Devils look to bounce back against Montreal tonight. -Montreal Gazette
Starting goaltenders (via Left Wing Lock)- MTL- Antti Niemi (Projected) NJD – Keith Kinkaid (Likely)
The New Jersey Devils are back in action tonight as they face the Montreal Canadiens at the Prudential Center. This matchup is very big for the Devils as they look to bounce back from this recent three-game losing streak, and maintain their solid position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Who/What to Watch
Taylor Hall… I did say last pregame that I was not removing his name until the streak ends, which it still has not. The 26-year old is currently riding a 25-game point streak, tallying 36 points in that time frame. He’s easily the hottest player in the NHL, and is making an ever-growing case to be a Hart Trophy candidate. If this streak continues for a while, there is absolutely no reason he should not be considered.
Offensive Support for Hall… This is the perfect game for the rest of this Devils team to start getting their names on the scoresheet. Montreal is really struggling this year and with Carey Price not in net, this is a great chance to help out Hall so he doesn’t wind up literally carrying this team on his back during this late-season playoff push.
Brendan Gallagher… Here is a player for the Canadiens who is actually having a solid year. Gallagher himself has collected 40 points, 23 of which are goals. He is definitely someone the Devils need to try and contain to ensure a solid victory in front of the home crowd tonight.
Team USA’s Gold Medal Women Olympic Hockey team will also be dropping the puck tonight so this is sure to be an incredible night.
Prediction
This is a game that the Devils needed in their schedule. Following the three game losing streak they could really use a big bounce back game from everyone. Expect Hall to keep the streak alive and send it to 26 games in a row. But do expect some goals the Devils will score without Hall being involved. I am calling a blowout tonight because it is exactly what the team needs. Devils win this one 5-1.
When/Where to Watch
7:00 PM MSG+, TSN2 (Montreal Feed) RDS (French Feed)