The Devils and Red Wings both rank 7th in their respective divisions. –Getty Images
Matchup Overview
Today’s game will feature your New Jersey Devils, who currently own an 8-8-1 record, which puts them seventh in the Metropolitan Division, and the Detroit Red Wings, who own a 8-9-2 record which puts them seventh in the Atlantic Division.
The New Jersey Devils are 6-1-1 at home this season. They’ll look to improve on this record as a non-playoff team comes to town who they must take advantage of. After winning their past two games with Keith Kinkaid in net expect him to likely be right back out there tonight. Also, as reported yesterday it seems as if Nico Hischier may make a return to the lineup. Defenseman Sami Vatanen visited a doctor last night and his availability is up in the air. Final lineup news will be announced at 10:45 ET during Coach John Hynes press conference.
The Detroit Red Wings are performing how everyone thought they would be: poorly. Their goals for and goals against ranked 24th and 23rd respectively and their power play and penalty kill rank 10th and 12th respectively. Interestingly enough, the Red Wings started their season 0-5-2 and rebounded with a three and four game win streak. Overall, this season has been a mixed bag, however, the Devils must take advantage. Forwards Thomas Vanek and Jacob de la Rose are projected to remain out with injury. Goaltender Jimmy Howard (6-6-2, 2.64 GAA, .922 Sv%) is projected to be in net, but nothing is set in stone.
Tonight’s game will be at Prudential Center and is scheduled to start at 1:00 PM.
Projected Devils Lines
** Check the DAB Page for Updates **
Projected Stars Lines
Helm-Larkin-Mantha
Nyquist-Nielsen-Athanasiou
Abdelkader-Glendening-Bertuzzi
Rasmussen-Megan-Frk
Daley-Green
Dekeyser-Jensen
Kronwall-Choloeski
Howard *
*- projected
Goaltender Keith Kinkaid is coming off a shutout against the Flyers. –Getty Images
What/Who to Watch
- Forward Dylan Larkin has established himself as one of the league’s top centers. His speed is one of the best in the league and it’s awarded him with 18-points so far this year. Along with the stellar point statistics, he owns a 55% success rate in the faceoff circle. A matchup versus Travis Zajac will be one to watch closely.
- Goaltender Keith Kinkaid has already compiled a career-high three shutouts this season. When he’s been good this season, he’s been great. However, when he’s been bad its gone very poorly. Hopefully we’ll get the three shutout Keith tonight.
- Even after shutting out the Flyers in their last game the Devils still rank 26th in the NHL in goals against. Allowing almost 3.5 goals per game is not going to get isn’t going to result in success. The Devils most improve on this fast if they hope to turn their season around. Today presents a great opportunity against a team that struggles to score.
StatementGames
We are playing tonight’s game on StatementGames.com and you should too! Here’s our two lock statements to get you started:
Total Goals Under 6.5
Detroit Red Wings Face OFF % Over 50.0%
Today’s game can be seen on MSG+ at 1:00 PM.