Introduction

The Montreal Canadiens are coming to town for the second time in two weeks as the New Jersey Devils look to complete the season sweep of the Canadiens. In the teams’ past matchups the Devils toppled Montreal 7-1 up North and spoiled the Canadiens comeback attempt in a 3-2 shootout win just 11 days ago.

The Devils have lost four in a row, but look to end their homestand strong before heading out for their final long road trip of the season. The Canadiens are coming off a 6-3 home loss to the Ottawa Senators. Jack Hughes, who scored both goals as well as one in the shootout in the teams’ previous meeting, is out with an MCL Sprain and will miss the remainder of the season.

Projected Lines

Devils’

Lines will be posted on our social medias closer to puck drop.

Canadiens’

Forwards

Caufield – Suzuki – Pitlick

Hoffman – Evans – Anderson

Byron – Dvorak – Armia

Ylonen – Poehling – Gallagher

Defensemen

Romanov – Schueneman

Edmundson – Barron

Harris – Savard

Goalies

Allen

Price

Pregame Notes

• With Jack Hughes being out for the season, it may make sense to roll with Jon Gillies and Andrew Hammond for the remainder of the season. Daws went 5-3 with 2.91 goals saved above expected (GSAx) and .921 save percentage (SV%) from 2/24-3/13. Since then the rookie netminder has been abysmal, holding a 2-8 record with a .855 SV% and -10.24 GSAx. I think it’s safe to say he needs a little more time to marinate in the AHL.

• Cole Caufield has been on an absolute heater since the coaching change took place in Montreal. The rookie forward had only one goal and eight points in 29 games under Dominique Ducharme. However, since Martin St. Louis took over as head coach the young winger has 15 goals and 27 points in 25 games played. It’s safe to say we’re seeing the Caufield that we thought we’d see coming into the year.

All statistics are via. NHL.com, Natural Stat Trick, and Money Puck.

Tonight’s game can be watched on MSG+2 at 7:00 PM EST.