Overview
The New Jersey Devils (36-14-5) will play the Winnipeg Jets (34-20-1) in the second game of a back-to-back tonight. The Devils won their last game against the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2 last night.
The Devils have had an iffy start to February. Specifically, they haven’t been playing their best hockey and they haven’t been dominating teams. Despite this, they found ways to win at every turn. This culminated in the beatdown of Pittsburgh, where New Jersey dominated the game from the moment the first puck dropped. Now they will look to build on that domination against a strong team in the Jets.
The Devils are currently in second place in the Metropolitan Division, five points behind the Carolina Hurricanes. The Jets are also in second place, three points behind the Central Division-leading Dallas Stars.
Lines and Pairings
Devils –
Forwards:
Tatar-Hischier-Mercer
Sharangovich-Hughes-Bratt
Palat-Haula-Zetterlund
Wood-McLeod-Boqvist
Defense:
Smith-Hamilton
Graves-Marino
Bahl-Severson
Goalies:
Blackwood
Vanecek
Jets –
Forwards:
Connor-Dubois-Maenalanen
Perfetti-Scheifele-Appleton
Ehlers-Lowry-Wheeler
Barron-Stenlund-Kuhlman
Defense:
Morrissey-Demlo
Dillon-Pionk
Samberg-Schmidt
Goalies:
Hellebuyck
Rittich
Keys to the Game
Scratches and Shake-Ups
Yesterday, we saw head coach Lindy Ruff make some interesting decisions to try to spice up the Devils’ lineup. For example, he listed Jonas Siegenthaler as a healthy scratch to “get him some rest,” instead favoring Kevin Bahl. This was an odd choice given the difference in the prowess of the two players.
Ruff also benched Miles Wood, and by proxy the entire fourth line, for almost the entire third period. Wood has not been playing well, so this decision isn’t really a head-scratcher. Nevertheless, running three lines in the NHL is a bold choice, but one that worked to perfection.
Both these decisions were gutsy moves by a head coach looking to infuse some life into his team. They worked well given the Devils’ domination, so look for more of these moves today.
Centers Take Center Stage
Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier fans got everything they could have asked for out of last night’s game. Nico Hischier was a commanding force on the top line, netting two goals (one empty net) and two assists. That’s four points on the night. He also scored his 100th career goal.
Let’s not forget about Hughes who, after a four-game absence, had two assists on the night. It seems that New Jersey is back to bashing their opponents with perhaps the best center duo in the league. Look for Hughes and Hischier to cut through the Winnipeg defense.
Tonight’s game can be seen on MSGSN at 7:00 PM EST.