Match-up - St. Louis Blues (6-3-1) @ New Jersey Devils (6-3-2) Road/Home records - 3-1-1 -------------- 2-1-2 TV - NBCSN Puck drop - 7:30 p.m. ET Projected starting goalies - Jake Allen vs Cory Schneider
Projected lines for the Blues:
Jaden Schwartz - David Backes - Joakim Lindstrom Alex Steen - Jori Lehtera - Vladimir Tarasenko Dmitrij Jaskin - Patrik Berglund - Steve Ott Ryan Reaves - Max Lapierre - Chris Porter
Jay Bouwmeester - Alex Pietrangelo Carl Gunnarsson - Kevin Shattenkirk Ian Cole - Barret Jackman
Injured: Paul Stastny, T.J. Oshie.
Projected lines for the Devils:
Dainus Zubrus - Travis Zajac - Jaromir Jagr Patrik Elias - Adam Henrique - Michael Ryder Ryane Clowe - Jacob Josefson - Damien Brunner Tuomo Ruutu - Stephen Gionta - Steve Bernier
Andy Greene - Damon Severson Bryce Salvador - Marek Zidlicky Jon Merrill - Adam Larsson
Game notes:
- The Devils have won three of their last four games, and have points in five of their last six. They're playing a Blues team that is missing a couple key pieces and playing a back-to-back, so this is a good chance to build on those streaks.
- Vladimir Tarasenko is playing about as good as anyone in hockey right now, and is undoubtedly the key guy to stop on this Blues team. He has the speed and skill to get good looks for himself, is dynamic in the shootout and has an excellent shot. He's well on his way to becoming a star, if he isn't already, and is a guy the Devils need to pay special attention to tonight.
- St. Louis' defense is loaded with guys who can be big contributors offensively so the Devils best be covering their points.
- The Devils are generating 70% of the shot attempts at 5 vs 5 with Adam Larsson on the ice over the last couple games, and he has a goal in there as well. He's shown flashes of why he was a top-5 pick a few years ago, now all he has to do is put it all together and play like this on a more consistent basis.
- Cory Schneider has allowed two goals or less in four of his last five starts, and has a save percentage of .940 or higher in four of those five. He's giving the Devils a chance to win on a consistent basis, and that's all you can ask from your goaltender.
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