Finally, the regular season finale. The New Jersey Devils will have fan appreciation night at Prudential Center for their final home game. Their opponent is the Detroit Red Wings, who have been eliminated from playoff contention.
Matchup Overview
There is nothing left to play for and that goes for either team. It was another disappointing season for the Red Wings, who were supposed to take the next step forward, but missed the playoffs once again.
Detroit is 5-4-1 in their last 10 games, but are coming off two very impressive wins over playoff teams. They’ve managed to edge out the Lightning (4-3) and the Stars (6-4), so they will be sure to give the Devils a good matchup.
For the Devils, this is all about building towards the playoffs and building confidence. The Devils are coming off an overtime victory against the Bruins last night, spoiling their fan appreciation night. The Devils already know their opponent, so it’s just about fine tuning things and gearing up for Game 1.
This month of hockey for the Devils has been interesting under the surface. They are third in terms of puck possession, having a Corsi-for percentage (CF%) of 57.87. However, they have a negative-six goal differential during five-on-five play, despite sitting 10th in expected goals-for percentage. No need to sound the alarms, but there’s definitely a work in progress for this team heading into the playoffs.
Projected Lineup
New Jersey Devils
Forwards
Noesen-Hischier-Bratt
Haula-Mercer-Meier
Palat-Glass-Tatar
Foote-McLaughlin-Bastian
Defense
Hughes-Pesce
Dumoulin-Kovacevic
Dillon-Nemec
Goalies
Markstrom
Allen
Detroit Red Wings
Forwards
Berggren-Larkin-Raymond
DeBrincat-Kasper-Kane
Rasmussen-Compher-Tarasenko
Smith-Motte-Watson
Defense
Edvinsson-Seider
Chiarot-Petry
Johansson-Holl
Goalies
Talbot
Mrazek
What to Watch For
Devils Tightening Things Up Defensively
It is all about building towards the playoffs and doing the right things and building good habits. The Devils will have a strong test ahead in the Hurricanes. One thing for them to really lock down is being tighter defensively.
The month of April, the Devils are allowing just 174 shot attempts during five-on-five play. However, when it comes to expected goals, they are seeing the other team generate just as many as they are. Teams are finding ways to beat them in the high-danger areas of the ice, so it’ll be good to see the Devils tighten things up and end the season on a high note.
Who Is Playing?
With Wednesday’s game not meaning anything, the Devils are likely going to ice a team missing some of its regulars. Forward Mike Hardman was recalled from Utica (AHL) along with goalie Nico Daws. Forward Marc McLaughlin was also called up, and played Tuesday night.
How to Watch
Wednesday night’s puck drop is at 7:30 pm ET and will be on TNT.