G55 New Jersey Devils @ Washington Capitals: Jonas Siegenthaler returns

Siegenthaler, one of the Devils' defensive aces, is expected to rejoin the lineup against his former team.

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A few notes to get you set for New Jersey vs. Washington:

Siegenthaler is back

Jonas Siegenthaler has been cleared to play and is expected to return against his former team.

Siegenthaler went through more hiccups than we’re used to seeing prior to the injury but his on-ice numbers remained pretty good throughout.

I think his struggles were a little overblown because of how bad the goaltending was behind him. It is easier to spot mistakes when all of them lead to goals against and you’re forced to rewatch the play three times.

We also haven’t seen Siegenthaler in the lineup following the team’s systematic adjustments.

I think less swarming of pucks and more predictability will be good for him. He knows where he needs to be on the ice. He knows his wingers will mostly be in their zones and more readily available on the boards breaking out.

There is less thinking in fast, high pressure situations – when do I swarm, when do I hold my spot? – and that should especially benefit a stable defense-first guy like Siegenthaler.

He gives the team another reliable penalty killer and minute muncher while defending leads. He will also help appropriately slot everyone in the lineup and have guys playing the roles they were meant to be given.

Siegenthaler’s return makes the Devils that much closer to full health at a time they really need to string together wins and climb up the standings.

The wheels are coming off