New Jersey drops their first game of the 2023 Prospects Challenge to Ottawa.

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The 2023 Prospects Challenge is officially underway. The Devils played their first of three games in the Challenge on Friday afternoon against the Ottawa Senators. Unsurprisingly, Simon Nemec, Josh Filmon, and Graeme Clarke left a positive impression, with each finding their name on the scoresheet. Below is a rundown of all the action from Buffalo.

New Jersey's Lineup

Josh Filmon - Xavier Parent - Graeme Clarke

Brian Halonen - Filip Engaras - Chase Stillman

Cole Brown - Jace Isley - Timur Ibragimov

Erik Middendorf - TJ Friedman - Cam Squires

Santeri Hatakka - Simon Nemec

Topias Vilen - Daniil Misyul

Will MacKinnon - Colin Felix

Tyler Brennan

Isaac Poulter

Story of the Game: Inconsistency & Special Teams

The Devils got the start they wanted against the Senators. Their speed was on display from puck drop, and they scored the game's first goal when Filmon picked up his rebound in the front of the net. After 20 minutes, the score was 1-0 in favor of New Jersey, with the club having a 12-5 shot advantage over their opponent.

The tide changed in the second period when the Senators took control of the game with their size and physicality. Ottawa was able to best New Jersey's skaters and found themselves with a few breakaway opportunities and odd-man rushes. By the end of the second period, the Devils found themselves down 4-1, allowing their opponent to score two goals on the man advantage.

New Jersey was able to get back to their speed game in the final frame, but it was too little too late, and they dropped their first game of the Challenge by a final score of 5-2.

Quick Hits & Observations

- Misyul is very reminiscent of Nikita Okhotiuk. The defenseman played a physical game versus the Senators and fought Thomas Stewart in the second period. The Minsk native is listed as 6-foot-3, 175 lbs, and last season with the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), earned seven points and 30 penalty minutes in 59 games.

- Simon Nemec played a solid game, earning two assists. The second-overall pick looked comfortable, especially in the offensive zone. He showcased his mobility, shot, and play-making ability. Ahead of the tournament, it was announced that the 19-year-old would serve as an alternate captain.

"He's a kid that came from overseas. He got his own apartment. Went out and bought a car," said Utica head coach Kevin Dineen. "The growth we saw and the maturity he showed at such a young age, we felt like putting a letter on him was an appropriate choice."

- It is clear that Clarke is on a mission to make the jump from the American Hockey League (AHL) to the NHL. This afternoon, he played in all situations and scored his first goal of the weekend on the power play. Considered a dark horse in camp, he is a player to watch as the tournament rolls on.

- Josh Filmon continues to impress. He contributed offensively, backchecked, and made an impact in all three zones.

Next One Up

The Devils will be back in action on Saturday, Sept. 16, when they face the Buffalo Sabres prospects at 7:00 P.M. at LECOM Harborcenter. The game will be streamed on the team's official website and social media channels.