The New Jersey Devils signed defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic to a contract extension on the 2025 NHL Commerce Deadline. Kovacevic joined the Devils from the Montreal Canadiens by way of commerce within the offseason. And he has turned out to be an necessary addition to New Jersey’s blueline. Nevertheless, head coach Sheldon Keefe was none too happy together with his defenseman on Saturday evening.
The Devils misplaced to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday by the rating of 3-2. Following the sport, Kovacevic spoke concerning the staff’s positioning relative to the race for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And he hoped video games like this put his staff in additional of a postseason mindset.
“We’re in a struggle, and hopefully that will get us in that playoff mentality 10, 11 video games out. Clearly the outcomes are powerful, however we’re in a struggle right here. And we’re not going to again down,” the Devils defenseman mentioned, by way of Sportsnet.
Keefe apparently didn’t like these feedback from his defenseman. The Devils coach was requested about them throughout his press convention. He did not even enable the reporter to complete the query earlier than sharing his ideas. “Kovacevic simply must play higher. That might assist,” Keefe mentioned, by way of Sportsnet.
Sheldon Keefe’s Devils have been hit with damage bug
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The Devils have loved an total profitable season. New Jersey needed to contend for a Stanley Cup in 2025. And so far, they appear as if they’ll have an opportunity to do exactly that. The Devils are six factors forward of the New York Rangers for third within the Metropolitan Division. This is able to see them make the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Nevertheless, the staff has seen a dip of their performances as of late. And a slew of brutal accidents actually issue into this. Jack Hughes is out with an damage for the rest of the season. Defenseman Dougie Hamilton can also be out with an damage. And the staff can also be with out defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler, as effectively.
New Jersey did effectively to climate the storm a bit, profitable three straight video games. Nevertheless, their newer run of type is much less spectacular. The Devils have misplaced three of their final 4 video games. This contains the loss on Saturday to the Senators on house ice.
It appears as if frustrations boiled over following the loss to Ottawa. Keefe and Kovacevic will seemingly deal with this case behind the scenes. And they’ll want to take action in fast order. The Devils retake the ice on Monday evening when New Jersey performs host to the Vancouver Canucks.