Match Overview
After a tense 1-0 win over the Boston Bruins on Sunday, the New Jersey Devils will look to keep it going in tonight’s rematch. Though the Bruins are a highly talented team, the Devils have found a way to beat Boston time and time again this season. A win tonight would make yet another statement against Boston. Furthermore, the Devils will need some good spirits in two tilts with the Washington Capitals afterward.
The Devils are 13-16-4, seventh in the East division. The Bruins are 17-9-5, good enough to hang on to a playoff spot in fourth.
Projected Lines
Devils’ Lines
Check our social media pages closer to game-time for more information.
Bruins’ Lines
Forwards
Frederic-Bergeron-Pastrnak
Ritchie-Krejci-Smith
Blidh-Studnicka-Kuhlman
Defense
Grzelcyk-McAvoy
Lauzon-Clifton
Zboril-Kampfer
Goalies
Halak
Vladar
Keys to the Game
MacKenzie Blackwood
I almost feel bad for Bruins’ fans that Mackenzie Blackwood is most likely going to start. Blackwood has been terrific against Boston this year. The Devils are 4-0-1 against the Bruins this year, and it’ll be tough for the Bruins to rectify that with Blackwood in net. His 40-save shutout on Sunday was eerily similar to Scott Wedgewood’s previous shutout over Boston. Let’s face it, Blackwood is on his game and has Boston’s collective number, I’m excited to see what he can do.
Jesper Bratt
Remember when all the news on Jesper Bratt was about his lack of a contract extension? I sure don’t. He’s amped up his production over the past few weeks, scoring a goal and two assists last week alone. The man can skate and is one of the best on the team at it. His edges and awareness allow him to cut into the net and create quality chances. I’m really liking where Bratt is going right now.
Kyle Palmieri
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Kyle Palmeri. He has quietly been coming up clutch for an otherwise dry offense. His lone goal in Sunday’s win was enough to hold the Bruins at bay. The alternate captain started out the year slowly but is picking up speed.
Prediction
With the way the Devils approach the Bruins, I’m going to be overly optimistic today. I’ll say that the Devils beat the Bruins 4-1.
Tonight’s game can be seen on MSG+ at 7:00 pm.