Matchup Overview:

Let’s hope some home cooking can change the Devils fortunes after a rough game last night vs the Habs. Even though it is a back to back, the Devils have won the second game two of three times so far this year, with the only loss coming against Pittsburgh. The Blues are playing a back to back as well, having just lost last night against the Islanders, and they currently are 2-2 in the second game of their back to backs.

 

Keys to the game:

Finding a way to score. For whatever reason the Blues just seem to have had the Devils number recently, having won 5 straights matchups and currently have 127 minutes of shutout hockey played against the Devils in the Prudential center. After having gotten outshot last night 49-21, the Devils will have to get back to getting pucks on net. Being back on home ice where they are currently averaging 28.2 shots per game will help, and it also should help them play at a faster tempo than they did last night. With Kinkaid getting the start, the defense is going to have to play better and they will need to make sure to not waste an opportunity to get the puck out of their zone.

 

Players to watch:

The Blues have plenty of fire power to worry about, but none are more dangerous than Vladimir Tarasenko. He currently has points in 5 straight road games and has put up 28 points in 27 games this season. The top line of Tarasenko, Steen, and Schwartz are capable of putting up big numbers on any given night, but don’t sleep on Stastny, Perron and Fabbri holding down the second line. Stastny currently has 15 points on the year and is one of the better faceoff takers in the league, currently holding a 54.4% win percentage. Fabbri comes in with 14 points on the year, with 5 points in the last 5 games and is playing dangerous hockey right now. Carter Hutton is likely to get the start given that Allen played last night, which will be beneficial for the Devils offense. Hutton has given up at least 3 goals in four of his past five starts.

Taylor Hall just continues to impress, with another two point night against Montreal. Hall now has 7 points in four games so far this December and doesn’t seemed to be hindered by the past injury at all. While the top line has been producing, Parenteau is someone I will be looking to see step up sooner rather than later. With just 10 points on the season and 2 points in his last five, his quick start seems to be fading fast. Miles Wood continues to impress with his speed and work ethic, and it is sure to pay off with some more playing time and hopefully an increased stat line. Kinkaid comes into tonight with a 3-1-2 record, a 2.59 GAA and a .928 save percentage. This will be only his second start on home ice this season, with his first coming in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Blackhawks.

 

Prediction:

It’s not going to be easy, but I think the Devils rebound and are able to keep the home point streak alive. Breaking the 30 shot barrier tonight, I see the Devils coming out aggressive tonight and really pushing the pace early and often, winning this one 4-2.