Preview: New Jersey Devils Look For Revenge Against Boston Bruins

MacKenzie Blackwood will likely get the not to face the Bruins tonight (Frank Franklin II/AP Photo)

Match Overview

After a surprising three-game winning streak, the Devils came crashing back to earth with a shutout loss yesterday. Now, they will try again for a win against the Boston Bruins. As everyone is well aware, New Jersey is one again in contention for a top draft pick.

The Devils got used to scoring against a horrendous Flyers’ defense and some of the worst goalies in the league, but were put in their place yesterday. Nonetheless, all that scoring against the Flyers has to have done some good for the young Devils. Hopefully, the offense will come back strong in tonight’s game.

The Bruins have clinched a playoff spot, but the Devils are still in the mix for a top-three pick. The Devils are 17-28-7, firmly out of the playoffs and seventh in the East Division. The Bruins are 31-14-6 and have secured a playoff spot.

Projected Lines/Pairings

Devils’ Lines

Forwards

Kuokkanen-Hughes-Sharangovich

Zacha-Hischier-Bratt

Wood-McLeod-Bastian

Greer-Boqvist-Merkley

Defense

Murray-Severson

Butcher-Carrick

Bahl-Smith

Goalies

Blackwood

Wedgewood

Bruins’ Lines

Forwards

Marchand-Bergeron-Pasternak

Hall-Krejci-Smith

Ritchie-Kuraly-Coyle

Debrusk-Lazar-Kuhlman

Defense

Lauzon-McAvoy

Grzelcyk-Miller

Zbosril-Clifton

Goalies

Rask

Swayman

Who/What to Watch

Time to Think About the Draft

As I’ve mentioned before, the Devils are in hot contention for quality odds in the draft lottery in June. Currently, they have the fourth-best odds behind Buffalo, Anaheim, and the expansion Seattle Kraken. If the Ducks can manage to move past the Devils in the standings, New Jersey can achieve the second-best lottery odds. It’s just another reason to get excited about the offseason. Maybe the Ducks can try quacking their way to a few wins? Always seemed to work for Gordon Bombay.

MacKenzie Blackwood

We don’t get many of them these days, but MacKenzie Blackwood’s last outing was stellar. He gave up just one goal on 32 shots for a .969 save percentage. Look, it hasn’t exactly been a year to remember for Blackwood, but maybe he could make a statement against the high-flying Bruins. Keep an eye on the young netminder tonight.

My Prediction

This game means nothing for Boston, and the Devils don’t quit, I predict a 2-1 victory for New Jersey.

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