Overview
After a hard-fought overtime victory over the Boston Bruins on Wednesday, the New Jersey Devils (15-11-1) will take on the Columbus Blue Jackets (10-16-5) tonight at Nationwide Arena in the first of a weekend back-to-back for New Jersey.
The Devils have been hot recently, going 7-3-0 over their last ten games. They looked much different than the struggling, injury-riddled team of early November. They’ve found different ways to win; from an offensive onslaught against the Canucks, to a defensive showcase against the Kraken, and even a rare goaltending masterclass against Boston. They’ll look to keep the momentum against the bottom-feeding Blue Jackets.
The Devils are in sixth place in the Metropolitan Division with 31 points, just behind the Washington Capitals. The Blue Jackets sit in last place with 25 points.
Lines and Pairings
Devils-
Forwards
Toffoli-Hughes-Bratt
Palat-Hischier-Meier
Haula-Mercer-Holtz
Lazar-McLeod-Bastian
Defense
Siegenthaler-Nemec
Bahl-Marino
Hughes-Miller
Goalies
Vanecek
Schmid
Blue Jackets-
Forwards
Gaudreau-Fantilli-Danforth
Marchenko-Voronkov-Chinakhov
Bemstrom-Sillinger-Johnson
Texier-Kuraly-Olivier
Defense
Werenski-Blankenburg
Provorov-Jiricek
Bean-Gudbranson
Goalies
Merzlikins
Martin
Keys to the Game
Can the Goaltending be Saved?
Goaltending, specifically Vitek Vanecek, has been a major issue for New Jersey, but they might be on track to solving that problem. Vanecek, pegged as the Devils’ number one netminder at the start of the year, has been brutal overall, posting a save percentage (SV%) of .883 and -7.58 goals saved above expected (GSAx). Lately, however, he’s played very well, putting up a .941 SV% and 2.73 GSAx over his last two starts. He had a great game against Boston with a .958 SV% and nearly 2 GSAx.
Aside from a rocky stretch at the start of the year, Akira Schmid has played to expectations. He has a .901 SV% and -0.31 GSAx, serviceable for a backup. Right now, goaltending doesn’t pose an issue. Look for this position to gain some real momentum over this back-to-back stretch.
Banged-Up Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets are down two key players in Boone Jenner and Patrik Laine. Jenner, who suffered a broken jaw against the Blues last Friday, will miss six weeks. Jenner has been solid for the Jackets this year with 13 goals and 18 points in 29 games.
Patrik Laine suffered a fractured clavicle against the Maple Leafs on Thursday and will also miss six weeks. Laine has struggled to start the year with just six goals and nine points in 18 games. Still, he’s a vital part of the Jackets’ system. Without them, they will be forced to start more of their young players.
Where to Watch
Tonight’s game can be seen on MSGSN at 7:00 p.m. EST.