Nate Bastian will serve as a healthy scratch against the Seattle Kraken.
SEATTLE, W.A. -- New Jersey Devils winger Nathan Bastian will be a healthy scratch against his former team, the Seattle Kraken.
Devils head coach Lindy Ruff will utilize Brendan Smith, a natural defenseman, on Michael McLeod's wing opposite Curtis Lazar.
In an exclusive interview with The Hockey News, Bastian shared that part of his frustration this season has been how many times he has been on the ice for an opposing team goal, which is one of the ways he assesses his own game.
"I've been frustrated many times after games this season (because) of being part of goals against," he said. "If I'm out there and getting scored on, then why would (the coaching staff) even put me out again."
Through 22 games, Bastian has an average ice time of 9:46. He has collected three points (one goal, two assists), 26 shots, 39 hits, and ten blocked shots. He earned a primary assist on McLeod's goal in the team's last game versus the Vancouver Canucks.
The 26-year-old was also a healthy scratch in the team's season opener versus the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 12.
Puck drop between the Devils and Sharks is at 10:30 P.M. on ESPN.