Multiple lineup changes will be made for the New Jersey Devils' 2024-25 regular-season finale against the Detroit Red Wings at Prudential Center.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed during his media availability that many of his usual starters, including Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, Luke Hughes, Brett Pesce, and Jacob Markstrom, will get the night off.
"It is a long list," Keefe said. "We will have 10 guys out. It is a different type of lineup. It feels sort of like preseason. You are trying to get through it. Give opportunities to guys. Just roll with the group. To that end, it is kind of exciting. It is a group that is going to compete, and they have something to play for."
Keefe confirmed defenseman Dougie Hamilton will return to the lineup for the first time since sustaining an undisclosed injury on March 4 against the Dallas Stars.
"Dougie is going to be in today," Keefe said. "He has worked hard. I would say he is a little bit ahead of schedule. He was at 6-8 weeks, that was the projected time period. He is at the front end of that. Credit to him for the work that he has put in. He is excited to go."
New Jersey's bench boss confirmed Hamilton did not travel to Boston with the team for Tuesday's game.
"We gave him the extra day and saved him the flight," Keefe continued. "He is excited today and will pair up with (Brenden) Dillon. It gives them a chance to get some reps in together."
The Devils will use the following lineup against the Red Wings:
Erik Haula - Dawson Mercer - Mike Hardman
Tomas Tatar - Justin Dowling - Nathan Bastian
Nolan Foote - Cody Glass - Daniel Sprong
Kurtis MacDermid - Curtis Lazar - Marc McLaughlin
Brenden Dillon - Dougie Hamilton
Brian Dumoulin - Simon Nemec
Dennis Cholowski - Seamus Casey
Nico Daws
It was announced that Daws was recalled from the Utica Comets (American Hockey League) on Wednesday morning.
The puck will drop between the Devils and Red Wings at 7:30 pm. Fans can watch on TNT, TruTV, and MAX or listen to the Devils Hockey Network.
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