The New Jersey Devils will rely on a rookie defenseman with no postseason experience to help extend their playoff run on Tuesday night against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center.
On Monday, Keefe confirmed that defensemen Luke Hughes, Brenden Dillon, and Johnny Kovacevic would be unavailable for Game 5 with undisclosed injuries.
This morning, Keefe told NJD.TV that defensemen Brett Pesce and Jonas Siegenthaler would be game-time decisions. With those two out, the team used Dennis Cholowski & Dougie Hamilton, Brian Dumoulin & Colton White, and Seamus Casey & Simon Nemec at their morning skate.
The roster report confirmed that Casey will play in Game 5. According to MSG Networks, the young defenseman will begin the game paired with Simon Nemec.
Casey has appeared in 14 NHL games this season and has eight points (four goals, four assists). He finished his regular season with the Devils on a two-game point streak.
"It is what I have dreamed about as a kid, the chance to play in the playoffs," Casey said to NJD.TV. "To get a chance would be awesome. There's some nerves, but I am prepared and ready to go."
The puck will drop between the Devils and Hurricanes for Game 5 at 7:30 pm. Fans can watch the game on MSGSN and TBS/MAX or listen on the Devils Hockey Network.
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