NEWARK -- Forward Blake Coleman skated over to the penalty box after drawing a slashing penalty during the third period of the Devils' season opener on Saturday.

While serving his two-minute minor, Coleman had a quick break to grab a drink.

Water? No thanks.

Gatorade? Nope.

Pickle juice? Please and thank you.

Yes, Coleman's drink of choice -- typically in the locker room on gameday -- is pickle juice. It found its way to the penalty box during Saturday's 4-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche when fellow forward Brian Gibbons made a special delivery to Coleman as he started serving his penalty.

Coleman is the only Devil who routinely drinks pickle juice, and it's a custom that started back in college at Miami (OH).

"It's my secret recipe," Coleman laughed.

But Coleman's reason for drinking pickle juice makes sense. The common hangover cure also has its benefits for athletes.

"I drink it because of cramp problems. It helps prevent cramps," Coleman said. "I really tried everything to figure out my cramps, but that's just the one thing that really works."

Coleman said he also occasionally sneaks it into a water bottle on the bench as well. On the occasional hot day, Coleman said he could go through a whole bottle on game day.

NHLers have been known to drink odd things during games -- Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin drinks Coca-Cola on the bench during games -- so Coleman's habit isn't too uncommon.

But it hasn't caught on with any other Devils.

"I don't really force it on anybody," Coleman said. "I did have some teammates who drank it back at school, especially when you get to high altitudes or things like that."

Chris Ryan may be reached at cryan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisRyan_NJ. Find NJ.com Devils on Facebook.