Introduction
This New Jersey Devils’ opener features a division matchup. This is the first of three meetings between the Metropolitan Division rivals.
The Flyers were brutal last season as they finished with a record of 25-46-11. It resulted in a last-place finish in the division and 15th in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, the Devils did not do much better. They won two more games and finished one place higher. Both teams are looking to right the ship this year. Last season, the Devils went 2-1 against the Flyers, getting the better of them.
Match Overview
The Devils are a much-improved team. This offseason, general manager Tom Fitzgerald addressed every area of the ice. It will be great to see how all those pieces gel together in meaningful games.
As for the Flyers, they are the opposite. The team did not do much to improve the roster other than acquiring Tony DeAngelo. An enormous blow came when they found out they will be without Sean Couturier and Ryan Ellis for an extended period. The Devils also have captain Nico Hischier out with an injury, but he will return to the team this season.
Projected Lineup
Philadelphia Flyers
Forwards:
Laughton – Hayes – Konecny
Van Riemsdyk – Frost – Atkinson
Farabee – Cates – Tippett
Deslauriers – Laczynski – Hodgson
Defense:
Provorov – DeAngelo
Sanheim – Ristolainen
Seeler- Braun
Goaltending
Carter Hart
Felix Sandstrom
New Jersey Devils
Forwards:
Sharangovich – Hischier – Bratt
Palat – Hughes – Mercer
Tatar – Haula – Holtz
Wood – McLeod – Bastian
Note, Hischier WILL NOT play.
Defense:
Siegenthaler – Hamilton
Graves – Severson
Smith – Marino
Goaltending
Mackenzie Blackwood
Vitek Vanecek
Players To Watch
Alexander Holtz
All eyes will be on one of the Devils’ top prospects. After making the lineup after a strong preseason showing, expectations are high.
Last season saw him tally 26 goals with the Utica Comets (AHL). The Devils are hoping he can bring that scoring touch to the lineup. Interestingly enough, after playing alongside Jack Hughes for a majority of the preseason, appears Holtz will start on Dawson Mercer’s wing.
Carter Hart
After a promising first two seasons, it’s been downhill since then. In the last two seasons, he has posted a goals saved above average of -24.34 and -7.00. The team in front of him is not the greatest, and if the Flyers are to have any success this season, it starts with Hart.
Where To Watch
Tonight’s matchup is at 7:00 P.M. and can be found on ESPN+.