The New Jersey Devils are searching for positives as the Vegas Golden Knights visit New Jersey for the first time since December 2019.
Tale of the Tape
Record: 10-12-5 (25 points, 7th in Metro)
The Opponent: Vegas Golden Knights (17-11-0)
FHN Site: Vegas Lights
Puckdrop: 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Prudential Center
Expected Goaltenders: Mackenzie Blackwood (5-5-3) vs. Laurent Brossoit (5-2-0)
Television Broadcasts: MSG+, ATTSN-RM
Vegas Golden Knights
Recently, the Golden Knights have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL. Vegas has won five of their last six games including a 4-1 win over the Boston Bruins in their most recent outing. Captain Mark Stone has been almost unstoppable as of late with 10 points in his last five games.
With the Golden Knights playing the New York Rangers tomorrow night, expect backup goaltender Laurent Brossoit to get the start tonight in New Jersey. Brossoit is 5-2-0 this season with a 2.66 GAA and .911 save percentage.
Vegas will still be without 2017 second-overall pick Nolan Patrick tonight as he is expected to be out until at least December 21 with an undisclosed injury.
New Jersey Devils
The Devils got run over in their last game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Forward Cam Atkinson led the way for Philadelphia recording his seventh career hat trick. P.K. Subban was the only Devils who put a shot pass Carter Hart in the 6-1 loss. Many Devils were said to be under the weather including starting goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood who started the contest.
The Devils return home tonight looking for their first win since December 8. Everything has been going wrong for the young team as of late and their power play has been at the center of rough stretch. New Jersey had no success with the man advantage on Tuesday going scoreless in their four attempts bringing their season success rate to 12 percent (32nd in NHL).
Blackwood is expected to get the start in net. The 25-year-old goaltender was pulled on Tuesday after allowing give goals in two periods. A healthier Blackwood should pose a better presence in net for New Jersey.
Player to Watch: The Power Play
For the first time this season, the player to watch will be a collection of players. The Devils’ power play has single-handedly lost games for the team this season. If New Jersey has any hopes on beating a far superior team in the Vegas Golden Knights then the power play must score if given the opportunity.
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