The New Jersey Devils held an optional practice ahead of Game 4 versus the Carolina Hurricanes. Graves could be an option, and the organization makes additions to its postseason roster.
NEWARK, N.J. -- Game 4 between the New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes is scheduled for today, May 9, at Prudential Center. Head coach Lindy Ruff met with the media after the team's skate to share some insight into what fans can expect tonight at Prudential Center, but in true fashion, the Devils' bench boss did not comment on his goaltending. It's worth noting that Vitek Vanecek was working in his own net at Monday's practice.
Optional Morning Skate Ahead of Game 4
The Devils held a 10:30 a.m. optional morning skate at Prudential Center ahead of Game 4 against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Both Akira Schmid and Mackenzie Blackwood participated, along with Jesper Boqvist, Curtis Lazar, Yegor Sharangovich, Kevin Bahl, and Luke Hughes.
According to Hurricanes' team reporter Walt Ruff, Carolina did not hold a morning skate.
Devils Will Play 11 Forwards and 7 Defensemen in Game 4
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Ahead of Game 3, Ruff and his coaching staff made the decision to go with 11 forwards and seven defensemen. The choice paid off as the team earned an 8-4 victory over the Hurricanes.
This morning Ruff was asked if he thinks he will stick with an 11-7 lineup. The veteran coach responded by saying, "I do."
"More playing time for your top-9 players," Ruff said of the benefit of the 11/7 lineup. "Everybody from (Ondrej) Palat to everybody else, their minutes can go up. You have to really put the game in their hands."
Defenseman Ryan Graves participated in the team's optional skate and could be an option tonight, depending on how he feels. He missed Game 3 with an upper-body injury. Ruff confirmed Luke Hughes would be in the lineup for Game 4 after making his playoff debut on May 7.
Additions to New Jersey's Stanley Cup Playoff Roster
On May 8, the organization announced additions to its postseason roster.
Forwards: Graeme Clarke, Nolan Foote, Brian Halonen, Alexander Holtz, and Tyce Thompson
Defensemen: Simon Nemec and Topias Vilen
Goaltender: Nico Daws
The Utica Comets' postseason journey ended on May 5 as the Toronto Marlies earned a 4-1 victory in game four of the best-of-five series. Xavier Parent scored the lone goal for the Comets.
The Devils will look to even the series tonight before traveling back to Raleigh. Home ice advantage seems to be critical in this series when it comes to the last line change and getting the preferred matchups.
"If you said at the start of the year you're down 2-1, and you get Game 4 at your building, we'd say, 'bring it on.'"
Fan Fest will begin at Championship Plaza at 4:00 P.M. today and will include live entertainment, games, and food trucks. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 P.M. in Newark.