Match Overview
After a nail-biter of an overtime victory against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, the New Jersey Devils are set to take on the Calgary Flames in the last game of their opening home stand. It hasn’t exactly been easy sledding for Jersey. However, they have etched out three wins in the team’s first four games. Given the injury issues the Devils are dealing with, the team will hope to grind out another positive result.
As mentioned previously, there have been bumps in the road for New Jersey. However, they have nonetheless secured an impressive record of 3-1-0. This is good for seventh in the congested Metropolitan Division. The Flames, on the other hand, have won three straight and are 3-1-1 on the year.
Projected Lineups
Devils Lines/Pairings
Forwards:
Kuokkanen-Hischier-Sharangovich
Zacha-Mercer-Tatar
Johnsson-McLeod-Bratt
Geertson-Gauthier-Vesey
Defense:
Smith-Hamilton
Graves-Severson
Siegenthaler-Subban
Goalies:
Daws
Wedgewood
Flames Lines/Pairings
Forwards:
Gaudreau-Lindholm-Tkachuk
Coleman-Backlund-Pitlick
Lucic-Monahan-Lewis
Mangiapane-Dube-Ritchie
Defense:
Hanifin-Andersson
Kylington-Tanev
Valimaki-Gudbranson
Goalies:
Markstrom
Vladar
Who/What to Watch
Defensive Switch
Instead of the usual Dougie Hamilton/Ryan Graves and the Damon Severson/Ty Smith pairings, it appears New Jersey is switching things up. As they are projected to pair Severson with Graves and Smith with Hamilton. This is an interesting decision seeing as all players involved have been doing well in their current pairs. Severson has been especially good, having scored a point in each of his first three games. This will be something to keep an eye on tonight, hopefully head coach Lindy Ruff is pushing the correct buttons.
Blake Coleman Reunion
When Blake Coleman was with the Devils, he was most certainly a fan favorite. Needless to say, fans were devastated when Coleman was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning just prior to the COVID-19 shutdown. Tonight marks his first night back at the Prudential Center since that trade. Hopefully, with a tribute video waiting for him.
My Prediction
The defensive pairing reshuffling is a tad concerning. Also, a repeat of a superb Nico Daws’ showing will be difficult. So, I’ll say the Devils lose 4-2.
Tonight’s game can be seen tonight at 7:00 on MSG+.