During the Devils preseason, many fans had mixed opinions on the way many defensive lines were playing. Some were saying that they were not putting their full effort in while some said that since it was preseason, there wasn’t much to worry about just yet. But once New Jersey wrapped up their Global Series matchup in Prague, fans would realize they were wrong to judge so early.
Each defensive line definitely made an impact throughout New Jersey’s first two games. They were one of the biggest reasons why the Devils were able to take home four points with some returning Defensemen and even some newcomers, but what were the lines able to contribute, and how did the players work together?
Brenden Dillon and Dougie Hamilton
This line would be a very big contributor through the games as Brenden Dillon would be a huge physical presence by starting fights in defense of his teammates and also throwing hits left and right. New Jersey needed this level of physicality last season. Dillon is also able to generate a bit of offense, as during the preseason he was able to net a few goals. The Devils successfully signed Dillon for the next three years.
Onto Dougie Hamilton, who was injured most of last season due to a torn pectoral muscle. Hamilton was a huge part of the Devils power play last year. Upon returning this season, the Devils power play has seen an increase in the number of shots on net. Hamilton was also a huge defensive piece as he was able to use his arm length to easily poke check the opposing players.
Even though many stressed that this line would have trouble since this is Dillon’s first year as a Devil, the line was able to produce many scoring chances with the offensive players they were paired with. It seems both men are going to light a fire in the team throughout the periods with a physical style of play.
Jonas Siegenthaler and Jonathon Kovacevic
This line may have seemed “invisible” to many, but Siegenthaler and Kovacevic both played a very fundamental and quick paced form of defense which some say is arguably one of the best ways to take on the defensive position.
Kovacevic is a new defenseman for New Jersey, with a keen eye for offense. In the first game of the Global Series, he was able to record a goal along with an assist on Stefan Noesen’s goal, which led to him being given the title first star of the game. His offensive characteristics alongside his defensive skills makes him a well-balanced player overall, which is why he works exceptionally well with Siegenthaler.
Siegenthaler has been a quiet presence these last two games but has been a solid playmaker. He was a helping hand while setting up Kovacevic’s goal which earned him an assist. Siegenthaler has also seen an increase with his time on ice, where he used to average about 14 minutes a game and now he’s been averaging 20-22 minutes. He’s been handling this change well and his competitive drive has not decreased on any shifts.
With the way that Kovacevic and Siegenthaler play together you’d think they’ve been playing together for way more than two games. They both possess a talent for being good at making impressive setups and are able to be physical at times, but they usually stray a bit far from that to stay focused on the game they’re playing.
Simon Nemec and Seamus Casey
Two young defensemen on a line together seems like the wrong idea to many, but Sheldon Keefe thought differently, and decided to see what these two guys could possibly spark.
Nemec played half of the NHL season last year to fill the spot Dougie Hamilton had left when he was injured. Nemec had a rough start to the preseason as he struggled to find his footing throughout the games he played, he had many penalties and giveaways that led to goals against the Devils, but once he was paired with Casey a switch seemed to flip within him. Nemec has been more attentive to the puck as he’s always ready to get a chance to score now and he’s been on top of the puck more now which generates him chances to pass a lot more. Nemec has been a helpful partner to Casey as because of his newly improved skill set with the puck, he’s been able to give Casey chances to score alongside helping the other players.
Casey plays a simple game which is one of the reasons why he did so well in his first two games. He wasn’t doing too much with the puck, which has been a problem for many players in the past. Casey also has a huge IQ within the game which has helped him with his positioning, this also helped him score his first goal in the NHL as he was in the right spot to wind up and shoot.
This line was a humongous contributor with keeping the puck in the offensive zone as Nemec and Casey were able to keep a tight end and continue passing to other players within the Devils.
None of these lines fell short during the games. They put in their all and showed everyone that they are the defense that the Devils needed last year. The helpful defense is another reason why the goaltending has been reliable as the lines have minimized the amount of time spent in the defensive zone, but the defense is only going to get better from here on out with Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes soon being able to play once again.
