The New Jersey Devils (27-12-3) prepare for the second half of a back-to-back against the Los Angeles Kings (25-14-6). New Jersey took care of business Friday night with a 6-2 thrashing over the Anaheim Ducks and are in a very good position to regain the number one spot in the Metropolitan Division during this West Coast stint.
Matchup Overview
Winners of four straight and five of their last six, it seems safe to say that the slump is over for the Devils. New Jersey is averaging 4.5 goals per game so far in the month of January. This being largely influenced by superstar Jack Hughes (seven goals and three assists in the last five games).
The Kings are playing some fairly strong hockey right now as well. Winners in four of their last five and just two points out of first in the Central Division, this will be a good test for New Jersey. Kevin Fiala has been leading the way for the Kings offensively, posting 46 points through 45 games. Specifically, he has nine points in his last five games (five goals, four assists).
Projected Lines
Devils –
Forwards:
Palat – Hischier – Bratt
Haula – Hughes – Tatar
Foote – Sharangovich – Wood
Boqvist – McLeod – Mercer
Defense:
Siegenthaler – Hamilton
Graves – Severson
Okhotyuk – Smith
Goalies:
Blackwood
Vanecek
Kings –
Forwards:
Byfield – Kopitar – Kempe
Iafallo – Danault – Anderson-Dolan
Fiala – Lizotte – Vilardi
Lemieux – Kupari – Grundstrom
Defense:
Anderson – Doughty
Durzi – Roy
Edler – Walker
Goalies:
Copley
Quick
What To Watch For:
Big Spot For Blackwood
In a season that has once again been hampered by injury and some questionable decisions in net, Mackenzie Blackwood could use a strong showing to keep the Devils on their current heater. Most people thought Blackwood may have been given the easier matchup against Anaheim last night but that isn’t how things played out.
As mentioned earlier, the Kings are riding some strong play recently as well, so it will be a strong test for the 26-year-old goalie who is looking to improve on his .888 save percentage.
Damon Severson
Yes, Damon Severson does take a ton of heat for his some lapses throughout the course of the season. Though, despite this, he has always remained one of the teams beat four defensemen. He is also coming off one of his best games of the season.
Severson is currently riding a five-game point streak, including a massive three assist game against the Ducks last night. Additionally, as the above player card shows, he has had strong metrics all season long. Look for another strong showing from the one of the staples on the blue line.
Where To Watch
Puck drop is scheduled for 10:30 P.M. EST and can be seen on MSGSN.