The New Jersey Devils (38-37-5) have a wonderful opportunity in front of them as they lace up the skates in what will be Game 81 of an 82 game season. The Devils, having been eliminated from playoff contention just a few nights ago, will look to play spoiler against the rival Philadelphia Flyers (37-32-11).

Currently, the Flyers sit just one point out of the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference but are just 2-6-2 in their last 10 games played. They will be desperate for two points tonight against the Devils, who would be perfectly fine with helping one of their bitter rivals miss the playoffs this season.

Match Overview

The Devils will largely be rolling two of their regular NHLers on each line again, with some of their depth or up-and-coming talent rotating on the wings. This is how New Jersey rolled out their lines in their Thursday night tilt against the Toronto Maple Leafs, which was a 6-5 last-minute victory for the Devils thanks to three power play goals.

The Flyers are coming off of a 4-1 victory over the red-hot New York Rangers for their first win in eight games. They have been in a literal fall from grace over the second half of the season, going from a locked down third place in the Metropolitan Division to being outside of a playoff position as the season nears its end. They’ll come out desperate for two points in this game.

Former Devil Wayne Simmonds will be honored in tonight’s matchup, as his jersey is being retired at the Wells Fargo Center by the Flyers.

Projected Lines and Pairings

Devils

Forwards

Clarke-Hischier-Bratt

Meier-Haula-Mercer

Palat-Bowers-Holtz

MacDermid-Tierney-Foote

Defensemen

Hughes-Marino

Bahl-Smith

Siegenthaler-Nemec

Projected Starter: Kähkönen

Flyers

Forwards

Foerster-Poehling-Konecny

Tippett-Frost-Brink

Cates-Couturier-Hathaway

Farabee-Laughton-Atkinson

Defense

York-Sanheim

Seeler-Drysdale

Zamula-Johnson

Projected Starter: Ersson

Keys to the Game

Power Play

The Devils’ power play was remarkable in Thursday’s game, potting three goals on the man advantage. Timo Meier scored two of those goals, while Jesper Bratt tallied the third. It sure would be nice for the Devils to continue their power play success, which has been inconsistent throughout the year.

Let the Kids Shine

The Devils have quite a few depth or young players expected to play in tonight’s lineup. With the playoffs out of the picture, it will be nice to see these players get increased ice time and a chance to make a positive impression as they look towards the offseason, and training camp down the line.

Where To Watch

Puck drop is slated for 5:00 pm ET and can be found on MSG SportsNet.