#new-jersey-devils

#new-jersey-devils

In the opening minute of the middle frame, during a scrum in front of Toronto netminder Anthony Stolarz, defenseman Chris Tanev was going to try and make sure the puck wasn't close to crossing the goal line. As he came in behind Devils forward Dawson Mercer, who was jamming away at the pads of Stolarz to try and poke the puck past him, Tanev looked to hit his own head hard against the head of Mercer.

The Florida Panthers (3-2) will do battle with the New Jersey Devils (2-1) tonight at The Rock in Newark, marking the third tilt of five-game road trip that has gotten off to tough start for the two-time defending champions. Los Gatos could only muster up 21 shots and a single tally in a 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings last night. Brad Marchand was the only lamp-lighter, halving the deficit with 4:55 remaining in the second period with a wrap-around goal after Anton Lundell won an offensive zone faceoff.

The Devils called up Nico Daws from their AHL affiliate on Wednesday with the expectation he'll work in tandem with veteran Jake Allen, who left their 3-2 win Monday over the Columbus Blue Jackets with cramping. Markstrom played for 20 minutes and stopped eight of the nine shots that he faced.

The New York Rangers kick off their preseason today in Newark, taking on the New Jersey Devils. The Rangers are dressing a handful of NHLers, mostly bottom six players, and giving some kids and potential depth players a look in a game setting. It will be interesting to see how some of the kids who are not expected to make the team out of camp look, especially as guys like Noah Laba and Gabe Perreault are expected to be midseason call ups.

Palat has been slotted in that position more frequently than any other skater, but it's time to consider other possibilities. He wound up with just 28 points in 72 games played, despite having the chance to skate with the team's two most elite offensive producers. Looking at the advanced numbers, when Palat is on the ice, the Devils were outshot by 86 SOG, outscored 42-38, and controlled the puck less than 50% of the time with a Corsi-for percentage of 48.9%.

Klim Kostin, 26, became a UFA on July 1 after the San Jose Sharks elected not to tender him a qualifying offer. This was after the 6-foot-4 forward struggled this past season with San Jose, as he recorded just one goal and seven points in 35 games.

The Hurricanes can clinch their second-round playoff spot against the Devils at home, showcasing strong goaltending and special teams to secure victory.