The New Jersey Devils returned to New Jersey down 0-2 in the Eastern Conference First Round against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe has seen his team outscored 7-2 over the first two games at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.
New Jersey's top two lines contributed to both goals, with the usual suspects of Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt finding the back of the net. In Game 2, the Devils' fourth line was praised for generating offensive chances and their forechecking.
One line that has struggled this postseason is New Jersey's third line, which has included Paul Cotter, Cody Glass, Daniel Sprong, and, most recently, Stefan Noesen.
In Game 1, Keefe used the Cotter - Glass - Sprong trio. It marked Cotter's first postseason game and Glass' third appearance, while Sprong entered the series with 13 games of playoff experience.
The line was consistently hemmed in their zone, and combined for only one shot on goal. After the game, Keefe said that he felt the trio were "taking on water in a big way."
For Game 2, adjustments were made, and Keefe took Sprong out of the lineup and put Stefan Noesen with Cotter and Glass.
During Wednesday's media availability, The Hockey News asked Keefe about the Glass line and what the biggest hurdle that group needs to overcome to become impactful is.
"They have just got to find ways to spend less time in our end, more time in the offensive end," Keefe said. "Little details in their game. It has been an issue in both games. I made the change of Sprong coming out and Stefan Noesen going on to that line with hopes that it would help. I thought it was a little bit better."
He further explained that Glass and Cotter's inexperience in the postseason is a factor, and they haven't found their footing in this series against the Hurricanes.
"We need that to happen quickly," Keefe continued. "These are important guys. You look at some other depth people and how in Carolina, they are making a difference in the series. We really need that. While you are looking for your top guys to come through and score, we need some of our depth people to make a difference as well. At least be able to hold their own at five-on-five, shift to shift."
There is a narrative that star players will get a team in the playoffs, but it is the depth players who will win their team a Stanley Cup. It holds true, with one example being the Tampa Bay Lightning's third line in their back-to-back Stanley Cup runs.
The Devils will need players like Cotter, Glass, and Noesen to contribute offensively in order to combat the depth Carolina has showcased over the first two games.
Game 3 will be Friday, April 25, at Prudential Center. Fans can view the game on MSGSN, TBS, Max, SN360, TVAS2, or listen on the Devils Hockey Network radio.
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