New Jersey Devils: Nikita Popugaev Shows Encouraging Signs

The giant Russian winger Nikita Popugaev finally scored on North American soil. He’s showing signs of real progress since coming over to the Binghamton Devils.

It was the perfect move by the New Jersey Devils to get Nikita Popugaev out of Russia and back to North America. It was an even better decision to bring him to the Binghamton Devils, where the front office can keep a close eye on him. This situation might end up saving his career.

Popugaev scored the first goal of his AHL career on Saturday. He made an awesome decision, watching his man go after the puck, he cut to the net and opened himself up for an instant shot.

This goal came one day after Popugaev got his first point in the good…