Nashville is yet again, among the league’s top teams so far this season. -NJ.com

Here are tonight’s starting goaltenders courtesy of Left Wing Lock.

The New Jersey Devils return to action tonight for the first time since Saturday, and will face the 7-2-0 Nashville Predators. This is a tough time for New Jersey to receive this matchup, as they currently sit on a two-game losing streak.

What to Watch

Travis Zajac is expected to be in the lineup tonight after suffering a serious-looking ankle injury in New Jersey’s last game. -Zimbio

Travis Zajac is expected to play tonight. After what looked like a serious ankle injury, it doesn’t appear to be as devastating, since No. 19 will draw back in at third line center. It is more than likely center Kevin Rooney will be the odd man out, but we shouldn’t discount slight chance of John Queneville sitting in the press box. Nothing is definite at this time. Either way, it is great news for the Devils to have Zajac back in the faceoff dot after their performance on the draw the previous two games.

Look for the Devils to come out hard tonight. There is no sugar coating matters, but Coach John Hynes was very displeased with how his team played the last two games. Coach Hynes let his team know how he felt with maximum 12 second laps at the end of practice. If someone did not complete it, the whole team would go again. Hynes went a little Herb Brooks style during that practice, with hopes of his team coming out with some fire for tonight’s contest.

Do not expect the Predators to take tonight’s bout lightly either. They are fresh off of a 5-4 heartbreaking loss against the San Jose Sharks after having a 4-2 in the third period on Tuesday. They will be looking to make a statement on the road in front of what will likely be a packed Prudential Center crowd. I expect this game to be a dog fight from start to finish between two very talented teams. Ultimately, I will take the Devils in overtime by a score of 3-2 and look for Kyle Palmieri to net the game winner.

When/Where to Watch

Prudential Center

7:00 PM MSG+, FS-TN (Nashville area)