Match Overview
After falling 4-1 to the New York Islanders on Thursday, the Devils will hope to bounce back quickly. With MacKenzie Blackwood in the COVID protocol, the Devils’ offense didn’t carry the team to a win, something they’ll need to rectify tonight. Consequently, it’s likely that Scott Wedgewood will make his second start of the year against the Isles.
On the other hand, the Islanders are on the up-and-up led by goaltender Semyon Varlamov. They’ll hope to put a dagger in the Devils’ hot start this season.
As of Saturday, the Devils currently sit in fourth place in the loaded East Division behind the Pittsburgh Penguins. Conversely, the Islanders are in third place behind the Philadelphia Flyers.
Projected Lines
Devils’ Lines
Forwards
Sharangovich/Hughes/Palmeri
Wood/Zajac/Kuokkanen
Gusev/Zacha/Merkley
Johnsson/McLeod/Bastian
Defense
Murray/Subban
Kulikov/Severson
Smith/Tennyson
Goalies
Wedgewood
Comrie
Islanders’ Lines
Forwards
Lee/Barzal/Eberle
Beauvillier/Nelson/Bailey
Bellows/Pageau/Johnston
Martin/Cizkas/Clutterbuck
Defense
Pelech/Pulock
Leddy/Mayfield
Greene/Dobson
Goalies
Varlamov
Sorokin
What/Who to Watch
Ty Smith
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Corsi For (CF%) | 43.5 |
| Expected Goals For (xGF5) | 34.62 |
Amazingly, Ty Smith has notched four points in four games to start his career. It seems there’s been no transition period for him, it’s just full steam ahead, something Devils’ fans have long-awaited. His advanced statistics don’t exactly back him up, but keep in mind he hasn’t exactly been in the greatest company. Matt Tennyson has had an abysmal season so far, which may be holding Smith back at the moment. Despite this, keep an eye out for Ty Smith tonight.
The Bottom-Six
So far, things have been clicking for the bottom six this season. When you watch them play, you can just tell that they’re buzzing. On Thursday, the only goal came from Nathan Bastian of the fourth line. These lines may be re-organized with the return of a couple of key players, but look for this group to make some noise tonight.
Jack Hughes
After bulking up to 180 pounds over the offseason, Jack Hughes is having a breakout year. He has six points in four games and has been the heart of the offense. This being said, even when Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt come back, don’t expect Lindy Ruff to break up Hughes’s top line. Hopefully, he can make an impact again.
Semyon Varlamov
Even as a Devils’ fan, it’s hard to deny Varlamov’s dominance so far. His shutout streak to start the year ended on Thursday with the Bastian goal, but he has still only allowed one goal so far. Up to this point, he has a .988 save percentage and a 0.33 goals against average. If he gets the start again, it may be another tough outing for the Devils’ offense.
Prediction
The Devils have shown their talent, but I just can’t see them winning without Blackwood and if they face Varlamov. I see them going down 3-2 in overtime.
Tonight’s game can be seen on MSG+ at 7:00 pm