The New Jersey Devils (6-3-1) continue their road trip through the Central Division. New Jersey is off to a 1-1 start on this trip but it has come at a price. It is uncertain how long but the Devils will now be without their superstar Jack Hughes, especially they are already without Nico Hischier.

New Jersey takes on Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks (4-6-0). Chicago has been one of the worst possession teams at five on five, as their fourth-lowest Corsi-for percentage (CF%) indicates. Furthermore, they’ve allowed the sixth-most goals at five on five.

Projected Lineup

New Jersey Devils

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Chicago Blackhawks

Forwards 

Foligno-Bedard-Kurashev

Reichel-Athanasiou-Raddysh

Hall-Dickinson-Johnson

Donato-Entwistle-Perry

Defense

Korchinski-Jones

Tinordi-Murphy

Kaiser-Zairean

Goalies

Soderblom

Mrazek

What to Watch For

New Jersey’s Response Offensively 

This is the first set of adversity that the Devils have faced this season. Injuries happen and numerous teams are without key players. When the team saw Nico Hischier go down, they still were able to get results. Now with him and Hughes out, New Jersey will need to respond offensively.

One player that could seize the opportunity is Dawson Mercer. He is struggling to start and is pointless through ten games. With the two guys above out, Mercer can help shoulder the load and begin producing.

New Jersey responded hard against the St. Louis Blues Friday night, but got stoned by a hot goalie in Jordan Binnington. The Devils held the edge in CF% with 54.08 and controlled the expected goals share (2.92-1.87). So, they’ve shown they can be productive without their stars.

Capitalize on the Power Play Opportunties

Chicago has the second worst power play (PP) unit in the league. That won’t be a concern regarding the Devils in this game. However, New Jersey will want to keep their foot on the gas when they get an opportunity with the man advantage. 

New Jersey has the top ranked PP unit (40% success rate) in the league and they know that when they get an opportunity they can score. Hughes has been instrumental with the man advantage and others will need to step up and help generate the offense when they get the opportunity. 

Chicago does have the 8th best penalty kill in the league, so they do present a challenge in this aspect. 

How to Watch

Tonight’s puck drop is at 7:00 PM and can be found in NHL Network.