New Jersey Devils Look to Shine Bright Amid Stars' Coaching Change

The Pickleman Blake Coleman comes home to Texas, as the New Jersey Devils take on the Dallas Stars. The Devils are still winless since Alain Nasreddine took over for John Hynes. Meanwhile, when the Stars take the ice, they’ll have a new coach of their own.

Could the Dallas Stars be forced to part ways with a young asset like Esa Lindell? -Getty Images

Just a few short hours before puck drop, the Stars announced they fired head coach Jim Montgomery prior to tonight’s game for detrimental conduct. It makes for an interesting storyline going into tonight, while completely knocking Dallas off their gameplan. The still-struggling Devils are going to have a front-row seat to the latest hockey controversy.

Players To Watch

Blake Coleman

One of the NHL’s most underrated players is also the NHL’s best Texan. The pickle-eating cowboy returns home to face off against his childhood favorite team. Can we expect a hat trick out him? Maybe, after all, everything is bigger in Texas.

Photo Credit : Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Bishop

Big Ben is large and in charge of Dallas’ net. The Vezina Trophy finalist from last season almost single-handedly carried the Stars into the playoffs with his 0.934 save percentage. He shows no signs of slowing down, with a 0.932 save percentage as he gets the start on Tuesday.

Keys To Victory

Coleman’s Homecoming

While we don’t expect the Dallas ice to give Coleman magical powers, there’s no doubt plenty of his family and friends will turn out for his return to the Big D. Maybe he can channel some of that energy and put on a goal-scoring show. And there’s no better place for him to do it.

Long Layover

The Devils have had a couple days off since their Saturday night loss to the Nashville Predators. They used that time to their advantage to schedule and travel. Don’t expect there to be any jetlag or expected layover tonight.

Stars’ Coaching Change

The Stars’ surprising coaching change gives them a short turnover before they hit the ice tonight. The transition should be somewhat smooth, considering their assistant coach Rick Bowness is taking over for Montgomery. This isn’t something that helps the Devils as much as hurts the Stars, but New Jersey can still use it to their advantage.

Projected Lineups