The New Jersey Devils are in Chicago tonight looking to get back on track with a win against the Blackhawks.
The Devils enter this game playing some of their worst hockey of the season. They have dropped three consecutive games and been out-shot by 37 in that span, an average of 12.33 per game.
This contest really has the recipe for disaster as the Devils have just three wins in 13 games away from home while the Blackhawks, leaders of the Western Conference, are sporting a 9-1-2 record in their own building.
Luckily for the Devils, there are some reinforcements on the way. Taylor Hall has recovered from his injury well ahead of schedule and is expected to return to the lineup tonight.
It seemed the Devils had to sacrifice defense in order to generate offense without Hall so his return will certainly be welcome.
As I've said before, I don't see the Devils as a team that can pile up six, seven, eight wins in a row. If they want to make the playoffs they'll have to tread water and prevent losing streaks from getting out of hand. This is an important game for them.
Let's take a look at the line combinations.
Note: there will be several lineup changes (Hall returning, John Quenneville debuting, etc.) so there is some guesswork involved.
Mike Cammalleri - Travis Zajac - Kyle Palmieri Taylor Hall - Adam Henrique - P.A. Parenteau John Quenneville - Pavel Zacha - Nick Lappin Miles Wood - Vern Fiddler - Devante Smith-Pelly
Andy Greene - Damon Severson Yohann Auvitu - Ben Lovejoy John Moore - Kyle Quincey
Cory Schneider
And the expected lines for the Blackhawks (via dailyfaceoff.com):
Artemi Panarin - Artem Anisimov - Patrick Kane Ryan Hartman - Vince Hinostroza - Marian Hossa Dennis Rasmussen - Marcus Kruger - Richard Panik Andrew Desjardins - Nick Schmaltz - Tyler Motte
Duncan Keith - Niklas Hjalmarsson Brian Campbell - Brent Seabrook Gustav Forsling - Michal Rozsival
Corey Crawford
A few notes:
1) Chicago's top line is excellent but they really don't have much offensive talent in their lineup beyond that. If the Devils can limit the damage the top line causes they'll be in good shape, though that won't be easy without last change.
2) The Blackhawks are a bottom third team in terms of suppressing scoring chances at full-strength. The Devils' offense has been pretty good of late, and they're getting Hall back, so they may be able to muster up some good looks at 5v5.
3) Since the beginning of 2014-15, Crawford and Schneider are 2nd and 3rd in the NHL in save percentage. This could be a goaltending duel.
Tonight's game is scheduled for 8:30 pm eastern and can be seen on CSN-Chicago and MSG+2.