Overview

There is a lot on the line in today’s afternoon matchup. The New Jersey Devils (43-16-6) host the Carolina Hurricanes (43-13-8) in a pivotal division matchup. Both teams are separated by just a few points and the Devils are aiming to catch them. As we enter play today, both teams are coming into the second of a back-to-back scenario. 

This will be the first game since the trade deadline, and both teams acquisitions have made their presence felt. Shayne Gostisbehere (four points in four games) has been great value. New Jersey has seen Timo Meier score a goal and net the winner against Washington a few nights ago. Both teams are healthy, minus Antti Raanta and Mackenzie Blackwood. 

Projected Lineups

Carolina Hurricanes –

Forwards

Svechnikov-Aho-Jarvis

Teravainen-Kotkaniemi-Necas

Martinook-Staal-Fast

Noesen-Stastny-Puljujarvi

Defense

Skjei-Pesce

Slavin-Burns

De Hann-Gostisbehere

Goalies

Andersen

Kochetvkov

New Jersey Devils –

Forwards

Tatar-Hischier-Mercer

Meier-Hughes-Bratt

Palat-Haula-Boqvist

Wood-McLeod-Bastian

Defense

Siegenthaler-Hamilton

Graves-Marino

Smith-Severson

Goalies

Vanecek

Schmid

What To Watch For

Vitek Vanecek

This will be a very important start for Vitek Vanecek. In a crucial game where the two points matters exponentially, coming up with the timely save is be a must.

The month of March has not been so kind for the netminder. Despite winning two of his three starts for the month, he has allowed four goals, twice and five, once. Vanecek is sporting a .822 save percentage and 4.88 goals against average. He will need to be the rock he has been all season long with a good Carolina team rolling into town. 

Andrei Svechnikov

The big Russian winger is a player to watch for on Carolina right now. He has four points in his last five games, with no problem finding the back of the net. Svechnikov has two goals for himself, with two of them being game-winning goals.

The top line for the Canes has been clicking as of late, and he is a big reason why. Even with the team coming into a back to back situation, the Devils will need to be aware with him on the ice. 

Where To Watch? 

Puck drop tonight at the Prudential Center is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET and will be on MSG.