Video Clips of Interest: Preseason Game 1

A breakdown of some video clips from the NYI preseason game

Hey, it’s been a minute since I did one of these. Figured everyone is chomping at the bit after waiting for 5 months of any semblance of New Jersey Devils hockey so why not dig into some details and minutia? As a disclaimer…these are clips of interest to me. Maybe they will be to you! Or not!

I don’t claim to be a hockey coach…many of you know I topped out as a recreation roller hockey player at 18 years old. This is really just a glimpse into how I see the game when I’m watching.

Anyways, let’s do it.

Neutral Zone Forecheck

We are learning so much about HC Sheldon Keefe’s system during training camp and one thing that recently got mentioned was the team’s NZ forecheck.

I think it was noticeable how players step up and force NYI skaters to make difficult decisions on the fly between the blue lines.

Dougie steps up because he’s got some help from the side and behind NYI 48, which forces a would-be puck carrier to dump at the red line. Dillon sees that develop and is on the hop for a retrieval. Seconds later, Dougie makes a neat slip pass and NJ exits the zone.