After a frustrating loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday, the New Jersey Devils (18-14-1, 6th Metropolitan) will face the Vegas Golden Knights (16-6-9, 1st Pacific) in a late-night game at T-Mobile Arena.
Overview
The Devils, coming off a 2-1 loss to Vancouver, have been going through the motions as of late with a 3-7-0 record over their last 10 games. Injuries to key players have certainly played a role, but they’ve looked out of sync and have not capitalized on opportunities when they’re playing well. The Devils received some mixed injury news yesterday, but the big news from practice was that Brett Pesce is likely to make his return against the Golden Knights. Still, they’re missing many of their core players and will hope to piece together a win against the best team in the Pacific Division.
The Golden Knights are coming off a four-day break after beating Columbus 3-2 on Saturday. They’re 6-2-2 in their last 10 games and have won four of their last five. They’re locked into a tough battle in the Western Conference, with Anaheim keeping pace with them at 41 points. The Knights will look to beat up on a reeling New Jersey team.
Lines and Pairings
Devils-
Forwards
Bratt-Hischier-Mercer
Palat-Glass-Brown
Cotter-Lammikko-Noesen
Parent-Glendening-Crookshank
Defense
Siegenthaler-Hamilton
Pesce-Hughes
Dillion-White
Goalies
Markström
Allen
Golden Knights-
Forwards
Barbashev-Eichel-Stone
Marner-Howden-Bowman
Saad-Hertl-Dorofeyev
Reinhardt-Sissons-Kolesar
Defense
McNabb-Theodore
Hanifin-Whitecloud
Hutton-Korczak
Goalies
Hart
Schmid
Keys to the Game
Devils’ Injury Updates
Head coach Sheldon Keefe updated the media Tuesday on the return timelines for various players, including Simon Nemec, Jack Hughes, Arseny Gritsyuk, and Brett Pesce. Amanda Stein reported that Nemec and Hughes are still a ways away from returning to action. Nemec will be reevaluated in a couple of weeks, while Hughes will not return until the new year.
The one piece of good news was Brett Pesce, who will likely be playing for the first time since October 26. Pesce will likely play on a pair with the struggling Luke Hughes. This will be a big help to the Devils’ defense. Pesce played on Hughes’s pair for most of last year, and his defense was a good complement to Hughes. Though Pesce may not be at 100% just yet, he stands to make a big impact in his return.
Eichel Ill, But Marner Has His Back
Star center Jack Eichel left Vegas’s practice early yesterday due to illness. It is unclear if he will play Wednesday night, and Vegas will sorely miss him if he’s out. Eichel has had a career year so far, potting 12 goals and 41 points in 31 games. He’s been the anchor for this Knights team while the newly acquired Mitch Marner has struggled to find his footing on his new team. But the former Maple Leaf has been in his element these past few weeks, with two goals and 11 points in his last nine games. Most recently, he had an excellent three-assist night at Columbus. Vegas is hoping that their two star forwards will be able to play at their peaks tonight.
Where to Watch
Wednesday night’s game can be seen on MSGSN at 10:00 pm ET.