The New Jersey Devils host the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight at the Prudential Center at 7:00 PM EST. The game will be broadcast on MSGSN and FDSNOH. Here's a look at the projected lineups:
New Jersey Devils (16-8-1)
The Devils are looking to bounce back after their three-game winning streak was snapped in a 5-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday. They currently sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division.
Here's the projected lineup: * Forwards: Timo Meier – Nico Hischier – Jesper Bratt, Ondrej Palat – Dawson Mercer – Arseny Gritsyuk, Paul Cotter – Cody Glass – Connor Brown, Juho Lammikko – Luke Glendening – Stefan Noesen * Defense: Jonas Siegenthaler – Dougie Hamilton, Luke Hughes – Simon Nemec, Brenden Dillon – Dennis Cholowski * Goaltenders: Jake Allen, Jacob Markstrom
Brenden Dillon is set to celebrate his 1,000th NHL game. The Devils' offense has been strong, ranking 12th in the league with 3.1 goals per game. However, they have several players sidelined with injuries, including Jack Hughes, Zack MacEwen, Evgenii Dadonov and Brett Pesce. Dennis Cholowski will be in the lineup for the first time in five games. Jake Allen is likely to start in goal, given the rotation with Jacob Markstrom.
Columbus Blue Jackets (11-9-5)
The Blue Jackets are aiming to end their four-game losing streak. They are currently eighth in the Metropolitan Division. Columbus has struggled to hold leads recently, surrendering leads in the third period in several of their recent losses.
Here's the projected lineup:
- Forwards: Dmitri Voronkov – Adam Fantilli – Kent Johnson, Luca Pinelli – Sean Monahan – Cole Sillinger, Zach Aston-Reese – Charlie Coyle – Isac Lundestrom, Miles Wood – Brendan Gaunce – Yegor Chinakhov
- Defense: Zach Werenski – Ivan Provorov, Denton Mateychuk – Damon Severson, Brendan Smith – Dante Fabbro
- Goaltenders: Elvis Merzlikins, Jet Greaves
Injuries are also a concern for Columbus, with Kirill Marchenko, Mathieu Olivier, Erik Gudbranson, and Boone Jenner all out. Jet Greaves is likely to start in goal. Zach Werenski leads the team in points with 24.
Keys to the Game
- Goaltending: With both teams potentially starting their backup goalies, the play in net will be crucial. Jake Allen has a .919 save percentage, while Jet Greaves has a .901 save percentage.
- Offensive Depth: Both teams will need their secondary scorers to step up with key players injured.
- Defensive Zone Coverage: The Blue Jackets need to find a way to protect their leads, while the Devils need to tighten up defensively after allowing five goals in their last game.
The Devils are favored to win. However, the Blue Jackets have a chance to steal a victory if they can capitalize on their opportunities and get solid goaltending.
