less than the max most teams have on their roster. And because of that, they don’t have much wiggle room.

The Devils decided to go with an extra defenseman and an extra goalie on the roster. They don’t have an extra forward. So, if someone is a last-minute scratch because of a sickness, they don’t have recourse to replace them.

And that is going to force them to play seven defensemen. Luckily, they have seven quality defensemen. Unfortunately, they don’t have someone who can play the Brendan Smith role from a few years ago. Seamus Casey would have been the perfect foil, but he’s out injured for at least another month or so. 

The situation stinks, and the schedule is making it worse. Plus, they are playing a Murderer’s Row of opponents. Somewhat luckily, none of these opponents are in the Metropolitan Division. Hopefully, the Devils can stay gritty and win some games through adversity.

Add us as a preferred source on Google
Home/Devils News