Match Overview
The New Jersey Devils (21-32-5) are coming off a loss and are set to close out the home stand against the Anaheim Ducks. The Devils were enjoying some home cooking that has seen them go 2-1-0, highlighted by wins against the St. Louis Blues and Colorado Avalanche. Tonight will be another good test against a surprisingly good Anaheim Ducks team.
The Anaheim Ducks are a surprise team this season, despite being sixth in the tightly contested Pacific Division. The Ducks are currently 2-3-0 in their last five games and is coming off a loss the other night against Nashville looking to bounce back.
Projected Lines
New Jersey Devils’
Forwards:
Sharangovich/Hughes/Mercer
Tatar/Zacha/Bratt
Vesey/Boqvist/Johnsson
Geertsen/McLeod/Bastian
Defense:
Siegenthaler/Severson
Graves/Hamilton
Smith/Subban
Goalies:
Daws
Gillies
Anaheim Ducks’
Forwards:
Milano/Zegras/Rakell
Steel/Henrique/Terry
Deslauriers/Carrick/Grant
Comtois/Silfverberg/Guhle
Defense:
Lindholm/Drysdale
Mahura/Fowler
Benoit/Shattenkirk
Goalies:
Gibson
Stolarz
Players To Watch
Jack Hughes
Jack Hughes continues to lead the way for the New Jersey Devils. Hughes has nineteen points in his last twelve games. Look for Hughes to lead the way tonight and be a significant factor in the game. Hughes comes into tonight’s game with a terrific expected goals-for percentage (xGF%) at 55.70 and even better Corsi-for percentage (CF%) at 58%.
Jesper Bratt
Jesper Bratt is must watch hockey. Bratt maintains a point-per-game pace (1.03) and has seven points in his last six games. Jesper Bratt has an averages 3.67 points per 60 minutes which is a terrific figure. Bratt also leads the team with a CF% of 61.00. He will be on the Ducks’ radar all game.
Trevor Zegras
The Calder Trophy candidate Trevor Zegras will be a player to watch. Zegras is a skillful forward between his Michigan goal and alley oop assist; he comes with a bag of tricks. He is second on Ducks in points with 43, and the Devils’ defense will need to be at their best when he is on the ice.
Keys To Victory
Special teams play could be pivotal in tonight’s matchup. Coming into tonight, the Anaheim Ducks have the fifth-best power play, with a 25% success rate. They also have the seventh-best penalty kill at 83.2%. The Devils may not have the best power play unit, but they do have the 11th best penalty kill.
Where to Watch?
Puck Drop for tonights matchup is at 7:00 PM and will be on MSG+