Match Overview
Tonight’s game will feature your New Jersey Devils, who currently own an 11-19-5 record, which puts them last in the Metropolitan Division, and the Chicago Blackhawks, who own a 15-16-6 record, which puts them last in the Central Division.
The Devils come into tonight’s game on a two-game losing streak and with a record of 2-9-0 in their last eleven. Over these eleven games, they have been outscored 38-19 and have seen any playoff chances slip away. As for the lineup, keep tuned to our social media pages for updates when they are available. However, I would expect Mackenzie Blackwood to be back in between the pipes.
The Blackhawks are a team, much like the Devils, that have also struggled all season. However, they come into tonight’s contest on a two-game win streak and have three wins in their last four games. For an offense that has struggled most of the year – 22nd in goals per game – they have nine goals in their past two games. Defensively, they give up 3.08 goals per game – which is ranked 18th. However, whatever success they’ve sustained defensively has been largely predicated on the success of goaltender Robin Lehner, who has a .926 save percentage this year. It is yet to be seen if the Devils will face him or not tonight.
Tonight’s game will be at the United Center and is scheduled for 8:30 PM.
Projected Devils Lines
Check back for updates.
Projected Blackhawks Lines
Forwards:
- Kubalik/Toews/Sikura
- Nylander/Strome/Kane
- DeBrincat/Dach/Carpenter
- Smith/Kampf/Highmore
Defense:
- Keith/Boqvist
- Gilbert/Gustafsson
- Maata/Murphy
Goalies:
- Lehner
- Crawford
What/Who to Watch
- Patrick Kane has been playing at a Hart Trophy level this season, as he has a total of 46 points (20G, 26A) in 37 games. And he’s currently on pace to finish with 44 goals and 58 assists for 102 points. He also comes in tonight’s game red hot, with 10 points in his last five games, including a hat trick on the 15th and a four-point night on the 19th. He has been one of the few bright spots for the Hawks this season, and the Devils will certainly have their hands full tonight.
- The Devils have struggled all season to put up large quantities of shot attempts this season. The Blackhawks, however, give up an exceedingly large quantity — they give up the third most shot attempts in the league, with a Corsi against per 60 minutes of 59.99. Usually, we see the Devils prefer quality over quantity, but with the way the Blackhawks have struggled with suppression, the Devils may be able to take advantage.
- Both teams come into tonight with subpar special teams. The Devils rank 21st on the penalty kill — which they have been much better with lately — and 29th on the power play. The Blackhawks rank 15th on the penalty kill and 25th on the power play. With neither team taking a distinct advantage in this area it’ll be interesting to see how it translates on the ice.
- Forward Miles Wood has been playing much better of late. This is evident by his three points in his last four games, as well as seven shots over this time. Another aspect Wood has going for him entering tonight’s game is he seemingly plays his best hockey against the Blackhawks. He tallied his only career hat trick in Chicago, as well as six points in five career games against them. This is the most points Wood has against any team in his career. It’ll be interesting to see if he continues this stretch of good play tonight.
Tonight’s game can be seen on MSG+ at 8:30 PM.