Overview
The New Jersey Devils (18-4-0) have been one of the most dominant teams over the past month. They were on a historic run winning 13 games in a row before losing to the Toronto Maple Leafs at home. But as one streak ends, another one begins.
As they enter play against their cross-town rival New York Rangers (10-8-4), the Devils have won their last two games. Jack Hughes’ first career hat trick and rock solid goaltending from Vitek Vanecek secured a dominant win Saturday Night. Confidence is high and so is the momentum.
On the other side confidence may not be as high. New York is 2-2-1 in their last five games. This includes blowing a 3-0 lead in the third period to the Edmonton Oilers.
Projected Lineups
New Jersey Devils –
Check back to our social media pages closer to puck drop for lineup news.
New York Rangers –
Forwards:
Kreider-Zibanejad-Panarin
Vesey-Trocheck-Goodrow
Lafreniere-Chytil-Kakko
Blais-Carpenter-Gautier
Defensemen:
Miller-Trouba
Lindgren-Fox
Hajek-Schneider
Goalies:
Shesterkin
Halak
What To Watch For
Goaltending
While both teams have enough power up front to score goals, the gentlemen between the pipes will be the ones to watch for. Vitek Vanecek versus Igor Shesterkin should be a great duel in net.
Vanecek has been on a role with the Devils, quietly making a case for the Vezina Trophy. Vanecek owns a 10-2 revord and has a 2.05 goals against average (second in the NHL) and a .923 save percentage. He has not allowed more than two goals over his last five starts.
His counterpart, Shesterkin, has been good as well. Shesterkin has a 10-3-3 record and is rocking a 2.49 goals against average, and a .914 save percentage. His 5.9 goals saved above expected is 10th best in the NHL. Both goaltenders have been key for their teams, and it will be fun to watch as they go head-to-head for the first time.
Jack Hughes
Jack Hughes has been lights out for the Devils. He currently is tied for first in points on the team (25) and has been the team’s best scorer the last couple of games. Hughes has six points in his last five games and is coming off a natural hat trick on home ice against the Washington Capitals.
The entire Devils’ forward group has been effective. Though, Hughes will be the one to watch, especially if you are a Rangers defenseman.
Where To Watch
Tonight’s matchup begins at 7:00 P.M. ET and can be found on MSG.