Match Overview
Yes, you read that title right, the New Jersey Devils are on a roll. The team’s 2-1 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins was the culmination of a week in which they went 3-1-0. There were some imperfections last week, but a lot of things went well for New Jersey.
Now, the Devils will face off against the Philidelphia Flyers, a team they haven’t played in nearly two months. New Jersey will have their work cut out for them, but prolonging this hot-streak would do wonders for the team. The Devils are playing some of their best hockey in a long while, they have to keep on rolling.
The Devils are 11-14-4, seventh in the East division. Philadelphia is two spots ahead of them with a record of 15-11-3.
Projected Lines
Devils’ Lines
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Flyer’s Lines
Forwards:
Van Riemsdyk-Coturier-Farabee
Laughton-Hayes-Konecny
Lindblom-Giroux-Voracek
Raffl-Patrick-Aube Kubel
Defense:
Provorov-Gostisbehere
Sanheim-Braun
Gustafsson-Myers
Goalies:
Hart
Elliot
Who/What to Watch
MacKenzie Blackwood
Ladies and gentlemen, I think we can finally say that MacKenzie Blackwood has put COVID-19 behind him. He looked like his elite self again against Pittsburgh on Sunday allowing just one goal on 36 shots.
Nonetheless, in his very next start, the netminder was fantastic, the best he’s looked in a while. The Devils clearly rely on his success. Hopefully, he can keep New Jersey afloat tonight.
Part of his recent struggles can possibly be attributed to a previously unknown upper-body injury. Blackwood left warmups on Thursday and was subsequently scratched from his start because of the issue. It is plausible, yet not confirmed, that Blackwood was dealing with these issues before Thursday.
Jesper Bratt
After a relatively slow start to the year, Jesper Bratt has picked up the pace as of late. Last week, he had a goal and three assists and has overall been a noticeable presence on the ice. Most notably, his wrap-around goal in overtime on Sunday secured the Devils’ win. He has used his awareness and skating to create a ton of chances for the Devils. Simply put, he has been fun to watch with his young teammates recently.
Prediction
Why not be optimistic for once in a while? I predict that the Devils will down the Flyers 3-1.
Tonight’s game can be seen on NBCSN at 7:00 pm