A Metro opponent.
Just the facts
When: Tonight, 7:23 PM
Where: Prudential Center – Newark, NJ
How to follow: NESN, NHL Network, 98.5 The Sports Hub
Opposing perspective: All About the Jersey
Know your enemy
- 26-17-6, 58PTS, 3rd in the Metropolitan Division
- Jack Hughes: 18G-37A-55PTS; Jesper Bratt: 15G-37A-52PTS; Nico Hischier: 22G-17A-39PTS
- Jacob Markstrom: 21-9-5, 2.20 GAA, .912 save percentage
Game notes
- The Bruins and Devils will meet for the first time this season — and the last time for quite a while, as these two teams won’t see one another again until mid-April.
- The Devils will be inducting former coach Jacques Lemaire into their Ring of Honor prior to tonight’s game. Lemaire coached five seasons in New Jersey, winning the Stanley Cup in 1995.
- Because of the Lemaire ceremony, that isn’t a typo in the start time above — per the Devils’ website, the ceremony will start at 7, and the puck will drop at 7:23.
- For a while, it seemed like the Devils were at or near the top of the Metro, and even the league standings at one point. They’ve tailed off a bit of late, going 2-5-3 in their last ten games. They’ve lost three in a row, though two of those losses came beyond regulation.
- Our friends at All About the Jersey point out that the Devils faded hard and fast last January too. In a bit of “we’re all in the same boat,” they’re suggesting calling up some kids to inject life into their offense. Maybe we’re all living the same life?
- The Bruins would be wise to stay out of the penalty box in this one, with New Jersey boasting the league’s third-most efficient power play. The Devils also have a stout team defense, allowing 2.53 GA/G (5th in the NHL).
- David Pastrnak has been on a heater for the Bruins, posting 5G-6A-11PTS totals in his last five games.
- The Bruins placed Mark Kastelic on IR on Tuesday. They also recalled Max Jones and Patrick Brown from Providence.
- With Joonas Korpisalo starting on Monday against San Jose, I’d imagine Jeremy Swayman is back in the crease tonight.
See ya tonight!