Match-up - Los Angeles Kings (34-23-14) @ New Jersey Devils (31-30-11) Road/Home records - 12-14-7 -------------- 18-11-8 TV - NHLN-US, SNE, SNO, SNP, FS-W, MSG+ Puck drop - 7:00 p.m. ET Season series - 1-0 Devils Last 10 - Kings: 5-3-2 ------- Devils: 6-3-1 Projected starting goalies - Jonathan Quick vs Cory Schneider
Projected lines for the Kings via DailyFaceoff.com:
Marian Gaborik - Anze Kopitar - Dustin Brown Dwight King - Jeff Carter - Tyler Toffoli Kyle Clifford - Mike Richards - Justin Williams Andy Andreoff - Nick Shore - Jordan Nolan
Robyn Regehr - Drew Doughty Jake Muzzin - Matt Greene Brayden McNabb - Andrej Sekera
Projected lines for the Devils:
Adam Henrique - Scott Gomez - Steve Bernier Martin Havlat - Travis Zajac - Jordin Tootoo Dainius Zubrus - Patrik Elias - Stephen Gionta Tuomo Ruutu - Jacob Josefson - Pete Harrold
Andy Greene - Adam Larsson Jon Merrill - Damon Severson Mark Fraser - Eric Gelinas
Notes:
1) The Los Angeles Kings are the much better even-strength team, and they're desperate for points. The two sides are pretty even in terms of special teams, which means Cory Schneider will need to be excellent if the Devils are going to have a chance.
2) Mike Richards will be playing his first NHL game since being recalled from the AHL. You can bet he'll be motivated to make things happen and ensure he doesn't have to go back to Manchester again.
3) Like many Devils, Adam Henrique hasn't had the best offensive season. He has picked it up a little bit of late, though, tallying five points in his last five games. His shot totals are down, so the points likely won't continue to come unless he gets more pucks to the net.
4) New Jersey's outlet passes will be very important in this one. The Kings are a very heavy, powerful team, and they make their living off a dominant forechecking and cycle game. If the Devils defensemen don't grab the puck and move it quick, they're going to take some hits, and it's likely going to result in some turnovers.
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