Miles Wood carried the puck along the boards through the neutral zone with Erik Haula skate through the middle. Wood brought the puck over the New York Blue Line. Haula chose to walk behind Wood rather than continue in a forward lane.
Wood dropped the puck to Haula and the attackers crossed, confusing the two Islanders players who withdrew. This put Hala one step ahead of New York’s Kyle MacLean and flew around the far circle for an unobstructed trajectory to the net. Haula pulled the puck to his front and fired a shot at the other end for his first (unofficial) goal as a New Jersey Devil.
It was also Haula’s first (unofficial) game with the Devils. And his goal was the fourth in New Jersey’s 4-1 preseason win on September 27.
After the win, Haula, who was taken over from Boston in the off-season in exchange for Pavel Zacha, was asked about his goal and his contribution to his new team. It wasn’t long before the 31-year-old changed the subject from himself to the team.
“It’s nice to feel good about your game,” he said. Adding: “There are still a lot of things we are working on. It’s an opportunity to get better. I thought it was a good time for our team. There are still areas where we can clearly improve, that’s normal. But a good win.” “
Video: NYI@NJD: Haula scores in 2nd period
The Finnish center would add another goal two days later in the ensuing preseason game at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers in a 5-2 win. Through three exhibition slates, Haula has posted two goals on 11 shots.
When asked about his camp so far Friday afternoon, it wasn’t long before Hala changed the subject from himself to the team.
“I think it’s been good. I feel like I was able to acclimate pretty quickly, which helped everything,” he said. Added: “The training camp was good. The team is working hard. Everyone’s commitment to really try to get better and take the next step as a team was very positive. That was the message.”
Maybe it’s just a little subtle. But it’s clear that Haula has a “team-first” mentality. And that, among many other reasons, is why the Devils worked in the off-season to make him part of the organization.
“He’s brought toughness. He’s played well in all zones. He’s playing the game right,” said Devils coach Lindy Ruff. “He has a physical dimension to our middle men.”
The Devils coveted Haula’s accomplished leadership and experience. He played nine NHL seasons with Minnesota, Vegas, Carolina, Florida, Nashville and Boston. In that time, he has played a total of 534 games, scoring 112 goals and 240 points. Not to mention a 29-goal season and a Stanley Cup final appearance (both in 2017-18 with Vegas).
“He’s a great two-way player. He works very hard on the ice. That’s an element we needed on the ice,” he said. Tomas Tatarse, a former Vegas teammate of Haula. “Off the ice, he’s played a lot of games in the league. He can bring the experience to the dressing room. He’s been vocal so far, which is good. I think we needed it. That’s a great addition.”
With a dressing room full of fresh-faced early twenties, Hala is an elderly statesman, even at just 31 years old. He hopes to be both a mentor and feed on the youthful sphere itself.
“It’s fun. There are a lot of young guys, a lot of energy in the room. I enjoy it,” Haula said. “(Mentoring is) the goal. And probably part of the reason they wanted me here. I will cherish that role and be the best player and teammate I can be.”
While Haula is excited about passing on his knowledge to his teammates, that doesn’t mean he knows everything. Haula even has an open mind when it comes to learning and evolving.
“I learned a lot last year when I was on the Boston team,” he admitted. “You always want to be willing to learn, no matter what stage of your career you’re in. I feel like that’s when you make your biggest leaps and get better in some areas and grow as a player.”
Haula has learned from many great players during his career. Two were captains Mikko Koivu in Minnesota and Patrice Bergeron in Boston. While those two weren’t the only players to influence Hala, he holds them in high esteem.
“I’ve had great captains. Koivu to start my career. I had Bergeron, two guys who have been around for a long time,” Haula said. “I have learned a lot from them, and also from several others. Those are two guys who have worn the ‘C’ for a long time and in my opinion are real leaders.”
While he may be a veteran of the lineup, Haula is looking for ways to improve himself. So, how does he actually feel about his own game?
“It’s on the right track. I feel like a lot of good things have happened,” he said modestly. Adding: “I’ve had the approach that every game is an opportunity to get better in some area or get more comfortable in something, so when (regular season starts) next week I’ll be really comfortable with everything.” .
“I think it’s been good. I’m really healthy and feeling good, so it’s really positive.”
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