Match-up - New Jersey Devils (21-25-9) @ Nashville Predators (37-12-6) Road/Home records - 10-17-2 -------------- 23-3-1 TV - FS-TN, MSG+2 Puck drop - 8:00 p.m. ET Season series - 0-0 Last 10 - Devils: 5-4-1 ------- Preds: 7-2-1 Projected starting goalies - Cory Schneider vs Pekka Rinne
Projected lines for the Preds via DailyFaceoff.com:
Filip Forsberg - Mike Ribeiro - Craig Smith Colin Wilson - Mike Fisher - James Neal Matt Cullen - Calle Jarnkrok - Gabriel Bourque Eric Nystrom - Paul Gaustad - Taylor Beck
Roman Josi - Shea Weber Anton Volchenkov - Seth Jones Anthony Bitetto - Victor Bartley
Projected lines for the Devils:
Tuomo Ruutu - Mike Cammalleri - Jaromir Jagr Patrik Elias - Travis Zajac - Jordin Tootoo Adam Henrique - Scott Gomez - Steve Bernier Dainius Zubrus - Jacob Josefson - Michael Ryder
Andy Greene - Adam Larsson Jon Merrill - Marek Zidlicky Eric Gelinas - Pete Harrold
Injured/ill: Ryane Clowe, Stephen Gionta, Damon Severson, Bryce Salvador.
What to watch:
1) If there was any doubt the Devils would trade Jaromir Jagr, I think that's all gone now. After averaging about 20 minutes per game under Pete DeBoer, his role has been diminished since the coaching change. He's played more than 18 minutes just twice since Lamoriello took over, and played just 13:29 last night in Chicago. As Jagr mentioned to Devils beat writers, if he's not going to see a ton of ice he may as well play for a team that has a chance at the Cup. He wants to play for a contender, and I don't blame him.
2) Time on ice last night:
Tootoo - 17:16 Cammalleri - 16:06 Henrique - 15:08 Jagr - 13:29
If Lamoriello isn't tanking, I'm scared for the team going forward with how they're distributing ice.
3) Update: Anton Volchenkov will not play due to injury.
4) The Predators don't have the best penalty kill, but New Jersey's PP has struggled mightily of late, which isn't surprising given Tootoo (five points this year) and Zubrus (seven points) are taking regular shifts. I don't think they'll pose a big threat to Nashville tonight.
5) New Jersey has been outshot by double digits with regularity of late, and they're playing arguably the best team in hockey in a back-to-back situation. I don't see how the Devils win this game, and if they don't get excellent goaltending I don't think it'll even be close.
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