The New Jersey Devils finally started their 2023-24 NHL on Thurs. 12, 2023 at Purdential Center in Newark, N.J. After a great start from pre-season, being undefeated 7-0, the Devils have a difficult start to their season.
Starting the home opener game having a traditional red carpet, an all time fan favorite. The energy of the crowd was electric and the fans and players were getting ready for the game against Detroit Red Wings. Fans arriving at Championship Plaza around 1 p.m. even though the starting time was 4:30 p.m., fans wanted to have the best spot to see players. Fans anticipating this years season from last season’s success with high hopes.
Having a sold out game we’re making the whole energy a different feeling compared to last year. As the introduction of all the players fans cheered louder and louder for returning players like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt. Fans had a warm welcome for new players on the team for player as Luke Hughes and Tyler Toffoli.
The Devils had two back to back games playing the Red Wings Oct. 12th and the Arizona Coyotes Oct. 13th. Both of the games Devils were playing sluggish and slower pace than usual. Getting outshot by the Red Wings 14-6 and the Coyotes 14-8. Goalies Vitek Vanecek and Akria Schmid were playing incredibly well and keeping them in both games.
Penalties are a constant concern in games last season and the first two games. The penalty kill line gave up two goals for the Red Wings and Coyotes allowing them to come back to the game. Hughes was given two bad penalties now not letting him be eligible for the Lady Bing award this season unlike last.
On the bright side our offense was still showing throughout the game. First game of the season Hughes gets his first goal deflecting off the goalies helmet. Starting the season off he totaled five points (2goals,3assits) from past games. Bratt provided two goals during the Coyotes game bring the Devils back on the score board including an assist.
The past week shows the Devils what they need to fix moving forward. This gives fans something to look forward to and keep holding the heads high hoping for improvements going into the third game playing Florida Panthers.
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