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Tonight’s Starting Goaltenders: NJD- Ken Appleby, NSH- Pekka Rinne

The final game before the all-star break is upon us with the New Jersey Devils and Nashville Predators set to battle at The Rock. They will have a bit of a different look as multiple players are out with injury.

Let’s start with the goaltenders. Both Cory Schneider and Keith Kinkaid are out so Ken Appleby will make his first NHL start tonight. Mackenzie Blackwood, whom the Devils recalled from Binghamton this morning, will dress as his backup. Taylor Hall (thumb) and Marcus Johansson (concussion) are also out tonight. The Devils have yet to make any call-ups to fill in for either forward.

Who/What to Watch

Nico Hischier… With all of the injuries for the Devils, it is time Hischier finally get himself back on the scoresheet. This can be said about a few players in particular, but being the number one overall pick, there are higher expectations. This could be a long night for the injury-plagued Devils if the young star cannot get going.

P.K. Subban… Were you expecting someone else? Sure I could have said Filip Forsberg, but this is Subban we are talking about. His 35 points lead the team who are on a roll at 28-11-7 for the season and 6-2-2 in their last 10. If the Devils do not contain him, they could be staring at their fourth loss in a row.

Prediction

If we are being honest, this game is not going to go over well. Although Appleby has yet to give up a goal in his two relief appearances, this is his first start. His nerves are going to be high and this team already has enough problems putting the puck in the net. I’m taking the Predators tonight, by a score of 4-1.

When/Where to Watch

7:00 PM MSG+, FS-TN (Nashville Feed)