Avalanche and Devils Prepare for Afternoon Clash
The Colorado Avalanche and the New Jersey Devils are set to face off today at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, at 1:00 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on MSGSN, NHLN, and ALT for fans in the local markets, as well as SN for Canadian viewers.
Avalanche Aim to Rebound
The Avalanche (5-1-3) are looking to bounce back after suffering their first regulation loss of the season yesterday, a 3-2 defeat against the Boston Bruins. This loss snapped a streak of games where they managed to secure at least a point. Despite the recent setback, the Avalanche have been a strong team, averaging 3.3 goals per game. However, their defense will need to tighten up, as they allowed four goals in their last game.
Here's the projected lineup for the Avalanche:
- Forwards: Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Necas Gabriel Landeskog – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin Ross Colton – Jack Drury – Victor Olofsson Parker Kelly – Zakhar Bardakov – Gavin Brindley
- Defense: Devon Toews – Cale Makar Josh Manson – Brent Burns Ilya Solovyov – Sam Malinski
- Goalies: Trent Miner (expected starter), Scott Wedgewood
The Avalanche will be without Mackenzie Blackwood (lower body), Logan O'Connor (hip surgery), Samuel Girard (upper body), and Joel Kiviranta (lower body) due to injuries. Miner is expected to start in goal after Wedgewood played in Saturday's loss to the Bruins.
Devils Seek to Continue Winning Streak
The New Jersey Devils (7-1-0) are riding high on a seven-game winning streak. In their most recent game, they secured a 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. The Devils have been firing on all cylinders, averaging four goals per game during their winning streak while only allowing 1.9 goals per game.
Here's the projected lineup for the Devils:
- Forwards: Ondrej Palat – Jack Hughes – Jesper Bratt Timo Meier – Nico Hischier – Arseny Gritsyuk Paul Cotter – Dawson Mercer – Connor Brown Stefan Noesen – Luke Glendening – Brian Halonen
- Defense: Luke Hughes – Brett Pesce Jonas Siegenthaler – Dougie Hamilton Brenden Dillon – Simon Nemec
- Goalies: Jake Allen, Nico Daws
The Devils have a lengthy injury list, including Cody Glass (upper body), Johnathan Kovacevic (lower body), Marc McLoughlin (upper body), Evgenii Dadonov (fractured hand), Zack MacEwen (upper body), Jacob Markstrom (lower body), and Juho Lammikko (lower body). Nico Hischier did not practice on Saturday but is expected to play today. Goalie Jacob Markstrom will not play but will join the team for their upcoming four-game road trip, which begins against Colorado on Tuesday.
Keys to the Game
For the Avalanche, a strong start and improved defensive play will be crucial to getting back in the win column. Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas will need to lead the offensive charge.
The Devils will look to continue their strong offensive play and rely on Jake Allen to maintain their solid goaltending. Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt will be key players to watch.
This afternoon's game promises to be an exciting contest between two teams with contrasting trajectories. Will the Avalanche overcome their recent struggles, or will the Devils extend their winning streak?
