Brewin Flames

Game #3 CGY 2 Caps 3 SO Matthew Phillips scores against his old team, Capitals beat the Flames 3-2 in a shootout 0:21 Caps beat Flames in shootout Nazem Kadri flicks his shot off the post as the Washington Capitals prevail in a shootout over the Calgary Flames. ByAP Updated: Oct 16, 2023, 10:37 pm WASHINGTON -- — Standing under the words “SOMETHING TO PROVE” painted above him in the Washington Capitals locker room, Matthew Phillips flashed a wide smile after scoring his first NHL goal against his old team, the Calgary Flames. “It feels pretty good," Phillips said. "I’ll leave it at that.” The 5-foot-7, 140-pound winger scored to spark a rally as the Capitals picked up their first win of the season by beating Calgary 3-2 in a shootout Monday night. Phillips, a 2016 sixth-round pick of the Flames who spent seven years in their organization, also assisted on Connor McMichael's goal three minutes after his and was one of the most dynamic players on the ice. Asked if he thought he'd score against Calgary, Phillips responded: “I like to picture myself scoring every night. ... I’m always trying to play my best every single game, and tonight was no different." Capitals goaltender Darcy Kuemper was also at his best, making 38 saves in regulation and overtime and three more in the shootout. It was his first game back since the birth of his first child, and Kuemper celebrated the victory by mimicking the motion of rocking a baby. “It just kind of came to me," Kuemper said. "I hadn’t thought about it going into it, but it just kind of happened, so it was funny.” Evgeny Kuznetsov scored the only goal in the shootout to cap the rally, making up for two ill-advised penalties he took earlier in the night. The Capitals were outshot 40-23, including 18-3 in the first period alone after giving up the game's first 13 before registering one. But Kuemper was sharp throughout, including a stop on a penalty shot by Blake Coleman with 14 minutes remaining in the third. “He’s got a little bit of that dad strength now and he was phenomenal tonight,” McMichael said. "He faced a lot of rubber, especially when we needed him and we weren’t playing our best. He kept us in that game.” After being shut out in the season opener and the first 26-plus minutes against the Flames, the Capitals' offensive outburst gave new coach Spencer Carbery his first NHL victory. Adam Ruzicka and Dillon Dube scored for the Flames, and goaltender Jacob Markstrom's struggles against the Capitals continued. Markstrom allowed two goals on 23 shots to fall to 1-8-2 against them during his career. “When you look at our three games, we’ve gotten better every game and that’s what we want to keep seeing,” rookie coach Ryan Huska said. “It’s a step in the right direction for us, for sure. Yes, we would have wanted the extra point, no doubt, and that at the end of the day is what it’s all about, but we’re getting there.”

If am not mistaken, Rossi and Faber had 1st career goals in the same game.

10/12/23

Games played on 10/14/23 Sens Mark Kastelic vs Flyers Nick Seeler Winner ? Jets Mark Scheifele vs Matthew Tkachuk Winner ? Ducks Sam Carrick vs VGK Keegan Kolesar Winner ? Wild Marcus Foligno vs Leafs Ryan Reaves Winner ?

10/14/23

Game # 2 Bos 3 Preds 2 James van Riemsdyk scores 2 PP goals; Bruins beat Nashville 3-2 0:30 James van Riemsdyk scores on the power play for Bruins James van Riemsdyk scores on the power play for Bruins ByAP Updated: Oct 14, 2023, 10:53 pm BOSTON -- — James van Riemsdyk broke a tie with his second goal of the game early in the third period, David Pastrnak scored on a penalty shot, and the Boston Bruins beat the Nashville Predators 3-2 on Saturday night. Both of van Riemsdyk’s goals — his first two in his initial season with the Bruins — came on a power play. “Anytime you get your first one, it definitely helps you relax a little bit,” he said. “We moved the puck around pretty well and we made good plays just to get the puck to the net. We kept it simple and tried to get traffic down there and, obviously, we got rewarded.” Jeremy Swayman made 33 saves in his season debut for Boston (2-0), which killed seven penalties. Colton Sissons scored both goals for the Predators (1-2) and Juuse Saros made 28 stops. Saros has played all their games so far this season. “I think both sides of the special teams left wanting more tonight,” Sissons said. “We had a lot of opportunities on the power play, but we've got to do our job on the penalty kill.” Nashville went 0 for 7 on the power play. “That’s why we got that win,” Swayman said. “It was special to see guys stick to a game plan and not get down on themselves when we get penalty after penalty.” Positioned in the slot, van Riemsdyk tipped in Charlie McAvoy’s shot for the go-ahead goal 2:52 into the final period. Pastrnak’s goal — his third of the season — came with 5:14 left in the second, giving the Bruins a 2-1 edge. Pastrnak was awarded a penalty shot after Alexandre Carrier held his stick on a clean breakaway. Pastrnak slowly skated down the center and fired a wrist shot over Saros’ left shoulder. Nashville tied it with the goalie pulled for a delayed Boston penalty when Sissons tipped in Roman Josi’s shot from the point at 16:54. Coming off a shutout win over Seattle in their home opener, the Predators grabbed a 1-0 edge when Sissons one-timed Kiefer Sherwood’s drop pass inside the left post 3:29 into the game. Boston tied it on van Riemsdyk’s first goal at 14:48. He was attempting to center a pass from the side of the net when it caromed in off Nashville defenseman Dante Fabbro. With Nashville on a power play midway through the second period, Bruins defenseman Derek Forbort knocked the puck out of the crease just before it crossed the goal line. “When you lose the special team battle, it’s hard to win in this league,” Predators coach Andrew Brunette said. “We lost it pretty big time tonight.” NEW PACE Bruins coach Jim Montgomery feels like the Predators have a different approach this season after missing the playoffs. “They’re much more of a fastbreak team, more of a transition team than they were before,” he said.

Game #2 CGY 2 Pens 5 Malkin, Penguins surge past Flames with 5 goals in the third period for a 5-2 win 1:48 Calgary Flames vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: Full Highlights Calgary Flames vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: Full Highlights ByAP Updated: Oct 14, 2023, 11:14 pm PITTSBURGH -- — Evgeni Malkin had a goal and an assist during a five-goal third-period surge and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Calgary Flames 5-2 on Saturday night. Malkin tied Alexander Mogilny for third-most goals in NHL history among Russian-born players. Malkin, who scored his 473rd career goal, trails only Sergei Fedorov (483) and Alex Ovechkin (822). Malkin and the Penguins admittedly aren’t happy after their run of 16 consecutive playoff appearances ended last spring. “I want to win, I want to play hard,” Malkin said. “We don’t like to miss the playoffs. These points are the same two points in March or February.” Bryan Rust scored twice, including a late empty-net goal, while Reilly Smith and Jake Guentzel also scored during Pittsburgh’s big third-period comeback, as the Penguins won one night after shutting out Washington on the road. Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 34 shots for Pittsburgh. Nedeljkovic, who spent time with Detroit last season, made his first start for the Penguins. He’s played parts of six NHL seasons with Carolina and Detroit and was a finalist for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the league’s top rookie, in 2020-21. “It builds confidence and it feels good,” Nedeljkovic said. “I didn’t get many looks during the preseason, so it was good to get out there and have a good showing.” Matt Coronato’s first NHL goal was scored on the power play for Calgary. Jonathan Huberdeau scored his first of the season for the Flames, who opened a five-game road trip. Jacob Markstrom made 24 saves for the Flames. “The hard part is we had a good first two periods,” said Flames head coach Ryan Huska. “You have to recognize the work ethic was there for the most part.” Malkin took a drop pass from Smith and snuck in a wrist shot at 14:14 of the third period for his milestone goal. He has six points in his first three games. “There’s lots of motivation,” Malkin said. “I don’t want to step on the ice and do nothing and just skate around.” Rust tied the game at 1 just 18 seconds into the third period. Smith gave Pittsburgh a 2-1 lead just 23 seconds later, the second-fastest two goals to start a period in franchise history. Smith, an offseason acquisition who won the Stanley Cup with Vegas last season, scored his second goal in as many games. He took a pass from Malkin and beat Markstrom with a one-timer from between the circles. “We were hoping (Smith and Malkin) were going to develop some chemistry and that’s one of the reasons why we put them together from the first day,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. Guentzel put Pittsburgh in front 3-1 at 5:50 of the third period. Guetnzel, who has points in three straight games, is two goals away from 200 in his career. Coronato opened the scoring at 18:22 of the second period with a power-play goal. The No. 13 overall pick in 2021 took a slot pass from Elias Lindholm and fired a one-timer behind Nedeljkovic from the bottom of the circle. “It’s hard to think about it, the way we came out and played in the third,” Coronato said. “It was a great play by (Lindholm) and it was good to get it.” HANIFIN’S MILESTONE Flames D Noah Hanifin became the 10th-youngest defenseman in NHL history to skate in 600 games on Saturday. Hanifin, who has 49 goals and 240 points, is the first player from the 2015 draft class to reach that mark. The former No. 5 overall picked played his first 239 games in Carolina before a trade to Calgary ahead of the 2018-19 season.

Jets just opened up the floodgate... Chuck wanted no part of Lowry.

Games played on 10/13/23 Pens Marcus Pettersson vs Caps Tom Wilson Winner ?

Go Wolverines....

Toronto...fixed it for ya.

Another insane contract.

Brock Faber 1st NHL Goal

Games played on 10/12/23 Sharks Kyle Burroughs vs VGK Keegan Kolesar Winner ?

Yep, for a guy in his second year in the NHL, warrants 56 million....

Was really happy i got to see it, was really pissed that it came against Boston.

Boeser scores 4 goals, Canucks ease past Oilers in season opener Miller has 4 points for Vancouver; Campbell pulled by Edmonton in 2nd period ByKevin Woodley NHL.com Independent Correspondent VANCOUVER -- Brock Boeser scored four goals for the first time in his NHL career, and the Vancouver Canucks opened the season with a 8-1 win against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Arena on Wednesday. His four goals tied a record for the most by a Canucks player in a season opener (Greg Adams on Oct. 8, 1987; Rick Blight on Oct. 6, 1976). Boeser didn’t score in the first 11 games last season and finished with 18 goals, the second-fewest of his NHL career. “I’d say it’s pretty high,” Boeser said of his confidence. “I got to that mindset in the summer where I’ve got to be a better hockey player and really work hard. I came back and it continues every day. I’ve got to have that same mindset tomorrow, the next practice, the morning skate, I’ve got to keep it going.” EDM@VAN: Boeser records 4 goals against Oilers J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson each had a goal and three assists, and Quinn Hughes had three assists for the Canucks (1-0-0). “It was great, not just me personally, but the whole team,” Boeser said. Thatcher Demko made 21 saves before being replaced by Casey DeSmith (five saves) with 11:46 left in the third period. Vancouver coach Rick Tochett said Demko was suffering from a flu bug going through the team. “He started feeling dehydrated,” Tocchet said. “He didn’t want to come out but when he [vomited] in his mask I said, ‘You’ve got to come out.’” Leon Draisaitl scored, and Jack Campbell was pulled in the second period after giving up four goals on 16 shots for the Oilers (0-1-0). Stuart Skinner made 12 saves. “We laid an egg tonight. We all own it,” Edmonton coach Jay Woodcroft said. “We're all in in this one together, and the bottom line is we were at a preseason level of work ethic and a preseason level of execution, all of us, and we got a lesson in regular-season work ethic and regular-season battle level and we were not good enough tonight to a man. Every single one of us.” EDM@VAN: Garland finishes Pettersson's nifty pass Conor Garland gave the Canucks a 1-0 lead at 8:06 of the first period, finishing a give-and-go with Pettersson off the rush with a quick deke alone in tight. Boeser made it 2-0 at 11:27 with a wrist shot over Campbell’s glove from the left slot. He scored again to make it 3-0 at 4:03 of the second period by batting a loose puck out of the air after Campbell made a tough rebound save off Miller. Boeser made it 4-0 on the power play at 7:30 for his fourth career hat trick, and first since Oct. 30, 2019, after Pettersson’s cross-ice pass hit his leg in the slot and went in under Campbell’s pad. “Not sure how to explain that start to your season,” said Oilers captain Connor McDavid, who had one assist and was minus-3. “We obviously want to learn from it. We want to see where things went wrong and learn from it and get ready to go again. We play Saturday (against the Canucks), excited to play at home, excited to play these guys again, another opportunity to redeem ourselves.” Skinner replaced Campbell after the goal. “We're trying to stem the tide a little bit, change momentum,” Woodcroft said. “It didn't work. We didn't get much better.” EDM@VAN: Draisaitl hammers home one-timer PPG Draisaitl scored on a sharp-angled one-timer on the power play 50 seconds later at 8:20 to make it 4-1, but Vancouver restored the four-goal lead on the power play when Pettersson used Boeser as a screen to make it 5-1 at 11:08. Boeser tapped his fourth goal into an open net at 5:43 of the third after a shot hit Miller in the slot and bounced to him on the backdoor to make it 6-1. Miller scored on the power play at 6:56 to make it 7-1, and Dakota Joshua converted a 2-on-1 at 14:48 for the 8-1 final. "We didn’t give them many opportunities today,” Miller said. "It means a lot. I’ve been thinking about this game for a while. We knew this matchup was probably coming and when you go against the best in the world (McDavid and Draisaitl), it’s very exciting and challenging."

Game # 1 CGY 5 Jets 3 Andrew Mangiapane has 2 goals and an assist, Flames beat Jets 5-3 in opener 1:49 Winnipeg Jets vs. Calgary Flames: Full Highlights Winnipeg Jets vs. Calgary Flames: Full Highlights ByAP Updated: Oct 12, 2023, 02:40 am CALGARY, Alberta -- — Andrew Mangiapane had two goals and an assist and the Calgary Flames beat the Winnipeg Jets 5-3 on Wednesday night in their season opener. “A big two points,” Mangiapane said. “There was good resilience to come back and not get away from the game. Just to kick off the season with a win is huge.” Elias Lindholm added a goal and two assists, defensemen Rasmus Andersson and MacKenzie Weegar also scored, and Jacob Markstrom made 34 saves. “A big, big game for him and we’re going to need a lot more of those from him,” Mangiapane said about Markstrom. Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor and Alex Iafallo scored for Winnipeg, with Connor Hellebuyck stopping 17 shots. “We certainly played well enough to get at least a point out of there,” Jets coach Rick Bowness said. “It didn’t go our way tonight on a couple of things.” Winnipeg outshot Calgary 28-14 after two periods, but trailed 3-2. Scheifele tied it with 5:42 left, and Lindholm put the Flames back in front with 1:32 to go when he was fed by Mangiapane from behind the net. Mangiapane added an empty-netter.

Power signs 7-year, $58.45 million contract with Sabres Defenseman to make $8.35 million annually beginning next season October 11, 2023 Owen Power signed a seven-year, $58.45 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday. The contract begins next season and has an average annual value of $8.35 million. The 20-year-old defenseman was the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. He was a finalist for the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year last season when he had 35 points (four goals, 31 assists) in 79 games. He led all rookies in average time on ice (23:48) and ranked fifth among all NHL skaters in total even-strength ice time (1,634:47). He is entering the final season of a three-year, entry-level contract. Power’s signing came two days after Buffalo signed defenseman Rasmus Dahlin to an eight-year, $88 million contract ($11 million AAV), which also begins next season. Dahlin was the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. "What’s been very clear with our conversations with Owen Power from the beginning is this is where he wants to be,” Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said Monday. “So, I’m open, but obviously when you have a player that you feel is a critical piece of your core at his age, to have him in his prime years, yeah, of course, we'd look to the longer side. But it doesn’t mean that ... it has to work for both sides, and I’m open to making sure we're putting ourselves and the player in the best position moving forward. Owen certainly knows that, and we'll keep talking about it." Buffalo was fifth in the Atlantic Division last season (42-33-7), finishing one point behind the Florida Panthers for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference.

Games played on 10/11/23 Van Dakota Joshua vs EDM Vincent Desharnias Winner ? Hawks Jason Dickinson vs Bos John Beecher Winner ? Avs Logan O'Connor vs LA Alex Laferriere Winner ? Habs Arber Xhekaj vs Leafs Ryan Reaves Winner ?

Connor Bedard scores first NHL goal in Blackhawks' loss to Bruins ESPN News Services Oct 11, 2023, 10:25 PM ET BOSTON -- With Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito and other hockey greats in the building to celebrate the start of the Bruins' 100th season, Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard took another early step toward joining them on Wednesday night when he scored his first career NHL goal. "It's a big relief," said Bedard, who posed with the puck in the locker room after the 3-1 loss to Boston. "You want to get one really bad, quick, and kind of get that out of the way. But it was really cool moment and cool building to do it in."David Pastrnak scored to break a second-period tie and added an empty-netter for Boston, which won its season opener a year after setting NHL records for wins and points but then losing in the first round of the playoffs. The Bruins victory spoiled the milestone for Bedard, the league's most anticipated rookie in nearly a decade. The No. 1 overall draft pick also registered his first penalty and gave the Blackhawks a scare when he crashed into the boards skates-first late in the third period and was slow getting up. He remained in the game and pronounced himself "great" afterward. "I think he was more gassed, and tired and disappointed that he missed," Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson said. "He's fine. He just missed a chance there. When he was going in there, I thought the game was going to be tied." Arvid Soderblom stopped 32 shots for the Blackhawks, who beat Pittsburgh in their opener on Tuesday, when Bedard had an assist for his first NHL point. He topped that in Boston when he scored on a wraparound that beat Ullmark and made it 1-0. With his goal, Bedard became the fourth-ever No. 1 overall pick, and first since Nathan MacKinnon in 2013-14, to record points in each of his first two career games as an 18-year-old. "I remember, like, being behind the net and kind of seeing it and I was just like, 'Don't screw this up,'" Bedard said. "And then once it went in, just a lot of joy, for sure."

Connor Bedard's first NHL Goal 10/11/23

Game # 1 Bos 3 Chicago 1 Rookie Bedard scores, but Pastrnak pots 2 to lead Bruins past Blackhawks 3-1 0:40 Connor Bedard scores his first NHL goal for the Blackhawks Connor Bedard is relentless in front of goal as he grabs his own rebounded shot and slots it in. ByAP Updated: Oct 11, 2023, 11:28 pm BOSTON -- — With Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito and other hockey greats in the building to celebrate the start of the Bruins' 100th season, Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard took another early step toward joining them on Wednesday night when he scored his first career NHL goal. “It’s a big relief,” said Bedard, who posed with the puck in the locker room after the 3-1 loss to Boston. “You want to get one really bad, quick, and kind of get that out of the way. But it was really cool moment and cool building to do it in.” David Pastrnak scored to break a second-period tie and added an empty-netter for Boston, which won its season opener a year after setting NHL records for wins and points but then losing in the first round of the playoffs. The Bruins victory spoiled the milestone for Bedard, the league's most anticipated rookie in nearly a decade. The No. 1 overall draft pick also registered his first penalty and gave the Blackhawks a scare when he crashed into the boards skates-first late in the third period and was slow getting up. He remained in the game and pronounced himself “great” afterward. “I think he was more gassed, and tired and disappointed that he missed,” Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson said. “He’s fine. He just missed a chance there. When he was going in there, I thought the game was going to be tied.” Trent Frederic also scored for Boston and reigning Vezina Trophy-winner Linus Ullmark made 20 saves. Matthew Poitras, the Bruins’ top rookie, assisted on Frederic’s goal for his first career NHL point. Arvid Soderblom stopped 32 shots for the Blackhawks, who beat Pittsburgh in their opener on Tuesday, when Bedard had an assist for his first NHL point. He topped that in Boston when he scored on a wraparound that beat Ullmark and made it 1-0. “I remember, like, being behind the net and kind of seeing it and I was just like, ‘Don’t screw this up,’” Bedard said. “And then once it went in, just a lot of joy, for sure." Frederic tied it midway through the first and Pastrnak beat Soderblom on his glove side to give Boston the lead on a feed from Milan Lucic. Pastrnak made it 3-1 with just under a minute left when Soderblom was pulled for an extra skater. OTHER FIRSTS Bedard drew a penalty for tripping Brad Marchand in the second period. He remained in the game after his awkward collision into the boards with about five minutes left, but was working out the kinks in his right shoulder after talking to reporters in the locker room. Boston rookie Johnny Beecher picked up his first penalty when he got in a fight with Jason Dickinson in the third period. HALL PASS Chicago forward Taylor Hall did not play in the third period after leaving the ice in the second following a hit from Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo. Hall, who played in Boston last year, tried one more shift but then told the trainers he was done. Richardson pronounced the 2010 No. 1 overall pick week-to-week with an unspecified upper body injury. “I think — especially being in Boston — he really wanted to get back out there and give it a go,” Richardson said, saying the blindside hit from Brandon Carlo was illegal. “I know exactly what it is because I used to do it all the time. But now it’s not in the game. So we just hope that there’s not a lot of those there that we see because they’re they’re not great for anybody.” A CENTURY OF BRUINS The Bruins opened their 100th season with a ceremony to welcome back some of their greats, including Orr, Esposito and Ray Bourque. More recent players and members of the 2011 Stanley Cup champions included Patrice Bergeron, Tim Thomas and Zdeno Chara. Family members representing the late Eddie Shore, Dit Clapper and Milt Schmidt also took part. Willie O’Ree, who broke the NHL’s color barrier in 1958, appeared by video from his home in San Diego.

Ruff signs multiyear contract with Devils Coach was Jack Adams Award finalist last season, led New Jersey to franchise records in wins, points ByMike G. Morreale @mikemorrealeNHL NHL.com Staff Writer 10:23 AM NEWARK, N.J. -- New Jersey Devils coach Lindy Ruff signed a multiyear contract Wednesday. Ruff, who was hired July 9, 2020, will enter his fourth season. His four-year contract, which included an option for 2023-24, was set to expire at the end of this season. "I'm humbled by the opportunity, and we're excited about where the group is and where we can go and I really like we're where the team is at and just want to continue," Ruff said. "We have a special group in Jersey and there's an opportunity to accomplish long-term success, make a lot of positive memories and give our fans a lot to cheer about." The 63-year-old helped New Jersey (52-22-8, 112 points) to franchise records for wins and points last season, when it improved by 49 points over 2021-22, the largest year-over-year gain since the NHL implemented an 82-game schedule in 1995-96. He was a finalist for the Jack Adams Award voted as the top coach in the NHL for the fourth time, representing his third team (Buffalo Sabres, 2005-06, when he won the award, and 2006-07; Dallas Stars, 2015-16). Ruff, who has been an NHL coach in some capacity for 30 straight years beginning as an assistant with the Florida Panthers in 1993-94, is proud of the way he’s evolved as a coach over the years. "Coaching is so much different than year one," Ruff said. "I'll only bring up the understanding, communicating and listening to the players so that you basically have a partnership with them now. They have to understand what you're trying to do with your coaching staff, and we have to understand a lot of times where they're coming from. "In dealing with those type of players today, it's a challenge, but I think that if you have the ability to listen and communicate with them, which I think has come a long ways from my day one of coaching, both individuals can grow." One such player is Devils center Jack Hughes, who set a franchise record with 99 points (43 goals, 56 assists) in 78 games last season. "I think he came in here and he just told me ... he kind of let me run," Hughes said. "He was just like, 'Man, I think you can be a special player.' He's just allowed me to develop as a player and just allowed me to be me. That's the best part about Lindy, in my case. He's just allowed me to be myself and he's empowered me. At the same time, he's coached me hard, but he's just been the guy that's gotten me to where I'm at in my career so I got a lot of respect for him. "We're heading into our fourth year now, so it's a lot of trust in the relationship with each other. I think we're both really excited for this year and we'll continue to help move the team up the mountain." Ruff appreciates what Hughes has been able to do his past four seasons and has a good idea on how he can become an even better player. "I think it's important for a young player to know that his gift is something that you got to let him execute," Ruff said. "At his pace and speed, he sees things a lot different probably than anybody else sees it. You got to understand that you have to live with some mistakes as a coach. I think that's where we were. I think [Hughes] also understands now that there's a time and a place for some of his special skills." Ruff is fifth in NHL history in games coached (1,713) and wins (834). He also had 300 points (105 goals, 195 assists) in 691 games as an NHL defenseman for the Sabres and New York Rangers from 1979-91. Last season, the Devils qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2018 and advanced to the Eastern Conference Second Round for the first time since 2012. Ruff is looking forward to building on what the team accomplished last season. "We've earned the right to embrace expectations," Ruff said. "That's something that going into last year we talked a lot about ... playing meaningful games and being a playoff team. We ended up in a great position. Now we know what is expected, we know where we're at and I think you have to welcome that challenge. "Really the next step for our club is to know that we're not going to surprise anybody. That everybody is going to be ready for us and you've got recognition for how well you've played as a team."