Things are turning around for the 2019-20 New Jersey Devils as they won their first two games of the season. Jersey Joe Stanislau and Jim Biringer from lastwordonhockey.com are back with a new episode of the Jersey Joe Corner podcast. In this episode, along with the two wins, the boys discuss Nico Hischier‘s new contract, Jack Hughes‘s first NHL goal, and so much more.
Jersey Joe Corner
Winless No More
The boys have a special intro courtesy of Lou Brown from the movie Major League: “We won a game yesterday if we win one today that’s two in a row. If we win one tomorrow that’s called a winning streak. It has happened before. SO LET’S SEE SOME HUSTLE! SO LET’S JACK IT UP A LITTLE! I GOT A FEELING THINGS ARE GOING TO TURN AROUND FOR US!”
That is right, the New Jersey Devils are winless no more. Joe and Jim are excited to talk about the Devils’ two victories over the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks. Joe brings the positive vibes talking about the newfound defensive structure in the Devils’ game. Jim backs him up as the Devils were able to shutdown Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, and Kaapo Kakko. The boys bring up the last episode of the Jersey Joe Corner citing how the Rangers were the perfect opponent to find their groove against.
The show transitions over to the game against the Canucks. MacKenzie Blackwood once again got the start. With Will Butcher sidelined with an upper-body injury, Andy Greene returned to the lineup. Jersey Joe brought up the Devils’ ability to block shots, especially with a potent Canucks’ power play. With players like Brock Boeser, Bo Horvat, Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, Quinn Hughes, and others, New Jersey showed they can play a defensive game as well. Jim brings up the point about how the Canucks would be a tough team to play against because of the play of Thatcher Demko.
Welcome to the National
During the game against the Canucks, first overall pick Jack Hughes picked up his first career NHL goal. This came a game after picking up his first career NHL point against the Rangers. Jim tells Joe that Jack will have some bragging rights around the dinner table with his older brother Quinn. Joe mentions how the Hughes family was in attendance for the game and it was a special moment for the two brothers to play against each other.
Swiss Delight
Jersey Joe transitions the show over to some off-ice transaction moves by the Devils, specifically Nico Hischier. Jersey Jim breaks down the new seven-year contract for the Devils number one center. Hischier remains out the lineup, but will probably return at the end of the week given the Devils have a break before their next game. Jim gives the audience some of Hischier comparables which include Clayton Keller of the Arizona Coyotes and Kyle Connor of the Winnipeg Jets. Joe brings up the trend of this RFA class not waiting to sign extensions. The next one to look for is Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders.
The boys then discuss the latest on what is going on with Taylor Hall. Which is nothing new as talks remain ongoing. The boys then look ahead to the upcoming game against the Coyotes and what challenges they bring.
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