Good afternoon Devils fans. The Devils (2-1-1) take on the New York Islanders (3-1-1) on the road. The puck drops at 7:15 at Bell Center. Here are the projected lines from the Devils and Islanders:
Devils Lines (Per Amanda Stein, 10/23 Practice):
Toffoli-J. Hughes-Meier Palat-Hischier-Bratt Mercer-Haula-Holtz Lazar-Mcleod-Bastian
Sieganthaler-Hamilton Bahl-Marino Smith-L. Hughes
Vanacek Schmid
Injuries: Nosek, Miller
Canadiens Lines (Per Daily Faceoff):
Caufield-Suzuki-Harvey-Pinard Anderson-Newhook-Slavkovsky Pearson-Monahan-Gallagher Ylonen-Evans-Pezzetta
Matheson-Barron Harris-Kovacevic Xhekaj-Lindstrom
Primeau Allen
Injuries: Dach, Savard, Guhl
3 Keys to Today’s Game:
1. Special Teams Galore
The units from last game remain the same. With injuries dealt to the Montreal defense, look for their penalty kill to struggle hopefully as much as the 5v5. Talking about penalties, the Canadiens currently lead the league in minor penalties taken. With new defenseman Lindstrom rounding out their third pair, the Devils have to find areas of weakness to capitalize on.
2. Primeau Primetime
Per Amanda Stein, Canadiens had an interesting development today at practice with young prospect Cayden Primeau stepping off as the first netminder. Primeau stats last year were 3 GP with a 3.46 GAA and a .852 SV%. This is a great opportunity for the Devils offense to put up a complete night. Not only should the top 6 contribute, but this would be opportune for the bottom 6 to etch their name into the scoresheet.
3. Smith’s Last Night
With Miller out on injury, the Devils have recalled Cal Foote. The young defenseman was on the periphery during the offseason but would love to crack a spot into the bottom pairing. If Smith continues his mediocre at best form, will Ruff give the new Devils a chance.
What are your thoughts? Views on the lines and units? Predictions for tonight?
Leave your thoughts and comments below. Raise Hell,
-Josh Biringer