The Devils went down to Florida and came away with four massive points against the defending champs, proving they are among the best teams in the league right now.
Wow wow wow wow. The Devils have now won seven of the last nine games, including two in a row, both in regulation, against the Panthers, both by multiple goals. The best players, Jack, Hischier, and Bratt, are heating up in a big way. Luke Hughes looks to be skating like his normal self that we all know and love. Brendan Dillon has an iron jaw and can throw punches like no one in the league. The Devils were dominant on both the penalty kill and the power play. 20 games into the year and the Devils 12-6-2, on pace for 106 points. This start, and these two games in particular, prove that the Devils are among the top teams in the league.
Jesper Bratt had a hat trick tonight against the Panthers and two assists on Tuesday night. He now has 24 points in just 20 games so far. Bratt is one of the most dynamic players in the NHL and it really isn’t talked about enough. How many players in the NHL could make that pass he made to Jack Hughes? I highly doubt the list is longer than five. Bratt really doesn’t have any weakness. He skates as well as anyone in the league, his vision is unparalleled, his passing is all time, and his shot is lethal. the Devils stole him in the 6th round of the draft and then locked him up on a very reasonable eight year deal. He is a cornerstone of this franchise and is capable of being a massive piece in many deep playoff runs.
Stefan Noesen was the best free agent signing in the NHL this past off-season. At this point, that really isn’t debatable. The Devils signed him to a three deal worth 2.75 million and through 20 games, it’s starting to look like the Devils robbed him. A quarter of the way through the season and Noesen is just 5 goals away from tying his personal career best in goals for a season. Not only is he scoring goals, but Noesen is making a mark in all situations. Noesen has played in the top 6, in the bottom 6, on the power play, on the penalty kill, and at even strength. Noesen owns the front of the net, he wins battles in the corners, he throws body checks as much as anyone on the team. Noesen really is a complete player on a bargain of a deal. His importance to the string start the Devils have had in the first 20 games really can’t be understated.
The Devils went down to Florida and played Panthers hockey (defending Stanley Cup Champion hockey) better than the Panthers. The Devils weathered a storm from the Panthers in game one, with help from solid goaltending from Jacob Markstrom, took advantage of their opportunities, and got the win. The Devils came out in game two and dominated the Panthers for almost the entire game. Jake Allen was awesome, special teams were incredible, Jesper Bratt put up five points in two games. The Devils are absolutely rolling right now and the rest of the league is in big, big trouble.
The Morning Skate 