Devils Daily: Blackwood Bearish on Sharing Net; Graves Faces Early Criticism

No, ex-New Jersey Devils goaltender, Mackenzie Blackwood is not thrilled with having to share the net with not just a fellow ex-Devils goaltender, but a third goalie who is likely the future of the San Jose Sharks organization.

Blackwood didn’t make too much of a fuss, but he certainly made it clear he prefers a larger workload.

Devils fans never really got to experience that with Blackwood. But, it sounds like he wants to increase his workload after a fully healthy 2023-24.

More on Blackwood in the links.

Also in the links, the Devils postgame following their 4-2 loss to the New York Islanders. Hear from head coach Sheldon Keefe on the conditioning of his team, thoughts on the “Meat Line.”

Elsewhere, ex-Devils defenseman faces more criticism in Pittsburgh, Philly’s youth takeover, Evander Kane’s surgery, and more.

Let’s do that hockey.

Devils News

New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils drop their first game of the preseason to the New York Islanders 4-2 in regulation. Head coach Sheldon Keefe explains why New Jersey slowed down in the latter half of the game, plus he praises the newly minted “Meat Line” who were far and away the Devils’ best trio.

New Jersey Hockey Now +

Subscribe to NJHN+ and use code James10 for 10% off (yearly subscriptions) at checkout.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane underwent successful, comprehensive surgery on Friday that will hold him out of game action until 2025.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: It’s literally the first game in the preseason for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Yet, ex-Devils defenseman, Ryan Graves, is already facing backlash for his performance — which is certainly a branch from his struggles last season.

San Jose Hockey Now: The San Jose Sharks employ not one, but two ex-Devils goaltenders. Both are going into contract years, but it sounds like they could carry three goaltenders with Yaroslav Askarov in the mix. Mackenzie Blackwood didn’t hesitate to express his preference on the matter.

Philly Hockey Now: After last season, the Philadelphia Flyers are officially going through a transition period. With the arrival of their top prospect, Matvei Michkov, the Flyers’ youth takeover is in motion. (+)

For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now and like our Facebook page.

Follow us on 𝕏:

@NJDHockeyNow, @JamesNicholsNHL, @NickNatale10

And on Threads:

@JamesNicholsNHL