Matchup Overview
To say things have spiraled out of control might be a bit of an understatement. New Jersey has given up 12 goals in their last two games and have lost eight of their last nine.
The play has looked sloppy, disorganized, and unstructured. The inability to score goals on a nightly basis has also been a major issue of late, having only score three or more in two of their last nine. Things won’t get any easier having to face the Boston Bruins on the second half of a back-to-back.
Projected Devils Lines
Be sure to check all of our social media sites around game-time for the lineup.
Boston Projected Lines
Forwards:
Marchand – Bergeron – Pastrnak
Ritchie – Krejci – Smith
Frederic – Coyle – Debrusk
Bjork – Studnicka – Wagner
Defense:
Zboril – Mcavoy
Grzelcyk – Carlo
Tinordi – Clifton
Goalies
Rask
Halak
What/who to watch
New Jersey’s Defensive Zone Breakout:
One of the major struggles this season has been getting clean exits from their own end. Far too often a puck controlled by one of the forwards becomes a turnover and more pressure for the opponent. I’ll be watching for more simplified decision making and pucks off the glass and out of the zone rather than attempting passes through a clogged middle of the ice.
Intensity Level:
The effort level the last two games simply was not acceptable, and that was addressed by head coach Lindy Ruff. The Rangers were shown no resistance yesterday afternoon as they were able to take the puck to the high danger areas whenever they felt like it. Look for the Devils to come out fast and aggressive, hopefully tired of being embarrassed on the ice.
Janne Kuokkanen:
Janne Kuokkanen has proven to be a nice surprise this season. His playmaking ability really stands out, and potentially having him skate with Jack Hughes and Andreas Johnnson this afternoon could really provide a nice spark to the offense. Be on the lookout for some strong offensive numbers from this trio, and hopefully a goal or two.
Brad Marchand
If there is a game against the Bruins Marchand never fails to find his way onto the stat-sheet and under the skin of some opposing players. Keep an eye on number 63 in this one. Especially if it’s a close game late in the third or even overtime.