Fresh off a 5-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, the New Jersey Devils (8-6-1) return home to face the rival New York Rangers (11-2-1). Both teams enter this game missing some key pieces in their lineup, setting up for a gritty battle in search of two points.
Match Overview
Things got a bit rocky for the Devils after losing star centers Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, however, it appears they may have begun to right the ship just in time for reinforcements to arrive. Still unconfirmed at the time of writing, but Jack Hughes seems to be on pace to make his triumphant return to the lineup on Saturday, hopefully picking up right where he left off (20 points in 10 games). He is officially listed as a game-time decision.
The Rangers know all to well about key injuries themselves, as they have been playing without Adam Fox, Filip Chytil, and star netminder Igor Shesterkin. Even with these crucial injuries the Rangers have kept plugging along and currently find themselves first in the Metropolitan Division.
One major contributor early this season has been a return to glory for Jonathan Quick. In six appearances, Quick holds a 4-0-1 record with a 1.98 GAA and a .928 save percentage. Solving Quick early will be a key to success for the Devils.
Lineups
Devils –
Forwards
Haula – Hughes – Lazar
Toffoli – McLeod – Bratt
Palat – Mercer – Holtz
Willman – Tierney – Bastian
Defensemen
Siegenthaler – Hamilton
Bahl – Marino
Smith/Miller – Hughes
Goaltenders
Vanecek
Schmid
Rangers –
Forwards
Kreider – Zibanejad – Wheeler
Panarin – Trocheck – LaFreniere
Cuylle – Bonino – Kakko
Vesey – Goodrow – Pitlick
Defensemen
Miller – Trouba
Lindgren – Gustafsson
Jones – Schneider
Goaltenders
Quick
Shesterkin
Keys To The Game
Playing with Pace
The Devils scheme and roster is built around using their speed to turn things into a track meet, catching the opposition with tired legs, and finishing off of quick puck movement. A return of Jack Hughes to the lineup will do wonders for the ability to counterattack and really force the Rangers to be on their heels defending.
When Jack is on the ice, other teams simply have to respect his offensive prowess more than other players, leaving his wingers with more time and space. The Rangers do a great job blocking shots and clogging up the offensive zone, but the addition of Hughes should be able to open them up a bit more.
Goaltending
This is going to sound like the same old song and dance, but the Devils are going to need their netminder to make some saves in key situations if they want to have a chance at victory tonight. Goaltending has been a bit shaky to say the least thus far in the season.
Vitek Vanecek enters tonight was an .889 save percentage and a 3.30 GAA, and a brutal -4.0 goals saved above average (GSAA). For a reference point, last year Vitek finished with an 8.6 GSAA. The current league average for these would be a .903 save percentage and a 2.97 GAA.
Vanecek was able to prove worthy between the pipes last season, but certainly has left much to be desired so far. He is capable of stealing a game on his own, and tonight will be a great opportunity for him to rebound in a massive way and steal a victory against a tough division rival.
Where to Watch
If you can’t make it to the Prudential Center Saturday night, the game will be available starting at 7:00 pm ET on MSGSN.