MORNING SKATE RECAP
WINNIPEG, MB - The Devils continue their three-game road trip with a stop in Winnipeg to take on the Jets.
The Jets pose a series of challenges for any opponent; they play a sound defensive game, and they have the forward skill, and they have a top-tier goaltender all working in sync. They've only lost six games at home this season, and the Devils are up for the challenge coming off their win in Chicago.
"We’re playing a much different opponent here tonight than we did in Chicago," head coach Sheldon Keefe said. "But a lot of how we played in that game, save for a few things we’d like to clean up in our own end, I think that’s how we need to play. It’s just against a team that is going to stress us a lot more, so I’d like to see how we push through it.”
"There’s a reason they’re a 100-point team, already clinched playoffs, that’s not by chance," Brenden Dillon added. "I’m not surprised to see where they’re at. They’re very disciplined, they’ve got great leadership, they’ve got skill, grit. Their goaltender is arguably the best goalie in the world, so they’ve got everything that it takes to win. I think for our group we’ve just got to be prepared for it. We’ve been playing playoff hockey for the last 10, 15 games already and still are in the thick of a fight for the last nine.”
Based on the morning skate rushes, the Devils will keep their lineup the same, save for a swap in goaltending, as New Jersey prepares for a back-to-back in Minnesota tomorrow.
Jake Allen will take the reigns against Winnipeg, likely setting up a scenario in which Jacob Markstrom starts tomorrow against the Minnesota Wild.
Cody Glass remains back in New Jersey and will miss his second straight game.
Tough Place to Play
The Jets have a remarkable home record, with just six regulation losses and four overtime/shootout losses this season. Former Jet Brenden Dillon, who spent the last three seasons in Winnipeg before joining New Jersey this past off-season, is familiar with how difficult the Jets make it on their opponents.
"Just get out of the first five at least 0-0, I think you have at least a chance,” Dillon laughed. "Now being on the opposing side, I was telling the guys, we gotta weather the storm early, no pun intended, and just make sure that you’ve got to expect them to come fast, come hard. They’re a fantastic team. Be ready for it.”
Last Time Out
The last time these two teams met, the Devils dropped the contest 6-1 on home ice. It was also a game where young defenseman Simon Nemec particularly struggled in the third period. But that moment won't deter Keefe from keeping Nemec in the lineup after inserting him back into the fold against Chicago. It is all part of development and growth.
"Felt it was important to get Nemec back in last game and wanted to give him more minutes and try to get a bit of traction in his game. We think he’s got some things to offer us when he can be at his best. I liked his game (against Chicago), that was as good a game as he’s played maybe this season from my perspective. Now it’s a different opponent, a different challenge here, so you’ve got to stay engaged.
Even last time we played them, he was fine through two periods," he continued. "It’s just the bottom fell out in the third, so it’s a three-period game, and it’s usually the difference between the top teams and some others that just stay with their game longer, and that’s usually part of your message, is consistency from a young player. We’re going to need that from him.”
