With injuries to Curtis Lazar and Nathan Bastian, the New Jersey Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/game-day/devils-gave-jacob-markstrom-the-ultimate-memory-for-his-milestone-game] recalled two more forwards from their American Hockey League affiliate to join Justin Dowling: Nolan Foote and Shane Bowers. Foote was traded to the Devils by the Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/] with a first-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft on Feb. 16, 2020. Bowers was acquired in June 2023 from the Boston Bruins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/] in exchange for Reilly Walsh. Foote (27th overall) and Bowers (28th overall) were first-round picks in their respective drafts and have been preparing for their opportunities. The coaching staff decided first to play Bowers against the Carolina Hurricanes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/] on Thursday night. The 6-foot-2 forward played on the fourth line with Dowling and Tomas Tatar [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/new-jersey-devils-seattle-kraken-colorado-avalanche-tomas-tatar-tom-fitzgerald]. Bowers played a team-low 8:35, but it was not about the ice time given; it was about how impactful a player can be when on the ice. According to the box score, the 25-year-old did not have a shot on goal but was credited with one hit and one blocked shot. However, what stuck out to head coach Sheldon Keefe would not appear on a box score. "(His speed) was very evident, and that is what really stood out to me," Keefe said on Friday. "I thought he brought lots of pace to our team, off the puck, especially. Kind of pushing their defense back or getting on the forecheck. Also speed to be able to recover defensively, which is so important. It gives you confidence putting him over the boards and all that." Bowers will be out of the lineup tonight against the Washington Capitals [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/], as Foote will get his look with the coaching staff using the following lines: Ondrej Palat - Jack Hughes - Jesper Bratt Timo Meier - Nico Hischier - Stefan Noesen Nolan Foote - Erik Haula - Dawson Mercer Paul Cotter - Justin Dowling - Tomas Tatar Extras: Shane Bowers & Kurtis MacDermid Despite not being in the lineup Saturday night, Keefe made sure to have a positive conversation with Bowers before the team left for Washington, D.C. "I was really happy with his game. I told (Bowers) that today," Keefe said on Friday. "It was a good day for Shane Bowers (on Thursday) in terms of what he brought." The Big Show: Nico Hischier Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/] for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. The Mental Side of the Game: Devils Players & Mental Skills Coach Andy Swärd Take You Behind the Scenes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/new-jersey-devils-jesper-bratt-alexander-holtz-nico-hischier-andy-sward] EXCLUSIVE: Q&A With MSG Networks Host & Analyst Rachel Herzog [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/exclusive-q-a-with-msg-networks-host-analyst-rachel-herzog-new-jersey-devils] Hischier’s Manager Patrick Fischer: 'He’s Driven to Succeed, but Not Easily Satisfied' [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/features/hischiers-manager-patrick-fischer-hes-driven-to-succeed-but-not-easily-satisfied] Seamus Casey Scores First NHL Goal In Devils Global Series Finale [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/game-day/seamus-casey-scores-first-nhl-goal-in-new-jersey-devils-global-series-finale]
