Posted on

Prospects Challenge Kicks Off as Devils Fall to Sabres 6-4

Hockey season has officially started! Kind of.

The 2018 Prospects Challenge got underway tonight at HarborCenter in Buffalo as the Devils took on the Buffalo Sabres in the first game of the rookie mini preseason tournament.

The Sabres came away with the 6-4 win as they looked a little bit more physical than the Devils and threw their bodies around, taking advantage of their bigger size overall. The Devils did a good job of responding generally, especially John Quenneville, who was arguably the Devils’ most physical player.

Two other takeaways from the game that I noticed was the Devils’ ability to respond offensively, as the majority of the game would see Buffalo go up a goal and the Devils immediately tie things up. It remained that way until the third period when the Sabres finally pulled away and scored two to take the 6-4 lead that would be the final.

The other thing of note was the debut of the first overall pick in this summer’s NHL Draft: Rasmus Dahlin, who had a pair of goals and an assist. He seemed to be real deal for the Sabres and gave the Devils some fits all night.

Of a minor note was the condition of the ice. It is still hot and humid out in Buffalo and the ice was not in the best of shape.

Regardless of some of the negatives, the Devils who did stand out were Brett Seney and this year’s first round draft pick, Ty Smith. Smith, especially was praised by the Buffalo announcers who were calling the game for putting a good showing in. Seney recorded a goal in the first period, the one that tied it up at one.

Cole Coskey had the first goal of the game for the Sabres, scoring at the 17:31 mark of the first. Seney tied it at one on the power play at 18:53.

In the second period, Victor Olofsson scored at 7:02 before Nathan Bastain tied things up just over 30 seconds later.

Buffalo then jumped out to a two goal lead as Alexander Nylander scored shorthanded at 10:19 and Dahlin scored his first 59 seconds later at even strength. The Sabres crowd gave the first overall pick a standing ovation following the goal, but his night was just getting started.

The Devils would respond quickly to those two goals, as Colton White scored at 11:53 and Fabian Zetterlund scored at 12:01. Seney had the lone assist on Zetterlund’s goal, giving him two points on the night.

In the third period, the Sabres pulled away when Dahlin put them up 5-4 for his second of the night at 4:28. Dahlin would also assist on Tage Thompson’s shorthanded goal that ended the night. It was the second shorty of the night for the Sabres.

The Devils were a perfect 5-for-5 on the penalty kill but failed to scored on any of their seven power plays.

In goal, Mackenzie Blackwood looked pretty good, making 26 saves on Buffalo’s 32 shots on goal for a .812 save percentage. Buffalo’s Jonas Johansson made 30 saves on 34 Devils shots.

The Devils next play tomorrow at 3 PM against the Pittsburgh Penguins prospects.

Posted on

Somerset Patriots Host “Devils Night” and Devils Reveal Promotional Schedule

The Devils continued their tour of New Jersey minor league baseball parks tonight as the Somerset Patriots played host to “Devils Night” at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

The Patriots, a member of the independent Atlantic League, played host to the Road Warriors, a team without a home who has played the entire 2018 season on the road. The Patriots won 2-0.

On hand was Devils mascot NJ Devil, who threw out a first pitch and participated in some mascot hijinks with Patriots mascots Sparkee, Slider and General Admission.

In addition to the NJ appearance, Devils historical highlights were shown on the video screen and a Devils table with information on tickets and giveaways was set up on the concourse. It was another successful way for the Devils to get their name into the community and help grow the fanbase.

And speaking of promotion, the Devils also today announced their promotional schedule for the 2018-19 season. Some of the highlights include: opening night at The Rock against the Washington Capitals which will feature “Now We Rise” bam-bams, a Fan Festival and the annual Red Carpet Arrival of the team. That game is on Thursday, October 11.

There will be a schedule magnet giveaway on Tuesday, October 16 against the Dallas Stars, as well as other giveaways like Taylor Hall Hart Trophy Poster Night (on Saturday, October 27 against the Florida Panthers) to honor the NHL’s reigning MVP, Martin Brodeur Hall of Fame Poster Night on Tuesday, November 13 against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Brian Boyle Masterton Trophy Poster Night on Monday, December 3 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Upper Deck hockey cards will be given away on Saturday, March 24 against the Arizona Coyotes.

Some theme nights include the second annual WWE Night on Thursday, October 18 against the Colorado Avalanche which will feature ticket packages, “in-arena theme videos and graphics,” a concourse WWE museum and “Superstar appearances.” Military Appreciation Night is on Saturday, November 17 against the Detroit Red Wings and will feature the Devils warming up in special camo jerseys as well as a military cap giveaway. Hockey Fights Cancer Night is on Friday, November 23 against the New York Islanders. Kids Day will take place on December 29 against the Carolina Hurricanes and will allow kids to take part in activities like making a PA announcement or sitting in the radio booth with play-by-play man Matt Loughlin.

A pair of retro nights will include 80s NIght on Thursday, January 10 versus the Toronto Maple Leafs. This will likely be one of the nights the Devils wear their “Heritage Jerseys” and will feature in-arena graphics and music. An 80s themed bobble will also be given away. Then, on Tuesday, February 18 against Pittsburgh, the Devils will present 90s Night. This will be similar to 80s Night in presentation and will also feature a special 90s themed bobble to be given away.

Firefighter Appreciation Night will take place on Saturday, January 12 against the Philadelphia Flyers as the Devils will honor New Jersey firefighters. Then, on Saturday, February 9, the Devils take on the Minnesota Wild on Law Enforcement Appreciation Night which will honor police officers across New Jersey communities.

For the first time, the Devils will “Go Red for Women” on Sunday, February 10 versus Carolina. This night, in conjunction with the American Heart Association and RWJBarnabas Health, will see fans don red to support awareness and help raise “funds for local initiatives which support heart health and the mission of Go Red for Women.”

On Sunday, February 17, the Devils take on the Buffalo Sabres and host a “NJ Hockey Celebration.” This is part of Hockey Weekend Across America and New Jersey youth hockey will be spotlighted throughout the night. Fans in attendance will also receive a pair of Devils socks.

The Devils will once again host Pride Night on Monday, February 25 when they host the Montreal Canadiens. This will be the third season the Devils will host this event, which will raise “awareness and funds for local LGBTQ initiatives.”

Finally, on Saturday, March 30, the Devils will host Fan Appreciation Night against the visiting St. Louis Blues. This is the final regular season Saturday home game and “the Devils will take their in-game promotions and giveaways to the next level to show their appreciation.”

Of course this is just the tip of the iceberg, as the Devils will likely be adding more to this schedule as they go along during the season. It is likely that we could be seeing another Ring of Honor inductee this year, as the team took a year off last season due to Patrik Elias’ jersey retirement, so be on the lookout for that. We will try to keep you updated if anything is added right here.