Preview: New Jersey Devils Returns Home for Second of Three Against the New York Islanders

Bastian Scores A Goal
The New York Islanders have gotten the best of the New Jersey Devils several times this season already. (Photo Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Matchup Overview

After a tough performance on Thursday on Long Island, New Jersey will hope some home cooking tonight. Most may assume that home ice generally would be a bonus, but that has not been the case for the Devils. As over the past couple season, the team usually plays worst at home than on the road. A chance at some payback is there for the taking. New Jersey will just need to come out ready to play and put together a complete game to take down a tough Islanders team.

Hear from Bratt, Maltsev, and coach Ruff after practice

Projected Devils’ Lines

Be sure to check all of our social media sites around game-time for the lineup.

Projected Islanders’ Lines

Forwards:

Beauvillier – Barzal – Eberle

Dal Colle – Nelson – Bailey

Komarov – Pageau – Wahlstrom

Clutterbuck – Cizikas – Martin

Defense:

Pelech – Pulock

Leddy – Mayfield

Greene – Dobson

Goalies:

Varlamov

Sorokin

Who/What to Watch:

Jesper Bratt

Anytime Jesper Bratt is on the ice with the puck on his stick it’s entertaining to watch. The fan favorite boasts incredible skill and creativity. He also, not surprisingly, posts a team best possession metric of 58.40 Corsi-for percentage (CF%). In a game where offense may be tough to come by, it’s going to be up to some of the top players to perform. Jesper Bratt is certainly someone who can create a goal at any moment.

Mikhail Maltsev

Mikhail Maltsev has been a very welcome surprise so far. The four goals in his 11 games is a very nice number for him. However, his all around play has been extremely impressive as well. Maltsev is tied for third on the team in the possession numbers with a 55.60 CF%. Being responsible in his own end, as well, has caught the attention of many. Expect to see him around the action and lurking the crease aiming for that fifth goal. May we even see a multi-goal game?

Prediction:

New Jersey desperately needs a win on home ice. The Islanders losing their captain Anders Lee is a real tough blow. I would be surprised to see as high scoring of a game this go around. So, scoring opportunities will need to be capitalized on when they arise. Eyeing a 3-2 victory for the Devils in this one, making Sunday the rubber match of the three-game series.

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