Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
Five things to watch when the New Jersey Devils take on the Vegas Golden Knights:
1. A dynamic top line
With Jonathan Marchessault and William Karlsson on the ice together at 5v5, the Golden Knights have controlled 55.3% of the shot attempts, 55.7% of the scoring chances, and out-scored opponents 50-25. Yes, by 25 goals.
Having Reilly Smith along for almost the entire ride certainly helps but the early returns of the Marchessault - Karlsson - Alex Tuch line have been encouraging as well.
The Devils will have a very tough time containing them, especially without last change and the ability to control matchups.
2. Discipline
The Golden Knights are a very disciplined team. In fact, no Western Conference side has taken fewer penalties than they have.
They defend with speed and pressure rather than physicality, which lends itself to a rather clean game, so don't expect them to parade to the box in this one.
New Jersey will likely need to get it done at 5v5 if they want to pick up a much-needed two points.
3. Starting a new streak
Though Taylor Hall has been held pointless in consecutive games, it's not due to a lack of opportunity. During the mini-drought he recorded 17 shot attempts and 12 scoring chances, which are the largest totals he has posted in any two-game window since January 4th-7th against the New York Islanders and Dallas Stars.
I'd bet on him finding the scoresheet again much sooner than later.
4. Michael Grabner's drought
Grabner has still not picked up a point as a member of the Devils. Though he's not piling up the chances, they have come a little more frequently over the last couple games and one would think this is the perfect style of game for him to breakthrough. He feeds off speed, both teams are rested, and both play a fast, up-tempo game. He should benefit from that.
5. Jesper Bratt's struggles
Over the last 10 games, Bratt has one point and seven scoring chances at 5v5. The ice has been severely tilted in the opposition's favor with him out there, too, as the Devils have controlled just 41.4% of the attempts and been out-scored 9-1 during that time.
It's nearly impossible not to go through some rough stretches over the course of a season but the Devils really need him to snap out of it.
Here are the projected lineups:
New Jersey
*questionable
Taylor Hall - Nico Hischier - Jesper Bratt
Michael Grabner - Travis Zajac* - Kyle Palmieri
Patrick Maroon - Blake Coleman - Stefan Noesen
Miles Wood - Brian Boyle - Brian Gibbons
Andy Greene - Sami Vatanen
John Moore - Damon Severson
Will Butcher - Ben Lovejoy
Cory Schneider/Keith Kinkaid
Vegas (via DailyFaceoff.com)
Jonathan Marchessault - William Karlsson - Alex Tuch
David Perron - Erik Haula - Tomas Tatar
Ryan Carpenter - Cody Eakin - Tomas Hyka
Tomas Nosek - Pierre-Edouard Bellemare - Ryan Reaves
Brayden McNabb - Nate Schmidt
Shea Theodore - Deryk Engelland
Colin Miller - Brad Hunt
Marc-Andre Fleury
Puck drop is just after 10:00 p.m. Eastern and can be seen on MSG+ and ATTSN-RM.
Recent Posts
Inside Grabner's struggles as a member of the Devils
Marcus Johansson has played better than given credit for
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»