PRE-GAME STORY:
Dallas -With defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler and John Marino unable to play, the club will have a young blueline tonight in Texas.
The morning skate was optional, but it was well-attended.
Ten forwards took the ice, including Bratt, Hischier, Meier, Willman, MacDermid, Lazar, Holtz, Tierney, Mercer, and Jack Hughes.
Five blueliners also skated: Bahl, Marino, Wotherspoon, Hatakka, and DeSimone.
There were three goalies: Allen, Kahkonen, and Daws.
Travis Green, the Devils’ head coach, discussed a young blueline that will likely include Luke Hughes, Nemec, Bahl, Hatakka, and DeSimone. Bahl, who has played 131 NHL games, is the group’s senior statesman. Brendan Smith, a veteran, will undoubtedly play.
“We’ll probably dress seven (defensemen) for warm-up, but I’ve got a good idea (who will play),” said Devils interim head coach Travis Green. “We’re going to have some young D in the lineup.”
Marino, who is on the trip and skated this morning, will not be available tonight, according to Green.
“He will not leave tonight. He’ll get a skate and hopefully improve enough to play Saturday.”
