Life is good right now if you are the New Jersey Devils (41-15-6). The race is on for the Metropolitan Division crown. New Jersey returns home from their impressive western road trip where they managed to go 2-0-1 and are coming off an overtime victory against the Arizona Coyotes. In addition, Timo Meier made his awaited debut and scored a goal.
Entering town is the Toronto Maple Leafs (38-17-8). This is the first matchup since both teams made big splashes at the trade deadline. Overall, the teams have each won a game apiece. Newcomer Ryan O’Reilly is now out with injury and has been placed on injured reserve. In addition, the club will also be without captain John Tavares.
Projected Lineups
Maple Leafs –
Forwards:
Kerfoot-Matthews-Marner
Jarnkrok-Lafferty-Nylander
Ashton Reese-Kampf-Acciari
Bunting-Holmberg-Stevens
Defense:
McCabe-Brodie
Giordano-Holl
Rielly-Liljegren
Goalies:
Samsonov
Murray
New Jersey Devils –
Forwards:
Tatar-Hischier-Mercer
Meier-Hughes-Bratt
Palat-Haula-Boqvist
Wood-McLeod-Bastian
Defense:
Siegenthaler-Hamilton
Graves-Marino
Bahl-Severson
Goalies:
Vanecek
Schmid
What To Watch For
William Nylander
For a Leafs team that boasts high-calibre talent in Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews, there is a different player to watch for. William Nylander is having a career year for the team and has been their best player as of late.
In his last five games, he has one goal and five assists. His goal was a slick over time winner against the Minnesota Wild. Nylander leads the team in goals (33) and is second in points (74). The Devils’ defense will need to be at their best against this lethal top six.
The Devils’ Top Line
If there is one line that has stood out the most, it is the Devils top line. The trio of Nico Hischier, Tomas Tatar, and Dawson Mercer has been everything you would want on a top line. In the last five games this is what their production looks like:
- Tatar: two goals, four assists, and six points
- Mercer: five goals, five assists, and 10 points
- Hischier: four goals, two assists, and six points
Hischier got the game-winner last game. But this line has provided the Devils with necessary balance and have been clicking on all cylinders. Something to monitor against a Leafs team that will try to key in on Jack Hughes.
Where To Watch
Tonight’s puck drop is at 7:00 PM ET and can be found on MSG.