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Devils Week 1 Highlights

Rookie Cozens, Dobson Lead the Way

By Nathan Erb

The New Jersey Devils have started the season 3-3, playing all one goal games before getting routed by the Nashville Predators 7-1. But unlike season's past, the Devils were able to put it behind them and answered with a 4-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. "It was the kind of response we haven't seen in recent seasons," said the Devils GM, "The team has a lot of good leaders, and our youth is out there having fun and didn't let it get to them."


The team also missed Jonathan Drouin for the last 3 games to injury. Last year's breakout star will return to the lineup when the team takes on the Florida Panthers on Memorial Day.

In his absence, 19 year old rookie Dylan Cozens has led the way. Cozens has 7 points in 6 games and is making a case to stay with the big club all season. "He's proving to be a fantastic playmaker, and has shown immediate chemistry with Phil Kessel."

Defensively, the Devils are getting huge contributions from another young player in Noah Dobson. The 20 year old blueliner also has 7 points in 6 games and is playing 20 minutes a night in all situations. 

In net, Pavel Francouz has battled injuries to start the season, but has had a few good outings. The team will continue to lean on Pavel as he uses the next 2 days off to rest up. The real show in net has been on the farm. This year's 1st round pick, Yaroslav Askarov, is 3-0 with a .67 GAA. Laurent Brossoit is also off to a red hot start with a 2-1 record and 1.67 GAA. 

5/28/2021 - 278 words


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