Two games isn’t enough time in the NHL to make conclusions about anything. Be that as it may, I’m still going to go against that logical conclusion today. Prior to embarking on their Western Canada (and
Seattle) road trip, the New Jersey Devils decided to insert recent call-up Lenni Hameenaho into their lineup. He was slotted in on the fourth line, alongside fellow NHL rookie Arseny Gritsyuk and, I guess we call him the veteran of this bunch, Cody Glass.
The results? Promising so far.
There’s plenty of stats around about how they’re outshooting and out chancing opponents. Both goals from Tuesday night’s win over Edmonton belonged to the line, with Glass and Grits each being 1-1 after assisting each other as well. Maybe there’s some early chemistry that’s leading to the trio playing well together. Maybe they’re just taking advantage of playing against easier competition, while the upper lines deal with tougher match-ups. Yet, that’s not why I believe this line needs to stay together.
While I understand some fans desire for some more physicality in the Devils’ lineup, if the Devils add any, it needs to be skilled and physical, kind of like Timo Meier when he’s scoring. The Devils haven’t done well with guys who are advertised as physical or bringing undefined intangibles. We’ve seen them go from “fast, supportive, attacking” to… whatever this current amalgamation is. The discussion has been had about the struggles, the lack of identity, the lack of direction and how changing the team’s playstyle may have been a knee jerk reaction after a second round loss to Carolina a few years back.
But let’s focus on something good today and that’s the Devils potentially having a skilled fourth line back in the mix.
While it has again only been a short period f time, Hameenaho has not looked out of place. There’s sure to be rookie mistakes and growing pains along the way, but so far he looks like an NHL player. He’s certainly looked better than some of the other players who have been receiving constant minutes this season. The Devils already waived Juho Lammikko (who cleared) and can keep Luke Glendening in the press box. Even if Stefan Noesen is able to come back at some point this season, they can just send Lammikko down, or mutually terminate his contract if he doesn’t want to go to the AHL. Hameenaho may not have gotten onto the scoresheet yet, but with the way he’s playing it seems like it is only a matter of time.
I think for this line to find some extended success, the coaching staff needs to make sure they’re telling Gritsyuk to use his shot, which is definitely his best asset. Cody Glass may not have a lot of assists on the season at this point, but I feel that’s due in part to him shooting the puck, and also due to the others that he has played with not finishing their chances. He might start piling some more onto his total if he continues to play with Grits and if Grits continues to rack up some goals. I’m also expecting Lenni to get involved with the scoring as the familiarity grows between the three as well.
I do want to caution that both the team and fans will need to be patient with this line. The team can’t break them up the second something goes wrong. The fans can’t dump on them if they have a bad game either. Glass at 26 is the oldest player on the line; the other two weren’t in the NHL prior to this season. Let them continue to gel, let them have runs at lesser competition from opposing teams (especially at home with last line change), and maybe as they get it going, it will help to alleviate the pressure from the higher lines as well.
It may only be two games, but the possible return of having more speedy, skilled lines could be what pushes the 2025-26 team back in the correct direction.
What are your thoughts on the Devils new fourth line; do you want to see them stay together? Do you think there’s potential for a skilled group such as these three to exploit their matchups? Can and will the team afford to be patient with this line? Are you happier with more skill in the lineup, or do you think the Devils would be better off with more toughness added to their core group? Leave any and all comments down below and thanks as always for reading!
