Takeaways from the New Jersey Devils’ 7-0-0 preseason

Alex Chauvancy examines what stood out from the Devils' perfect preseason.

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By Alex Chauvancy (@AlexC_THW)

The New Jersey Devils concluded the preseason with a 3-0 shutout win over the New York Islanders, moving them to 7-0-0 to close out exhibition games. 

Next up is regular season action on Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. Let's go over some main takeaways from the Devils' perfect preseason. 

Holtz’ mixed preseason

It was a big preseason for Alexander Holtz but the results were mixed. While he scored a couple of goals, his game on the puck left some to be desired. 

Holtz finished the preseason with five shots on goal and six shot attempts at five-on-five. There was also some questionable decision-making with his puck management, which Lindy Ruff referenced in his post-game media availability after the Devils' 5-2 win over the Rangers on Oct. 4. 

Still, there was some good from Holtz. He led the team in shots on goal on the power play, and there were good moments off the puck, even if it wasn't consistent. He also showed some playmaking ability; one example would be when he set up Nico Hischier for a quality scoring chance against the Rangers, but Hischier fumbled the pass. 

The question for Holtz heading into the regular season: where will he play in the Devils' top-9? He's been alongside Hischier and Timo Meier the entire preseason. Will Ruff keep him there to start the regular season? 

Holtz probably deserves some rope in the top-6 to start the regular season, so odds are Ruff will give him a look there. And that is where he needs to be since he's not a play driver and the Devils' best play drivers are in the top-six. 

No playoff hangover for Vanecek