• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
Devils Show Promise In Opening Night Loss

Devils Show Promise In Opening Night Loss

January 15, 2021
The Best NHL Teams To Bet … And Bet Against

The Best NHL Teams To Bet … And Bet Against

February 28, 2021
Two-Man Race Between McDavid & Matthews for 2021 Hart Trophy

Two-Man Race Between McDavid & Matthews for 2021 Hart Trophy

February 28, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Trey Fix-Wolansky skates along the ice.

Short Bench is No Problem for Cleveland

February 28, 2021
The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”

The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”

February 27, 2021
Eichel, Ullmark Injured, Skinner’s Status Unclear With Slumping Sabres

Eichel, Ullmark Injured, Skinner’s Status Unclear With Slumping Sabres

February 26, 2021
Islanders Put Away Bruins 7-2 With Best Game Of Season

Islanders Put Away Bruins 7-2 With Best Game Of Season

February 26, 2021
NHL Up and Down the Boards: Boucher Tops Ducharme on Habs Coaching Odds

NHL Up and Down the Boards: Boucher Tops Ducharme on Habs Coaching Odds

February 26, 2021
As Flyers Get Healthier, Returning Claude Giroux Makes An Immediate Impact

As Flyers Get Healthier, Returning Claude Giroux Makes An Immediate Impact

February 25, 2021
Canadian AHL Clubs See Unprecedentedly Inconsisent Schedule

Canadian AHL Clubs See Unprecedentedly Inconsisent Schedule

February 25, 2021
Sabres Forward Jeff Skinner Is Struggling … Or Is He?

Sabres Forward Jeff Skinner Is Struggling … Or Is He?

February 25, 2021
NHL ProteauType: Despite Sunny Bumps, Lake Tahoe Outdoor Games Deserve Praise

NHL ProteauType: Despite Sunny Bumps, Lake Tahoe Outdoor Games Deserve Praise

February 25, 2021
The San Jose Sharks Facing Glum Future

The San Jose Sharks Facing Glum Future

February 25, 2021
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Full Press Wrestling
  • Full Press Radio Network
  • FullPressShop.com
  • Want to write for us?
  • Advertise With Us


Monday, March 1, 2021
Full Press Hockey
  • NHL
    • Boston Bruins
    • Buffalo Sabres
    • Ottawa Senators
    • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Winnipeg Jets
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • Fantasy Hockey
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Off The Post Radio
    • C4 Canucks Podcast
    • High and Wide Radio
    • Fourth Line Hockey Pod
    • The Calder Farmstead
    • Front Range Podcast
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
  • NHL
    • Boston Bruins
    • Buffalo Sabres
    • Ottawa Senators
    • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Winnipeg Jets
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • Fantasy Hockey
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Off The Post Radio
    • C4 Canucks Podcast
    • High and Wide Radio
    • Fourth Line Hockey Pod
    • The Calder Farmstead
    • Front Range Podcast
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Hockey
No Result
View All Result
Home NHL Metropolitan Division New Jersey Devils

Devils Show Promise In Opening Night Loss

Jim Biringer by Jim Biringer
January 15, 2021
in New Jersey Devils, NHL
0
876
SHARES
2.5k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

If Thursday night was an indication of how the 2020-21 New Jersey Devils will fare this season then do not expect them to be world-beaters. After not playing for 310 days, the Devils took to the ice against the Boston Bruins, one of the better teams in the East Division. And early on it looked like the Devils hadn’t played in around 10 months.

However, as the game progressed the Devils got better and found their legs. With only a couple of players skating in the summer or starting in leagues overseas, it was a good effort by the Devils. Unfortunately, it was not enough against the Bruins as they fell 3-2 in a shootout. If the first game was a trend it will be a long season for 2020-21 New Jersey Devils

2020-21 New Jersey Devils Played Well In Loss To Boston

You can put to all the negatives you want but for the most part, the Devils acquitted themselves admirably. And this will be most games during the season. It will take time to adjust to Lindy Ruff‘s coaching style and system. And for some players, they will need to be reacquainted to the NHL style of play. And that definitely showed.

RelatedPosts

The Best NHL Teams To Bet … And Bet Against

Two-Man Race Between McDavid & Matthews for 2021 Hart Trophy

The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”

Eichel, Ullmark Injured, Skinner’s Status Unclear With Slumping Sabres

“If you look at the first period, the way we played, for me, we looked nervous, we looked tight,” head coach Lindy Ruff said after the game. “It looked like we hadn’t played in 10 months. And Mackenzie (Blackwood)stood tall for us, so obviously hives us a chance in the second and third, and I thought our game really came around the last couple of periods and overtime.”

So for the most part, opening night was a success for the Devils. However, if the Devils want to be a contender they will have to take advantage of the opportunities when they present themselves. While a point is a point, the Devils had chances to steal the second point, especially in overtime. Starting off on the right foot is so important. Just look what happened season. A win opening night might have sent the Devils in a different direction. However, at this level, there are no moral victories. And that is something this young Devils team will have to learn along the way.

Positives For The 2020-21 New Jersey Devils Season

One of the biggest positives that can be taken from this game is the play of Mackenzie Blackwood. Blackwood was in mid-season form already. That is a good thing for the Devils. In the first game, he stopped 35 of 37 Bruins shots including 15 in the first period. He stopped all 23 shots faced at even strength including eight in the so-called high danger areas. Considering there were no preseason games. Blackwood had a fantastic night. If he continues to play like this, Blackwood will be a contender for the Vezina Trophy and will give the Devils a chance to win on most nights. However, the Devils just can’t rely on Blackwood every night. Eventually, they will burn him out and that strategy will backfire.

Another positive from the night was the play of Yegor Sharangovich. Sharangovich looked like a player that belonged in the NHL. The Devils expect big things for him this season. He is a player that can play in all roles for the Devils. He had a couple of good scoring chances and while the goals weren’t there, Sharangovich did draw three penalties. While it will take some time to get used to playing with Jack Hughes and Kyle Palmieri, that line will only get better as the game progress.

Speaking of Jack Hughes. He was another positive from the night. Hughes had that explosive speed he was known for coming during his draft year. His new size was on display. He did not get manhandled like during his rookie season. And he was a guy who wanted the puck. And yes he did pick up two assists, it was the rest of his game people were noticing. Not afraid to mix it up with anyone on the ice. He overpowered a Bruins player to set up the first Devils goal.

Of course, there were other positives to take from the game, these were just three. Ty Smith had a good first game. The combination of P.K. Subban and Ryan Murray were solid.

Embed from Getty Images

The Wood, The Bad And The Ugly

The Devils are hoping Miles Wood can take the step in his development this season. Wood has the speed to skate with anyone in the league. However, his brain is just not all there. He did have a goal in the opening night loss, and he will very physical. The line of Wood, Travis Zajac and Jesper Boqvist were noticeable on the ice. Having a third line that can be physical and generate scoring chances is something the Devils need.

However, sometimes being noticed is not such a good thing. Being out there for goals is one thing, but Miles Wood continues to take bad offensive zone penalties. Both were for goalie interference and it cost his team dearly. His penalties come at the worst time and kill any momentum the Devils gain. This is something he will need to fix going forward and he knows it taking the blame for his mistakes

“Those two calls on me are extremely selfish,” said Miles Wood after the game. “I’ll put the blame on me. That shouldn’t happen.”

Now to the ugly. One area the Devils most clean up if they want any success this season is special teams. The Devils were 0-for-5 on the power-play and gave up two power-play goals to the Bruins. Now granted the Devils are learning a new system under Mark Recchi, but the Devils have to take advantage when the Bruins go to the box.

However, you can see not having Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt out there, their offence is going to struggle. And if game one is any indication, the Devils will have a tough time scoring goals.

The Devils will be in every game they play in. They may even win some games. But for the most part, it is going to be a long season for the 2020-21 New Jersey Devils.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






Tags: 2020-21 New Jersey DevilsJack HughesJesper BrattMackenzie BlackwoodMiles WoodNew Jersey DevilsNico HischierPK SubbanRyan MurrayTy SmithYegor Sharangovich
Previous Post

Opening Night Win Affirms Bruins Have To Extend Tuukka Rask’s Contract

Next Post

Andrei Vasilevskiy Favorite To Win The 2020-21 Vezina Trophy

Jim Biringer

Jim Biringer

Next Post
Andrei Vasilevskiy Favorite To Win The 2020-21 Vezina Trophy

Andrei Vasilevskiy Favorite To Win The 2020-21 Vezina Trophy

Senators

Ottawa Senators First Game in 310 Days is a Win

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Trey Fix-Wolansky skates along the ice.

Short Bench is No Problem for Cleveland

February 28, 2021
KHL

KHL Releases List of Top Player Salaries

December 1, 2020
Manitoba Moose Showing Flashes of Future Brilliance

Manitoba Moose Showing Flashes of Future Brilliance

February 24, 2021
Cleveland Monsters netminder, Brad Thiessen, kneels in the crease while stopping pucks.

Offense, Goaltending Shine Bright in Rockford

1
The Best NHL Teams To Bet … And Bet Against

The Best NHL Teams To Bet … And Bet Against

February 28, 2021
Two-Man Race Between McDavid & Matthews for 2021 Hart Trophy

Two-Man Race Between McDavid & Matthews for 2021 Hart Trophy

February 28, 2021
Trey Fix-Wolansky skates along the ice.

Short Bench is No Problem for Cleveland

February 28, 2021


  • Full Circle #19
    by HW Radio on March 1, 2021 at 12:00 pm

    Jack and Steve return after a week off to catch you up on the Mass Mutual East division games and […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43685306/https_d3ctxlq1ktw2nl_cloudfront_net_staging_2021_2_1_861deef2_b36a_2285_3f83_21b5ca7441f7.mp3
  • Ep 55: Bruins Depth Issues; Time to Panic?
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 11:28 pm

    Ian and Chris try to make sense of the Bruins losing 4 of the last 5 and the last two games by a […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2230585722.mp3
  • Off The Post Talks Bruins Hockey and More with Matt Kalman
    by Off The Post on February 27, 2021 at 9:34 pm

    Off The Post talks to Matt Kalman from Full Press Hockey.

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://feeds.soundcloud.com/stream/994599598-russ-cohen-off-the-post-talks-bruins-hockey-and-more-with-matt-kalman.mp3
  • The Sheriff with Sean McMorrow ft Ken Reid
    by HW Radio on February 26, 2021 at 3:30 pm

    Sean and Kyle are back to discuss Austin Matthews recent hot streak, Sidney Crosby's 1000th game, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43651643/https_d3ctxlq1ktw2nl_cloudfront_net_staging_2021_1_26_beb4816d_0c82_8958_7f08_4827c18d93d5.mp3
  • Episode #15: Bears, Bunting, Battlestar Graovac-tica
    by Full Press Coverage on February 26, 2021 at 5:12 am

    C.C. and Sean welcome on not one, but two guests this episode! Elaine Shircliff previews the […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43644854/the_calder_farmstead_episode_15_final.mp3
  • HW 3.24 ft Anthony Di Marco
    by HW Radio on February 24, 2021 at 6:07 am

    In episode 24 of season 3, Jim is joined by special guest, Anthony Di Marco, of The Fourth Period […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43611554/https_d3ctxlq1ktw2nl_cloudfront_net_staging_2021_1_24_158397934_44100_2_a7a4d7109a46f.mp3
All Shows

  • Opinion: Farewell to Irv Cross, Pioneering TV Analyst
    by Terrance Biggs on March 1, 2021 at 3:39 pm

    Yesterday, former NFL analyst Irv Cross died at the age of 81. Now, to our younger readers, that […]

  • 2021 Raiders Mock Draft: Early March Edition
    by Terrance Biggs on March 1, 2021 at 11:30 am

    Gus Bradley inherits a defensive roster that needs playmakers at all three levels. The Raiders must […]

  • Two-Man Race Between McDavid & Matthews for 2021 Hart Trophy
    by Lyle Richardson on March 1, 2021 at 12:40 am

    As we near the midway point of the shortened 2021 NHL season, two players have separated themselves […]

  • 2021 Dolphins Draft Profile: Safety Jevon Holland
    by Daniel Roberts on February 28, 2021 at 6:16 pm

    Miami could target safety Jevon Holland with one of its multiple early round draft picks to improve […]

  • “It’s Like Disney World” – Blue Jays Unveil Player Development Complex
    by Carter Brooks on February 27, 2021 at 11:47 pm

    This past week, the Toronto Blue Jays unveiled the club's new state-of-the-art practice and […]

Full Press Hockey

2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • NHL
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • Fantasy Hockey
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Shop

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • NHL
    • Boston Bruins
    • Buffalo Sabres
    • Ottawa Senators
    • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Winnipeg Jets
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • Fantasy Hockey
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Off The Post Radio
    • C4 Canucks Podcast
    • High and Wide Radio
    • Fourth Line Hockey Pod
    • The Calder Farmstead
    • Front Range Podcast
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Shop

2020 Full Press Coverage