Skill development takes a back seat during the NHL season due to the busy, 82 game schedule. The Devils, have worked on encorporating Skills Development Coordinator, Ryan Murphy, into practices to stay sharp throughout the season.
"It pays dividends as the year goes along," said Wayne Simmonds following a skills focused practice. "When we're at practice you're working on the Xs and Os so you don't really have time to work on skills. With Murphy we go out there, we get to work on our hands, our shot, and different things of that nature."
"Sometimes we deal a lot with the players so it's good to have someone else come in and do something different," said Interim Head Coach Alain Nasreddine. "The mental part of the game is so important, sometimes getting that little break [from practice] is good. And you go around and ask the vets and ask most guys and they enjoy it."
For Simmonds, having the opportunity to improve his own game, is something he's focusing on.
"For me I try to get out there and feel the puck," said Simmonds. "I haven't done too well statistically this year, so it's up to me to improve on that and it's part of it."