Devils News
Devils Getting Unexpected Lineup Addition vs. Canadiens
Cody Glass is unexpected in against Montreal, while Connor Brown is not yet ready to play.
On Thursday morning, ahead of the New Jersey Devils’ tilt with the Montreal Canadiens, an unexpected development unfolded in terms of the lineup.
READ MORE: Devils Coach Dishes Hard Truth on Dawson Mercer’s Early Success
On Wednesday at practice, it looked like the Devils were getting Connor Brown back in the lineup on Thursday. However, they are instead getting Cody Glass against the Canadiens.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe explained a day prior that Connor Brown was feeling better, and his status was to be determined on Thursday morning. Yet, when Brown was absent from morning skate, it was an indication he’s still not ready to play.
Keefe later disclosed that it’s an upper-body injury, and he’s still sidelined for now.
“Brown wasn’t feeling as good [as yesterday] and is not where we want him to be so that’s going to take a little more time to resolve, so he’ll be out.”
However, Glass stepped on the ice and centered the Devils’ third line at morning skate. He fit snugly between Ondrej Palat and Arseny Gritsyuk.
On Glass returning, Keefe said, “[He] came in feeling better than expected from yesterday and is good to go [against Montreal].”
As a result, the unexpected changed the lines from what they looked like during Wednesday’s practice.
Projected Devils Lineup vs. Canadiens*
Forwards
Stefan Noesen – Jack Hughes – Jesper Bratt
Timo Meier – Nico Hischier – Dawson Mercer
Ondrej Palat – Cody Glass – Arseny Gritsyuk
Paul Cotter – Juho Lammikko – Luke Glendening
Defensemen
Jonas Siegenthaler – Dougie Hamilton
Brenden Dillon – Luke Hughes
Dennis Cholowski – Simon Nemec
Goaltenders
Jacob Markstrom
Jake Allen
Through six games this season, Glass potted two goals. His addition is more welcomed on the defensive side of the puck, however. The 26-year-old center has shown flashes of offense, yet it’s his defensive game that’s going to be an even bigger benefit. Plus, Glass’ return allows Dawson Mercer to return to second-line duties, reuniting his line with Timo Meier and Nico Hischier.
The Devils and Canadiens drop the puck tonight at 7:08 P.M. ET.
