Between the news of Jack Hughes being out at least five more weeks and a rough showing against the Flames, New Jersey will need to have a solid performance in the first matchup of the year against the Pittsburgh Penguins (3-2-2). Sidney Crosby was back practicing for Pittsburgh as well, and his return would make things that much tougher on the Devils.

#UPDATE: Following Hughes' one-week follow-up, it was determined that his left shoulder dislocation is stable, there are no unforeseen issues.

He will be re-evaluated in five weeks. The timeline will be adjusted based on progress.https://t.co/HsruaPCv5y

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) October 29, 2021

Projected Lines

Devils’

Forwards

Zacha – Hischier – Tatar

Johnsson – Mercer – Bratt

Sharangovich – McLeod – Vesey

Kuokkanen – Gauthier – Studenic

Defensemen

Graves – Hamilton

Siegenthaler – Subban

Smith – Severson

Goalies

Bernier

Wedgewood

Penguins’

Forwards

Guentzel – Crosby* – Rodrigues

Zucker – Carter* – Kapanen

Aston-Reese – Blueger – Mcginn

O’Connor – Boyle – Heinen

Defensemen

Dumoulin – Marino

Matheson – Ruhwedel

Petterson – Riikola

Goalies

Jarry

Desmith

What to Watch

Ty Smith/Damon Severson Pairing

The combination of Smith and Severson has the potential for fireworks anytime they hit the ice. Severson continues to be rock solid on the back end, boasting a 52.8 Corsi-for % (CF%) to go along with three points (one goal, two assists) in four games. On the other side, Smith remains a wizard with the puck on his stick, seemingly always creating a dangerous opportunity each shift. In a game where goals should be plentiful, watch for this duo to fill up the stat sheet.

Mackenzie Blackwood and Jonathan Bernier are once again participating in today’s #NJDevils practice.

The team leaves for Pittsburgh this afternoon, with Daws returned to Utica, one or both of Blackwood and/or Bernier will be on this one-game trip.

Stay tuned.

— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) October 29, 2021

Jonathan Bernier or Scott Wedgewood?

It isn’t a secret that one of the main issues in the team’s two losses has been questionable goaltending. Bernier had looked very strong to start the season, so being able to get him back between the pipes would be a much needed upgrade. With Crosby and Carter both on track to be back in the lineup, goaltending will play a major role in New Jersey staying in this game.

Prediction

If it is in fact Tristan Jarry in net for Pittsburgh, New Jersey should have a great opportunity to pot some goals early and really push the pace in this one. Expect a high-scoring affair, ultimately leading to a 5-3 Devils’ victory.

Where to Watch

The puck drops at PPG Paints Arena at 7:00PM EST. If you can’t make it to the arena, you can watch on MSG+ or ATTSN-PT.