The New Jersey Devils are adopting Sasquatch style under Sunny Mehta

Over the recent preseason games, we have seen the group assembled under Sunny Mehta, building upon what came from the Tom Fitzgerald era, begin to establish a new team culture. For the past few seasons, we have talked about the birth of Sasquatch Analytics here at Pucks & Pitchforks. Right now, we are interested in seeing the eye-test portion of that equation come to life.

Over the past two games against both the Rangers' A and B teams, the Devils have shown that they are willing to play for one another and stand up for their teammates. Marc McLaughlin responded to a questionable hit by Marc Del Gaizo on Amadeus Lombardi, and that was a telling moment. The Devils' centerman showed that he wants to send a message to Sunny Mehta and company that he can be a reliable, physical center who not only wins puck battles but is willing to fight for his teammates.

There has been a flurry of heavy hits over the past two games, along with plenty of blocked shots and scrums. These are the types of situations that we expected to see when the Sasquatch concept began to take shape against upcoming opponents. The Devils have won two of three preseason games, with one of those losses coming in a shootout, while consistently playing hard and winning tight-space battles along the boards.

We have also seen more poise and control on the blue line, along with a greater sense of trust among the players. Drafted overager Matyas Melovsky was not shy about getting physical against the Rangers and managed to make himself noticeable in the most recent game. Those are the kinds of performances that can make a player stand out when fighting for a legitimate opportunity in Newark.

The board battles that ultimately resulted in Amadeus Lombardi's tying goal are another example of what this group can bring. This collection of fringe NHL players and high-end prospects looking to make the jump to Newark, New Jersey, appears to be getting closer to being NHL-ready.

Ben Steeves looked pretty solid last night as well. His pass was just a few centimeters behind on a potential scoring opportunity that could have helped the Devils secure their third preseason victory, but the drive and determination were certainly there.

Young Devils players are embracing a physical style

Usually, most people do not put a lot of stock in preseason games. However, watching Anton Silaev hold his own and compete against established NHL players, as well as potential NHL players, over the past few games is certainly encouraging. It is a sign that Anton could very likely be on the opening roster.

Even though the Russian defenseman was sent down to Utica on Friday, he is only a phone call away from coming down to Utica. Just seeing a lot of strong defensive play in front of Nico Daws and Jake Allen over the past few games is also a positive sign. Nico Daws probably should not have been so hard on himself in his recent appearances. This is preseason, after all. It is the time when you knock off the rust and put on the WD-40.

Sunny Mehta, in his first season as general manager, has already done a good amount of work improving both the top and bottom lines, building roster depth, and working with the prospect pool he inherited. With players such as Anton Silaev coming through the system, Mehta has not needed to make too many amendments to the foundation already in place.

He also seems to understand the players he has while taking a more comprehensive approach to evaluating talent outside the Devils organization. His scouting staff appears to have a good read on opponents and on the types of players who can help this team become showtime-ready.

If the Devils can maintain this level of consistency both on and off the puck, it could be a very good year for New Jersey, with a more robust and super-strong culture developing throughout the organization.

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