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Devils Links
Another rough outing for the Devils on Wednesday night. The Stars came into Prudential Center and took a 3-0 win as the Devils dropped their third straight. [Devils NHL]
Fantastic stuff:
“The good news is, their best players will be back. Further, the Metropolitan Division remains wide-open, and they are by no means out of contention. However, the Devils have long struggled to stay healthy. Who is to say the injury woes aren’t over? Right now, the Devils are proving they’re only as good as Jack Hughes is. And without him in the lineup, they’re no good. It’s same old Devils, but there’s plenty of time to flip the script. Hopefully, sooner than later.” [New Jersey Hockey Now]
“If Fitzgerald can improve the bottom of the lineup, this team can be a Stanley Cup contender. Whether that’s acquiring more top-six help and pushing other players down the lineup or just better bottom-six forwards, improving the forward depth should be trade priority No. 1.” [Devils on the Rush]
Conversations with Devils goalie prospect Mikhail Yegorov and Boston University hockey coach Jay Pandolfo:
A cool moment here for Brenden Dillon:
On Dillon’s 1,000 games in the NHL: “Through it all, he’s just been a kid chasing a dream. Dillon has carried himself with the kind of humility, heart, and leadership that make him beloved everywhere he’s gone. Teammates rave not just about the warrior who blocks shots and battles in the corners, but the friend who shows up for everyone, every single day.” [Devils NHL]
Hockey Links
On hockey in the Olympics: “The National Hockey League and NHLPA are both very concerned about the state of these venues, but I can tell you that there’s also some optimism in all of this as well. One of the arenas is expected to be tested next week. Both are expected to be available for a full test run event in January, so that’s good news. There is expected to be a Zoom meeting on Friday involving the league, involving the Players’ Association to get a true progression report. But the bottom line is, as Bill Daly stated, if these venues aren’t ready, then the NHL won’t go.” [TSN]
“Which breakout NHL teams are built on a sturdy, sustainable foundation that will clinch them a playoff spot in April? Which ones are masquerading and likely to flame out the longer the season drags on?” [The Athletic ($)]
Ryan McDonagh gets a three-year extension:
Tyler Seguin is expected to miss the rest of the season:
Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.