Preview: New Jersey Devils Close Out Home Stand Against Anaheim

The Devils lost the first meeting in Anaheim 4-0. Photo Via ESPN

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

Jack Hughes has recorded 19 points in his last 12 games.

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 is a Calder Trophy candidate and is second in point totals for the Ducks.

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+

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