Preview: New Jersey Devils Look to Continue Winning-Streak Against the Boston Bruins

The Devils will hope to repeat Sunday’s victory tonight (AP)

Match Overview

After a tense 1-0 win over the Boston Bruins on Sunday, the New Jersey Devils will look to keep it going in tonight’s rematch. Though the Bruins are a highly talented team, the Devils have found a way to beat Boston time and time again this season. A win tonight would make yet another statement against Boston. Furthermore, the Devils will need some good spirits in two tilts with the Washington Capitals afterward.

The Devils are 13-16-4, seventh in the East division. The Bruins are 17-9-5, good enough to hang on to a playoff spot in fourth.

Projected Lines

Devils’ Lines

Check our social media pages closer to game-time for more information.

Bruins’ Lines

Forwards

Frederic-Bergeron-Pastrnak

Ritchie-Krejci-Smith

Blidh-Studnicka-Kuhlman

Defense

Grzelcyk-McAvoy

Lauzon-Clifton

Zboril-Kampfer

Goalies

Halak

Vladar

Keys to the Game

Boston Bruins' Karson Kuhlman (83) cannot get a shot off against New Jersey Devils' Ty Smith (24) and Mackenzie Blackwood (29) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, March 28, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
MacKenzie Blackwood shut the Bruins out on Sunday (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

MacKenzie Blackwood

I almost feel bad for Bruins’ fans that Mackenzie Blackwood is most likely going to start. Blackwood has been terrific against Boston this year. The Devils are 4-0-1 against the Bruins this year, and it’ll be tough for the Bruins to rectify that with Blackwood in net. His 40-save shutout on Sunday was eerily similar to Scott Wedgewood’s previous shutout over Boston. Let’s face it,  Blackwood is on his game and has Boston’s collective number, I’m excited to see what he can do.

Jesper Bratt

Remember when all the news on Jesper Bratt was about his lack of a contract extension? I sure don’t. He’s amped up his production over the past few weeks, scoring a goal and two assists last week alone. The man can skate and is one of the best on the team at it. His edges and awareness allow him to cut into the net and create quality chances. I’m really liking where Bratt is going right now.

Kyle Palmieri

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Kyle Palmeri. He has quietly been coming up clutch for an otherwise dry offense. His lone goal in Sunday’s win was enough to hold the Bruins at bay. The alternate captain started out the year slowly but is picking up speed.

Prediction

With the way the Devils approach the Bruins, I’m going to be overly optimistic today. I’ll say that the Devils beat the Bruins 4-1.

Tonight’s game can be seen on MSG+ at 7:00 pm.

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