SHELDON KEEFE MEDIA AVAILABILITY
NEWARK, NJ – The Devils did not hold a morning skate ahead of facing the Chicago Blackhawks at Prudential Center. Head coach Sheldon Keefe met with the media ahead of time.
On Nico Hischier playing in his 600th NHL game
Consistent, smart, selfless, willing to do whatever it takes for the team to win. Things you want to have in a leader and a captain. He’s certainly been a pleasure to have and work with him, so great achievement for him.
On the lineup and starting goalie
Same lineup, but Jake (Allen) will go (in net).
On facing Chicago
Bounce back. We lost a game yesterday, but it was a pretty good road trip for us. It hasn’t been an easy schedule. We’re going t have to play smart here today. We’re playing against a team that has lots of skill, lots of talent. Just out playing, doing their thing, having fun. If we don’t play smart we’ll get the version that walks in and beats Minnesota in Minnesota or starts their road trip beating the Islanders like they did. We have to get our game back in order and be excited to be on home ice.
On facing Connor Bedard
Be smart. Take away his space. Don’t give him anything free and easy. Guys like him are so dangerous if you give them a little bit of space. He can shoot a puck. He can beat you 1-on-1. He’s very dangerous alone on the goalie. We have to take away his time and space, have numbers around him. The thing for him is similar for the rest of their group. Making him defend, keep their puck on their half of the ice. Keep it in our hands as. Much as we can. They have an ability for quick strike offense. They have a lot of speed and youth throughout their lineup that’s just out here playing. If you give them free and easy ice, they’re going to take it.
