Devils Preseason Notebook: Casey, Hamilton & More

With the New Jersey Devils traveling to Prague on Sept. 29, let's highlight what stood out from their first four preseason games

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Since the New Jersey Devils travel to Prague for the Global Series tomorrow, their 5-1 loss to the New York Islanders last night effectively ended their preseason. Sure, they have three exhibition games left, but that will mostly be the Utica Comets taking the ice.

Instead of solely focusing on last night's game against the Islanders, let's look back on the Devils' first four preseason games and highlight some key takeaways as they prep to take on the Buffalo Sabres in Prague in the Global Series.

Devils Still Looking to Find Their Groove

The Islanders and Washington Capitals games summed it up pretty well, but the Devils still have some work to do to get into the form. That's not particularly surprising since there's a new coach, a new system and plenty of new players, including a new starting goalie.

We're not going to put too much weight into the Devils' five-on-five numbers when they never iced a full NHL roster, but they totaled an expected goals share (xG%) of 39.11 percent across their first four preseason games.

Is that concerning? Maybe a bit, but I can almost promise they won't be a 39.11 xG% team during the regular season, especially once Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce return to the lineup.

If anything, there were some signs of life against the Islanders. The Devils were a little better at five-on-five, with the Tomáš Tatar, Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer line carrying the way, with those three totaling a 54.6 xG%. Mercer was arguably the team's best skater last night, so that's something to build on.

Still, the Devils look like a team acclimating to a new system under Keefe. It hasn't looked great, but I wouldn't be too concerned yet. There was always going to be an adjustment period this preseason, though it's maybe a little harder than expected.

Speaking of expected, the defending Cup champion Florida Panthers have a 31.3 xG% through three preseason games. Most pundits expect them to be among the top teams this season, so I wouldn't be too worried about the Devils' preseason struggles yet. If we learned anything from last season, preseason results don't matter much.

Casey Outplayed Nemec by a Wide Margin