Yahoo Sports Devils' Dawson Mercer To Move To Second Line Center Against Flyers
With New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier out of the lineup, Dawson Mercer will start Monday night's game against the Philadelphia Flyers as the team's second-line center.
"To me, (Mercer) was outstanding in the third period the other night in Montreal when we asked him to step into that role," head coach Sheldon Keefe said to NJD.TV.
Based on the team's morning skate, Mercer will center Timo Meier and Stefan Noesen.
"Besides the faceoff aspect, (Hischier) is that full 200-foot player," Mercer said to NJD.TV. "I just want to make sure that I go out there and play good defensively but also create some offense with Noesen and Meier. Make sure we are all on the same page, and then try to get a lot of momentum going and just roll with it."
Mercer took 12 faceoffs on Saturday night in Montreal, including eight in the third period after Hischier left the game with an injury.
The Devils will enter Monday night's game without their top two centers, with Hischier and Erik Haula sidelined with injuries. Additionally, Jack Hughes did not take a faceoff on Saturday due to an injury on his finger.
On Monday, Keefe said the team will determine how many faceoffs Hughes will take against the Flyers later when he is out on the ice tonight.
Oct 13, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) gets ready to face-off against the Arizona Coyotes during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
The team will also heavily rely upon Curtis Lazar and Justin Dowling in the face-off circle as well as Mercer. Paul Cotter is also an option and can take a draw if need be.
The good news for Mercer is that he is returning to a role that he enjoys.
"To be honest, I like it," Mercer continued. "I played (center) growing up. Obviously, you switch and adapt and (become) versatile to play different positions, but I loved it growing up. Whenever I get the chance to go back in there, I enjoy it."
The puck will drop between the Devils and Flyers at 7:00 p.m.
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