Preseason Is Here!

Normally, I will not post previews to games or recaps to specific games. But this is our first pre-season game AND it will be aired on NHL Network. This is big for me and other west coasters because we never get to see preseason hockey.

The results of preseason are not important, but how the team plays is what matters. As previously posted by the NHL Devils and Tom Gulitti on twitter, here are the lineups:

Goalies:
Mike Mckenna and Johan Hedberg

Defensive Lines:
Salvador – Greene
Urbom – Tallinder
Fraser – Corrente

Offensive Lines:
Elias – Arnott – Langenbrunner
Zubrus – Josefson – Clarkson
Vasyunov – Mair – Nilson
Leblond – Mills – Palmieri

Players to watch:
-Hedberg: We need to see how our new veteran back-up goalie will be on the ice. Marty could use a rest this season and hopefully that is what Hedberg will provide.

-Jacob Josefson: I did a player profile on him awhile back and he is one of a few players we will need to keep an eye on. How well he can play with some experienced NHL players and how comfortable he looks on the ice. He will definitely be an attribute to the team.

-Alexander Vasyunov: He had a solid season last year with the Lowell Devils and with Maclean as head coach, maybe some of that magic will be brought back.

-EAL: The Elias-Arnott-Langenbrunner line should be an exciting line to watch. Elias and Arnott have a history together and as I have read reports of training camp, it looks like they were never apart for ten years. Langenbrunner is a dynamic player and anyone you place him, he can contribute to the line.

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Final score Devils: 3 Flyers: 4
As I said, results do not matter, it is how we play that does. Keep in mind the ENTIRE Philadelphia lineup were pros except for goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, who was put in for the third period. The Devils had seven rookie players suited. We also managed to force the game too a shootout. Overall I think we played well. Here is some key notes:

-Hedberg was shaky in the first period, but he was solid for the second.
-Hedberg played the puck well, the team will not have to worry about the difference in play between him and Marty.
-Josefson was able to keep up with the quick pace of the game. Will be ready to make the step up tto the NHL shortly.
-EAL looked solid. Made quality passes and set up some great chances that just didn't make in.
-Mike McKenna played a hell of a game, after having a bad start at training camp. He does need to work on rebound control though.
Most surprising player(s):
-Alexander Urbom had a solid game paired with Henrik Tallinder. He had two assists and ended up with a +2 rating for the night. Urbom,19, is 6'3" and showed his ability to play tough by knocking the Flyers around all game. Hopefully he will keep this up, I would love to see him with us this year.