Devils, Coyotes in similar predicament ahead of clash (Mar 11, 2017)
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Taylor Hall gave voice to the both teams squaring off on Saturday at Gila River Arena when he noted the similar predicaments of the New Jersey Devils and Arizona Coyotes.
"I don't want to say it's another season wasted because you always learn from playing," the Devils left winger said. "But it's another season without a chance to compete for a Stanley Cup so we're not in a position where any of us are happy."
New Jersey and Arizona will both miss the playoffs for a fifth straight season. The Devils are second-to-last in the Eastern Conference standings; the Coyotes are second-to-last in the Western Conference standings. As is normally the case with teams well outside the playoff race, the Devils dealt defenseman Kyle Quincey and right winger P.A. Parenteau at the March 1 NHL trade deadline while Arizona traded defenseman Michael Stone, center Martin Hanzal and right winger Ryan White.
"I can tell you as manager it's a miserable feeling," Coyotes general manager John Chayka said. "I'm sure it's not easy in the room in terms of moving out a core player. At the same time, the facts are the facts We're 29th in the league right now. For us, we've got to continue to make moves to improve moving forward and then hopefully be in a position where we never ever have to do this again."
Hall came to New Jersey from Edmonton in a trade that sent defenseman Adam Larsson to the Oilers. While the Oilers are poised to snap an NHL record-tying 10-season playoff drought this year, Hall has never made the playoffs in his seven NHL seasons.
"I said on a podcast the other day that if the Oilers win the Stanly Cup that'd be a tough feeling, but what can I do? I have to do my best here. I can't worry about what might have been," he said. "At the same time, I just want to win more games and be on a contending team and have a role in that. I want to know what that feels like. That's why everybody plays this game."
Hall will be without his usual center on Saturday against the Coyotes. Travis Zajac flew back home to be with his wife, who is due to give birth. Adam Henrique is expected to fill in on the top line with Hall and right winger Kyle Palmieri.
Devils captain and defenseman Andy Greene will play after missing the past four games because his father, David, 68, passed away on March 4. Greene took part in Friday's practice. Backup goalie Keith Kinkaid also practiced after missing Thursday's game with a right knee injury sustained in Tuesday's 2-0 loss to the Blue Jackets. Coach John Hynes said he's not sure yet if Kinkaid will be available against the Coyotes so Ken Appleby will remain with the team as insurance.
For the Coyotes, defenseman Kevin Connauton (upper body) and center Alexander Burmistrov (concussion) missed Friday's practice and are still listed as day to day. Center Brad Richardson (broken right tibia and fibula) is on injured reserve. Mike Smith is expected to start in goal for Arizona.
