AP/Adam Hunger
The New Jersey Devils (5-4) homestand continues. After taking on the Colorado Avalanche Tuesday night, they continue to face teams from out West and welcome into town the Anaheim Ducks (4-5).
Matchup Overview
This was a great start to the homestand for the Devils. After a tough loss Saturday against a division opponent in the Washington Capitals, the Devils took it to the Avalanche coming into the second game of a back-to-back set. This was a game where the Devils true dominance was reflected on the scoresheet. The Devils won the game 4-3 and even though it was a one goal win, they dominated for large parts of it.
The Devils might only be 5-4 this season, but the effort is very much there. As a team, the Devils are one of the best puck possession teams across the league. Through nine games this season, the Devils have the best Corsi-for percentage (CF%; 60.76) and the highest expected goals-for percentage (xGF%) at 63.39. They’ve generated 26.37 xG, but they’ve scored 19. Finishing ability has been a theme for this team and something that should shine through eventually. Against the Ducks, the opportunity should present itself.
The Ducks rank 19th in CF% and in xGF%. What’s in favor for the Devils is they have the highest high-danger Corsi-for percentage (62.07) and the Ducks do a poor job at suppressing chances from within. Both teams have given up the same amount of goals during five-on-five play (19), so special teams could play a factor. The Ducks aren’t playing well right now either.
The Ducks are on a bit of skid coming into this game. After dropping two games in a row at home and losing in rough comeback fashion to the Boston Bruins, the Ducks haven’t swung big in the Big Apple. Their East Coast road trip has been a dud, as they managed to get trounced by the Rangers (5-2) and was on the wrong side of a one-goal defeat to the Islanders (3-2).
As a team, they’ve gotten some boosts back in the lineup in terms of health and also call-ups. Their captain Mikael Granlund returned to the lineup, but the main story and more fun one is Roger McQueen. The Ducks brought up their 10th-overall draft pick back in 2025 and he’s been a staple on the teams’ third line. He’s been pointless through four games.
Troy Terry remains out for the Ducks, as well as Ryan Poehling. No new injuries for the Devils, as they welcomed back Connor Brown and Luke Evangelista (illness) to the lineup.
Projected Lineups
New Jersey Devils
Forwards
Gritsyuk-Hughes-Bratt
Meier-Hischier-Evangelista
Mantha-Rodrigues-Mercer
Brown-Glass-Boqvist
Defense
Hughes-Pesce
Siegenthaler-Hamilton
Chisholm-Kovacevic
Goalies
Allen
Daws
Anaheim Ducks
Forwards
Nesterenko-Carlsson-Gauthier
Malot-Granlund-Sennecke
Killorn-McQueen-Colangelo
Greer-Washe-Vatrano
Defense
Lacombe-Helleson
Hinds-Warren
Mintyukov-Luneau
Goalies
Dostal
Husso
What to Watch For
Can Timo Meier Cash In?
The Devils inability to finish their chances has been tough to see. This is a team as mentioned above dominates possession and does a great job of generating offense. One of those players is Timo Meier, who has been one of the Devils more impactful players. Meier looks more confident in his play and has been unafraid to attack the front of the net. The bounces just haven’t gone his way.
Meier is currently sixth in shots on goals across the league (38) and is shooting at a subpar 2.6% rate. When it comes to expected goals, only Jack Hughes (4.9) and Nico Hischier (3.6) are ahead of him in this regard. Although, Hughes has only one more goal than Meier does.
Meier has been an impactful player when on the ice, having a CF% of 60.00 and a 51.1 xGF%. Good things happen when the puck is touching his stick, the issue has been the bounces not going his way. The Ducks do a poor job of defending in from close range, which should play right into Meiers game. Once he gets that next goal it could be the start of a streak.
Arseny Gritsyuk Staying Scorching Hot
Yes it is only nine games, but Arseny Gritsyuk has been scorching hot from a production standpoint over the last six games. He has points in five of his last six games, with one being a multi-point game. Also, he has a goal in three straight games (longest goal streak of his career), which also happens to see him leading the team in goals.
Gritsyuk has great versatility. He can play anywhere in the lineup and particularly looks good with Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt. As a trio they out attempted the Avalanche 12-7 and outshot them 6-1. In addition, they have a rock solid 88.4 xGF% and a 63.2 CF%. Between his solid shot and his creativity on the ice, the points should keep coming if he’s playing with those two.
On a team where the offense has been lagging, Gritsyuk has been a bright spot and a very exciting player to watch.
How to Watch
Thursday’s puck drop is at 7:00 pm ET and can be found on MSG.