Matchup Overview
After a tough performance on Thursday on Long Island, New Jersey will hope some home cooking tonight. Most may assume that home ice generally would be a bonus, but that has not been the case for the Devils. As over the past couple season, the team usually plays worst at home than on the road. A chance at some payback is there for the taking. New Jersey will just need to come out ready to play and put together a complete game to take down a tough Islanders team.
Projected Devils’ Lines
Be sure to check all of our social media sites around game-time for the lineup.
Projected Islanders’ Lines
Forwards:
Beauvillier – Barzal – Eberle
Dal Colle – Nelson – Bailey
Komarov – Pageau – Wahlstrom
Clutterbuck – Cizikas – Martin
Defense:
Pelech – Pulock
Leddy – Mayfield
Greene – Dobson
Goalies:
Varlamov
Sorokin
Who/What to Watch:
Jesper Bratt
Anytime Jesper Bratt is on the ice with the puck on his stick it’s entertaining to watch. The fan favorite boasts incredible skill and creativity. He also, not surprisingly, posts a team best possession metric of 58.40 Corsi-for percentage (CF%). In a game where offense may be tough to come by, it’s going to be up to some of the top players to perform. Jesper Bratt is certainly someone who can create a goal at any moment.
Mikhail Maltsev
Mikhail Maltsev has been a very welcome surprise so far. The four goals in his 11 games is a very nice number for him. However, his all around play has been extremely impressive as well. Maltsev is tied for third on the team in the possession numbers with a 55.60 CF%. Being responsible in his own end, as well, has caught the attention of many. Expect to see him around the action and lurking the crease aiming for that fifth goal. May we even see a multi-goal game?
Prediction:
New Jersey desperately needs a win on home ice. The Islanders losing their captain Anders Lee is a real tough blow. I would be surprised to see as high scoring of a game this go around. So, scoring opportunities will need to be capitalized on when they arise. Eyeing a 3-2 victory for the Devils in this one, making Sunday the rubber match of the three-game series.