Matchup Overview:
The stars are beginning to align for the Devils so far this season (no pun intended). Coming off their fourth straight win thanks to sweeping two home and home series, things seem to be on the upswing through the first 14 games. Not only was this their 4th win, but the Devils received goal contributions from four different players, including Kyle Palmieri finally breaking his slump on a very important “squad21” debut day. The defense also continues to be more and more involved in the offense, with goals coming from John Moore and Kyle Quincey, with Damon Severson keeping his read hot start flowing with two more assists moving his total to 11 on the season. With the Stars slumping thus far in the month of November, winning only 3 out of 8 games and dealing with some key injuries, the Devils will need to continue to take advantage of their matchups and capitalize on their opportunities.
This is the first of two meetings the Devils and Stars have this season. -Getty Images
Keys to the game:
Speed, speed and more speed. The Stars are one of the faster teams in the league, and the backline of the Devils is going to be as important as it has ever been to keep some of their primetime players off the scoreboard. Cody Eakin, Patrick Sharp and Jason Spezza are just a few of the guys who are currently banged up for the Stars, and that is something the Devils will have to capitalize on. With more depth players being forced to log longer minutes, that leaves more room for error and quick-strike opportunity to take advantage of some missed assignments. However, missing Cammalleri for another game and with Taylor Hall out due to a lower body injury, the Devils are going to need some other guys to step up tonight as well.
Players to watch:
Beau Bennett is a guy who has been around the action on a consistent basis and looked great in the preseason, if anyone deserves to bury one it is him. Does Kyle Palmieri now get on a hot streak and score another goal? I don’t think so, but I do see him getting two points tonight still. I also wanted to single out someone on the blue line, but honestly that entire squad are under the players to watch category, especially Auvitu.
For the Stars the key player to watch will be whoever is between the pipes. Lehtonen and Niemi have not been off to that great of a start, with each holding over a 3 Goals Against Average, and with some sketchy defense in front of them honestly it is understandable for average performances. It goes without question that Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin have to be on the radar every shift they are on the ice, which can lead to guys like Korpikoski and Roussel going a bit unnoticed and stealing a goal or two around the crease.
Prediction:
If the Devils can maintain the pace of play I think they will be in great shape, however if things open up a bit to early that could lead to a shootout which I do not think the Devils want to try and find themselves in. With the amount of pucks they have been throwing at the net during this win streak (132 in total, including two games with over 40) they will have a great opportunity to take advantage of a sloppy defense and questionable goal-tending. Devils win 3-2 and the streak continues.