Match Overview

After a dismal loss to the Florida Panthers on Thursday, the New Jersey Devils will look to win against a surging Tampa Bay Lightning squad this evening. Thursday’s game was disappointing, but New Jersey showed encouraging signs, controlling much of the possession in the third period. They will look to carry that, “one shot at a time,” mentality into their game today.

The Devils are 7-5-3 and are in sixth place in the Metropolitan Division. The Lightning, on the other hand, hold a record of 9-3-3 and are in third place in the Atlantic Division.

Projected Lines and Pairings

New Jersey –

For the final lineup, as we get closer to puck drop, be sure to check back to our social media pages.

Forwards:

Zacha-Hischier-Tatar

Johnsson-Mercer-Bratt

Kuokkanen-Boqvist-Sharangovich/Holtz

Vesey-McLeod-Zetterlund/Geertson

Defense:

Graves-Hamilton

Smith-Severson

Siegenthaler-Subban

Goalies:

Bernier

Blackwood

Tampa Bay –

Forwards:

Palat-Point-Cirelli

Killorn-Stamkos-Joseph

Maroon-Bellemare-Perry

Katchouk-Colton-Raddysh

Defense:

Hedman-Rutta

McDonagh-Bogosian

Sergachev-Foote

Goalies:

Vasilevsky

Elliot

Keys to the Game

Can Bernier Bounce Back?

Overall, offseason acquisition Johnathan Bernier has been effective in net this season. However, he has had a rough couple of outings. He got smacked around against the Boston Bruins last Saturday, and possibly blew Sunday’s shootout, letting in four goals. Despite this, he’s posted solid numbers so far, boasting a .916 save percentage and a 2.48 goals against average. Additionally, he looked comfortable after replacing Mackenzie Blackwood last game.

With Blackwood having been humbled by the Panthers, it’s vital that Bernier steps in to hold the fort. If he gets the call this evening, it will be interesting to see how he responds.

Where’s the Offense?

Ever since their 4-0 win against the Islanders, the Devils haven’t lit the lamp too often. This is concerning for a team that needs to outscore an electric Lightning offense. As mentioned previously, the Devils did control much of the possesion, in the first and third periods of their last game. The key will be whether or not they finish the chances they create, as they did against the Panthers and New York Islanders a week and a half ago. Not having Spencer Knight as the opposing netminder might help, however, they may have to face one of the league’s best in Andrei Vasilevsky.

My Prediction

I’m not confident the Devils’ offense can rebound from a tough bout with Spencer Knight against Andrei Vasilevsky. So, I predict the Devils will lose 3-0.