Don’t look now, but the New Jersey Devils enter Tuesday’s game against the Boston Bruins on a three-game win streak. Let’s put that in perspective. Yes, two of those wins were against the Buffalo Sabres and a reeling Edmonton Oilers team, but that third game was against a high-flying Washington Capitals team. Even better is the fact the Devils beat them on the road. 

The Devils ship up to Boston (we needed to make that Dropkick Murphy’s reference) to “pack the cah in Hahvahd Yahd” and take on the Bruins. Boston is coming off two wins in a back-to-back this past weekend. Just like the Devils, one of those victories was against Buffalo. 

Keys to Victory:

Be Careful Of Leads: During the three-game win streak, the Devils have only trailed once, and that was briefly in the third period versus Edmonton. Meanwhile, both of the Bruins wins this past weekend were come-from-behind wins (okay, the Detroit Red Wings only had a 1-0 lead but still). Don’t get too comfortable if the Devils are winning. 

Boston’s Secondary Scoring: The Bruins have been struggling this year. Yes, they’re above .500, but they’re a bubble playoff team at the moment, which is something highly unlikely for Boston. Secondary scoring has been decimated by David Krejci going back to the Czech Republic. Yet the Bruins still showed they can win when their secondary scoring decides to show up. That’s exactly what happened in their come-from-behind win against Buffalo. 

Dude, Where My Hamilton?: Star defenseman Dougie Hamilton left early in Sunday’s game after taking a puck to the face. He wouldn’t return, as he was sent to the hospital as a precaution. How did the Devils respond? Down their best defenseman, the blue line played “defense by committee” in what Ken Danyeko called one of their best periods of the year. We’ll get a better idea if Hamilton is good to go on Tuesday during morning skate. 

Players To Watch

Taylor Hall: Not many people know this, but before playing with Boston, Taylor Hall was a New Jersey Devil. It’s surprising to remember that was before his career really took off in Buffalo (sarcasm, obviously). Hall had his first goal in 12 games Saturday against the Sabres. 

Damon Severson: The Devils longest-tenured defenseman helped fill the major void left by Hamilton. Interim Head Coach Alain Nassredinne has said Severson is playing the best hockey he’s ever seen him play. If the Devils are Dougie-less, Severson will have to step up once again. 

Mackenzie Blackwood: We have no reason to think that Blackwood won’t start on Tuesday. Blackwood is playing far below our expectations. His misplay of the puck led to a game-tying goal against Washington on Sunday. If the Devils want to leave the land of Bobby Orr with a win, Blackwood needs to be on top of his game. 

Projected Lineups:

Check back on our Devils Army Network social media channels for updates on projected lineups! That includes on if Dougie Hamilton will play and any potential replacements. 

Odds For Tonight’s Game

The money line odds for the Devils tonight are +215 against the Boston Bruins, courtesy of Betway. Tonight’s over-under goal matchup is set at 5.5 goals.

Prediction: 

Let the good times roll! Devils win this one 4-3 because one of these two teams needs their winning streak to end!