After three preseason losses, the New Jersey Devils are feeling the pressure, and new head coach Sheldon Keefe is making sure his team knows it.
While many might dismiss preseason games as unimportant, Keefe doesn’t see it that way.
To him, effort is everything, no matter what the situation.
From the start, he’s made it clear that players will be held accountable, and that’s especially important with big expectations hanging over the team this season.
The Devils are gearing up for something special—the NHL Global Series against the Buffalo Sabres in Prague, Czechia.
As it’s not preseason anymore, this international event adds extra pressure.
The Devils last played in a Global Series in 2018-19, when they beat the Edmonton Oilers 5-2 in Sweden.
That season turned out well, as they won the 2019 NHL Draft Lottery and brought in Jack Hughes, who is now one of their top players.
And they hope to build on what general manager Tom Fitzgerald has put together and push for a playoff spot.
Keefe, an experienced coach, is known for assessing his players using traditional methods and advanced analytics.
At the core of his approach, he focuses on building chemistry and making sure each player understands their role.
He tends to have a fast, skilled line, a strong forechecking line, and a physical line that can wear down opponents.
With some European players on the team, like Jacob Markstrom, Simon Nemec, and Ondrej Palat, the Devils might easily adjust to the European atmosphere.
However, for the North American players, it will take some getting used to, especially with the time zone changes and different play styles.
Sheldon Keefe’s first practice as #NJDevils head coach is underway. pic.twitter.com/SZUDfmXczh
— Bill Spaulding (@BillSpaulding) September 19, 2024
Even as the preseason losses pile up, Keefe is staying focused on what really matters—evaluating his players and figuring out the best line combinations.
For example, forward Nathan Bastian is trying to bounce back after a hit to the head, and he’s been working on getting in sync with his linemates Curtis Lazar and Michael McLeod.
Keefe has high hopes for this fourth line, expecting them to be one of the league’s toughest, most physical lines, capable of controlling the puck and tiring out the opposition.
But, of course, not everyone is going to make the final roster.
Young defenseman Seamus Casey, for instance, has some tough competition with guys like Dougie Hamilton, Jonas Siegenthaler, and Simon Nemec all in the mix.
And Keefe is in no rush to bring prospects like Casey into the NHL.
He believes in giving them time to develop in the AHL before throwing them into the deep end against bigger, more experienced players.
Despite the preseason struggles, including a recent loss to the Washington Capitals, in which the Devils’ defense gave up four unanswered goals, Keefe is sticking to his plan.
After that game, he didn’t hold back, calling out his players, particularly the top line, for not working hard enough.
“We didn’t play hard enough,” Keefe said bluntly.
“When you don’t put in the effort, you end up with defensive breakdowns.”
He knows the Devils need to get it together quickly because they have only one more preseason game before they head to Prague for the Global Series.
The final preseason game, against the New York Islanders, will be the last chance for Keefe to make adjustments before the games start to really count.
He’s expecting the team to take a big step forward regarding effort and performance.
“The process of getting ready for the season is what the preseason is all about,” Keefe explained.
Rightfully so, he’s looking for progress, and he wants to see that in the Islanders game.
However, injuries have also been an issue during training camp.
Brett Pesce missed some time but is now back skating with the team.
Unfortunately, defenseman Santeri Hatakka, who was looking good for a spot on the opening night roster, is sidelined for a while with an injury.
Given the circumstances, Keefe doesn’t expect him back soon.
On the positive side, Jack Hughes, the team’s star forward, is expected to be fully ready for the regular season.
Hughes sat out the recent preseason game against the Islanders as a precaution after picking up a minor Charley horse.
To reassure fans, Keefe said that Hughes would have played if it had been a regular-season game.
For his part, Hughes himself is focused on being 100% for the games in Prague.
“Obviously, he practiced today (Friday). So, if this is the regular season game, he’s absolutely playing. But, he’s of the mind that he wants to be certain that he’s 100% when we get to Prague. So we gave him the day here today. We expect him to be ready to go and ready to be Jack when we get to Prague.” Keefe said.
Hughes, who missed a chunk of last season due to a shoulder injury, is eager to make a big impact this year.
Speaking on the “NHL @TheRink” podcast, he said he’s feeling great and is excited about the team’s chances.
Last season was frustrating for him as he missed 20 games, and the team failed to meet expectations.
Now, with a new coach and new players, Hughes believes the Devils are ready to bounce back and get back to where they were a couple of years ago.
Meanwhile, veteran players are also stepping up.
Erik Haula, who missed the start of camp due to illness, is expected to center the third line alongside Palat and Stefan Noesen.
And Haula had a solid season last year, scoring 16 goals and leading the team’s forwards in shorthanded ice time.
His experience will be important as the Devils look to start the season strong, especially with the unusual schedule of starting overseas in Prague.
Overall, Sheldon Keefe is making it clear that he’s not here to accept anything less than maximum effort from his team.
While the preseason has highlighted areas where the Devils need to improve, Keefe’s emphasis on accountability and his clear vision for the team is setting the stage for a promising season.
With the Global Series just around the corner, the Devils have a unique opportunity to show they’re ready to compete.
Like any team facing adjustments, these early struggles are simply part of the process, and Keefe is confident they’ll be stronger for it when the regular season begins.