Takeaways from the Devils' Prospect Challenge win over the Senators

David Mudrak dove deeper into some notable individual performances from a 9-1 Devils victory.

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By David Mudrak (@MuddyOpinions)

Some thoughts after watching the New Jersey Devils demolish the Ottawa group 9-1. 

Control and comfort 

After multiple years of watching the Devils play poorly during these prospect-challenge games, seeing the team so thoroughly dominate another team was impressive.

While the first couple of goals had luck on their side, the team played in such a way that the game's result was never in question. 

The Devils’ control over the game was clear from the start, as they did not let the Senators post a shot on goal for half of the first period. By the time they scored their fourth goal in the second period, the shot differential was 16-4 in favor of the Devils. 

New Jersey achieved this dominance by consistently staying on top of Ottawa players, especially as they tried to break out of the defensive zone or navigate the neutral zone. Ottawa had difficulty retaining offensive zone time because the Devils’ players were relentless. 

The team's comfort and control over the game were noticeable in how quickly the players could break out of their defensive zone and move up the ice. They consistently completed short, crisp passes through traffic, looking like they had played together for years. 

Although this is only a prospect challenge game and this team is only temporary, it is still very positive to see how mature and responsible all players were. After usually being disappointed by the prospect games, yesterday’s game gave me hope that many of the rookies in the Devils’ system are mature enough and intelligent enough to become NHLers or step up when injuries arise. 

Negatives

In such a lopsided game, it was hard for any negatives to truly stand out. The most significant negative mark one could earn during a game like this was not being noticeable, which was the case for a few of the younger prospects, including Kasper Pikkarainen, who was just okay in his opening game with the Devils organization.

He made some plays and got involved in some scrums, but overall, he did not take any actions that forced you to see him. 

Xavier Parent

Parent looked like the best player on the ice and was noticeable in nearly every shift. Right from the start of the game, he utilized his speed and puck skills to repeatedly enter the offensive zone with control. 

His excellent skating earned him the best goal of the game, blowing past two Ottawa defenders in the neutral zone after intercepting a pass and then easily converting on the breakaway. Parent also had the best assist of the game, threading a cross-ice pass through three Senators players in the slot, setting up Cam Squires for a one-timer at the back door on the powerplay. 

Parent was even impressive on the few penalties the Devils had to defend. He was active in the passing lanes and aggressive on puck carriers. He had a clear motor for the whole game, and his energy guided the rest of the team. 

It may be a long shot for the 5’8” winger to make it to the NHL, but he was impressive.

Seamus Casey

Early in the game, I was not too impressed with Casey. After hearing how talented he is supposed to be, I had extremely high expectations, and for much of the start of the game, he just seemed like an okay defender.

He made a few smart defensive plays, including one in which he demonstrated his ability to use his strong skating to defend by pushing an offensive player wide with his positioning and speed. 

After the Devils took a comfortable lead, though, Casey became a different player. Right from the start of the second period, he played a much more threatening style. Casey utilized his strong skating to enter the offensive zone or even take the puck to the front of the net. He repeatedly did this with seemingly no answer from the Ottawa players. 

His command of the play continued into the third period, where I thought Casey’s stickhandling and footspeed popped.

On the Devils’ seventh goal, Casey used his tricky footwork and a beautifully executed toe drag to open up space for a good shot from the point that ended up providing a rebound that Parent could put in. 

Later in the third period, I was impressed by Casey’s ability to remain calm while being pressured at the blue line. As the Ottawa forward rushed at him, Casey carefully kept the puck out of his reach as he walked the line and opened up space for Stillman, who was able to get a one-timer off after Casey sent him the puck. 

Overall, Casey had an impressive game. Although he did not immediately stand out in the first period, it shows his maturity. Instead of trying to take over the game, Casey played a quiet and simple style until there was a comfortable lead. That level of maturity from a young player is impressive and shows that he has good character and intelligence. Those traits, mixed with his gifted skating and stickhandling, make him an exciting prospect. 

Chase Stillman