After a 2-1 shootout loss to the Panthers on Tuesday, the New Jersey Devils (26-15-5) will travel to Toronto to face the Maple Leafs (27-16-2) hoping for a win over a top opponent to extend their point streak to five games.
Overview
The Devils have had a so-so start to January, going 2-2-2 since the calendar turned. They’ve gone to overtime in their past three games, losing to the Rangers and the Panthers most recently. Most alarming is New Jersey’s sudden inability to score. They haven’t scored more than three goals since their win against the Hurricanes on December 27. While they shouldn’t rely on scoring four-plus goals every night, their high-octane offense was a key feature of their prior success.
Fortunately, the Devils’ defense and goaltending haven’t lost their stride, holding their opponents to three goals or less in each game this month. Getting the offense going, to pair with the strong defense/goaltending will help the Devils find that form from earlier in the year.
The Leafs are in a mini slump of their own having lost their last three games. They still look to be in great shape and their recent issues are solvable. Their power play should positively regress and they’ll find the line chemistry that has clicked for most of the season. Auston Matthews’ triumphant return also helps.
The Devils are in second place in the Metropolitan Division with 57 points. The Maple Leafs are in first place in the Atlantic with 56 points.
Lines and Pairings
Devils-
Forwards
Palat-Hughes-Bratt
Meier-Hischier-Tatar
Cotter-Dowling-Mercer
MacDermid-Lazar-Bastian
Defense
Dillion-Hamilton
Siegenthaler-Kovacevic
Hughes-Pesce
Goalies
Markstrom
Allen
Maple Leafs-
Forwards
Knies-Matthews-Marner
Pacioretty-Tavares*-Nylander
McMann-Domi-Robertson
Holmberg-Kampf-Lorentz
Defense
Rielly-Myers
McCabe*-Tanev
Ekman Larsson-Timmins
Goalies
Woll
Hildeby
Keys to the Game
Jacob Markström’s Excellence
The Devils’ offense is certainly struggling, but on the bright side, they are getting the goaltending they’ve needed for years. Jacob Markstrom has been making some awe-inspiring saves recently and he’s been keeping his team in games.
Since the start of the new year, Markstrom has posted an impressive .918 save percentage and a 4.2 goals saved above expected, building on an excellent December for the veteran netminder. Winning starts in your own net, and Markstrom needs to maintain his form if the offense wants to break out of their drought.
Toronto’s Injury Bug
The Maple Leafs may not have a couple of key players when the puck drops against New Jersey. Defenseman Jake McCabe is a game-time decision after a three-game absence due to an upper-body injury. His case is characterized as a “coach’s decision.” More concerning, however, is John Tavares, who exited yesterday’s practice with an apparent leg injury. His status is still unknown and details are still to come.
Where to Watch
Tonight’s game can be seen on MSGSN2 at 7:00 pm ET.