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.