The Devils losing streak has hit six games, so it’s no surprise that more lineup adjustments were made before Thursday night’s home game against the Sabres. Anton Volchenkov and Peter Harrold will be in for the defense, while newly acquired forward Tom Kostopoulos will be added to the fourth line.
In search of both offense and defense, Harrold is a two-way player who should also help the struggling power play. Last season he played in 11 games during the regular season before becoming a staple in the playoffs playing in 17 games and notching four assists. DeBoer said it wasn’t that Harrold wasn’t ready to play, just that there was no room for him.
“We probably don’t get to the Stanley Cup final without his contribution last year,” head coach Pete DeBoer said Thursday after the morning skate. “The idea was, we would have eight defenseman here and I’m surprised – knock on wood – we haven’t thankfully hit any injuries. But I think for him it’s just been circumstance.”
Harrold only played in one game this season, on Feb. 5, getting 11:05 minutes of ice time. As far as the power play is concerned, the Devils have scored three power play goals on 34 chances over ten games.
“I think we definitely will give him a look there for some minutes,” DeBoer said.
If it is energy and jump the coach wants, Harrold will be sure to provide it. He has skated with the team almost every practice this season.
“I’ve been in this situation before so it’s good to be in the lineup,” Harrold said. “It’s difficult to skate every day. You sometimes feel like you’re not contributing because you’re not out there with the team. It’s a good feeling.”
Harrold will be paired with Andy Greene on defense, while Mark Fayne and Adam Larsson will be healthy scratches on defense.
“He brings a bit of mobility to the offense and he can move the puck well and makes a good first pass so it should be fun. I’m sure he is excited,” Greene said.
Also new to the lineup will be Kostopoulos, who the Devils acquired off waivers form the Penguins on Wednesday. The 34-year-old skated on the Devils’ fourth line with Ryan Carter and Brian Gionta in practice. He last played in the NHL with the Flames last season, scoring 12 points in 81 games. Kostopoulos played in 17 games for the Penguins’ AHL affiliate Scranton/Wilkes Barre this season and was hoping to be called up. He didn’t get that chance with the Penguins but will be in the lineup Thursday for the Devils.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect going through waivers, so I was kind of surprised to be picked up, but definitely happy to be here and excited to be here,” Kostopoulos said.
DeBoer was happy to add Kostopoulos to the lineup.
“He is ready. He is excited. He had been playing in the American League so I don’t think it will be any issue with him jumping in,” he said.
To make room in the lineup for Kostopoulos, his friend and former teammate, Krys Barch will be a healthy scratch.
david.satriano@nypost.com