Matchup Overview:
The Devils will hope they caught some of Santa’s magic as they get ready to square off against the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the Devils final game before the break, they fell 4-1 to the Pens and didn’t look very good in doing so. While they will be on home ice this time, it still is going to take a full team effort to pull out a win and begin the return to their winning ways.
Keys to the game:
Goaltending. Regardless of how well or poorly we play in this one, it’s going to come down to the man between the pipes to steal a win. As we all know Schneider has been average at best over the past month or so, partially because of lackluster defensive performances in front of him. His save percentage has dropped to .905 with a 2.86 GAA, and it seems like anytime the opposing teams get any type of opportunity its finding its way into the back of the net. I’m not planning on a shutdown defensive performance, so Schneider is going to be the key cog in pulling out a victory.
Players to watch:
courtesy of NJ.com
Travis Zajac has been off to a great start so far this season, but his most important skill for tonight is going to be winning those faceoffs. Gaining and maintaining puck possession is key against this high-powered offense, and the best place for that to start is the faceoff dot. He currently has a win percentage of 52.9% on the season and is going to have a tough test going against the likes of Crosby. Miles Wood still seems to get better every game, and he has buried three goals so far in December. With the amount of speed Pitt has on the wings, having Wood too keep up with the likes of Kessel and Hagelin is a huge plus, not to mention try to use his own breakaway speed for some great opportunities.
Crosby, Malkin, Kessel. Hagelin, the list goes on and on. Pittsburgh is stacked from top to bottom and you can never afford to take a shift off or they will strike. The amount of speed they are capable of bringing with each and every line can be scary, but you can’t go out and try to match them in a skill game or you will get blown away (as we saw on the 23rd). If you can contain them and slow the pace of play, you have a shot at keeping it close and coming away with a win.
Prediction:
Home ice has been a safe haven for the Devils so far this season, and tonight is a true test of their will. The fans will be rocking, the players will be flying, and the intensity will be real. The Devils can’t afford to overthink things, they need to simplify their playstyle and try to get as many pucks to the front of the net as they can to create some chaos in the crease. Things have been a bit rocky as of late, but home ice may be just what the Devils need right now following the holidays. I think the Devils continue their winning ways at home against the Penguins (7-1-1 at home vs Pens since 2012) and steal a 4-3 victory.