Michael McLeod should be available for Game 1, The Devils have three goaltenders and more updates from the team's first postseason practice.
Michael McLeod should be available for Game 1, The Devils have three goaltenders and more updates from the team's first postseason practice.
NEWARK, N.J. -- The New Jersey Devils held their first postseason practice at RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House on Saturday, April 15.
Forward Michael McLeod rejoined his team after taking a high hit from Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand on April 8. After practice head coach Lindy Ruff told attending media members that he anticipates McLeod will be available for Tuesday's game.
The only player noticeably absent was Timo Meier. It was later revealed that he had food poisoning. The six-foot-one forward has played 21 games with the Devils since his trade from the San Jose Sharks and completed the season with five points in his last five games.
Devils Practice Lines:
Tomas Tatar - Nico Hischier - Dawson Mercer
Ondrej Palat - Jack Hughes - Jesper Bratt
Jesper Boqvist - Erik Haula - Yegor Sharangovich
Miles Wood - Michael McLeod - Nathan Bastian/ Curtis Lazar
Jonas Siegenthaler - Dougie Hamilton
Kevin Bahl - Damon Severson
Ryan Graves - John Marino
Luke Hughes - Brendan Smith
On the Goaltending Situation
The Devils are currently carrying three goaltenders. Vitek Vanecek, Mackenzie Blackwood, and Akira Schmid were all on the ice practicing with their club. During his media scrum, Ruff was asked about his goaltending situation and simply said, "The plan is right now we have three goalies."
Good Vibes All Around
During his exit interview last season, it was Damon Severson who bluntly said, "Next year if we’re standing here talking this time of year while other teams are gearing up for the playoffs, it would be a huge disappointment.”
Entering this season, phase one of the coaching staff's plan was to make the postseason. They accomplished that feat on March 25. Phase two is to elevate their game and be ready for the next step.
There is a lot of excitement around the team as they prepare for their next challenge and for Severson, the vibes are immaculate.
"I think just the vibe, everyone's in a good mood," said Severson to reporters. "We're excited. We know we have a couple of days here to prepare. Overall, just good vibes, everyone's excited for what's to come. It's finally fun to be back (in the playoffs) and not coming in for a break up day today. We're coming in to keep on going."