The New Jersey Devils (5-4-2) continue their homestand. They are coming off a loss to the New York Islanders in overtime. Granted, it was a hard fought battle and the team earned the point, but it’s another loss added to the column. Coming into town is the Anaheim Ducks (3-3-1), as they make their way through their East Coast road trip.
Match Overview
The New Jersey Devils are on quite the skid. They have lost the last four games, with two of the losses coming in overtime. However, they have not played poorly in some of these losses. In the game against the Capitals, the defense was sloppy, but they earned the single point. It was there most recent losses where they played some of there best hockey, yet found themselves in the loss column.
Against the Red Wings, the Devils were dominant. During five-on-five play, they finished with a Corsi-for percentage (CF%) of 61.86 and an expected goals-for (xGF%) percentage of 70.96. With that level of offense you’d expect the two points, but it didn’t happen. Even against Ilya Sorokin and the Islanders, the Devils offense was there and once again were the better team during five-on-five play. Common theme the last two games has been that they are the better team, but not getting the better results. Specifically, Nico Hischier has been the driving force for the offense, having six goals in his last six games.
The Anaheim Ducks are entering the second of a back-to-back set, having played the Rangers the night before and losing 2-1. To begin the year, they won the games they are supposed to, but have lost to teams that are quality contenders. They struggle to score goals, but have gotten exceptional goaltending. For the Devils, they’ll need another strong showing offensively, but also take advantage of a team that played the night before.
Projected Lineups
New Jersey Devils
Forwards
Meier-Hischier-Mercer
Palat-Hughes-Bratt
Cotter-Haula-Noesen
Tatar-Lazar-Bastian
Defense
Dillon-Hamilton
Hughes-Pesce
Siegenthaler-Kovacevic
Goalies
Markstrom
Allen
Anaheim Ducks
Forwards
Gauthier-Carlsson-Fabbri
Vatrano-Strome-Terry
Zegras-Lundestrom-Killorn
McGinn-McTavish-Leason
Defense
Fowler-Zellweger
Lacombe-Gudas
Mintyukov-Dumoulin
Goalies
Reimer
Dostal
What to Watch For
Better Play Between the Pipes
For the Devils, they fortunately do not have to face Lucas Dostal. Dostal has been strong for the Ducks, posting a .936 save percentage, and an eye opening eight goals saved above expected (GSAx). He has been dialed in and is a large reason why the Ducks have one of the best team save percentages in the league. The Devils, they’ll face James Reimer. He has played one game, allowing three goals (all in the high-danger areas).
The Devils will need to sharpen the tools in the shed that is the goal crease. Between Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen, the team hasn’t exactly gotten strong play. The Devils have gone 0-2-2 the last four games. Each has posted a save percentage of .821 and have allowed 12 goals combined.
They are facing an offense that generates very little. As a team, the Ducks have the fourth worst CF% and rank 25th in xGF%. This has culminated in a 31st-ranking in goals (17) and if there was ever a night to make progress, it’s against this team.
Captain Taking the Charge
There is no player that has been more important to their team than Nico Hischier. The captain has led the charge and is leading by example with his play on the ice. He has been quite productive and really paving the way for the Devils offensively.
Over his last eight games, Hischier has seven goals and 10 points. He has also been a factor on the power play and no matter the situation, his presence is evident. Hischier is shooting at a 20.5% rate, which is a career best for him. Look for him to continue that tonight. Hischier has six points against the Ducks in 11 games.
Where to Watch
Tonight’s puck drop is at 7:00 pm ET and can be found on MSG.