Match-up - Carolina Hurricanes (9-20-4) @ New Jersey Devils (12-17-6) Road/Home records - 3-13-2 --------------4-6-4 TV - FS-CR MSG+ Puck drop - 7:00 p.m. ET Season series - 1-0 Devils Last 10 - Hurricanes: 2-7-1 ------- Devils: 3-5-2 Projected starting goalies - Cam Ward vs Cory Schneider
Projected lines for the Hurricanes via DailyFaceoff.com:
Nathan Gerbe - Eric Staal - Chris Terry Jeff Skinner - Victor Rask - Elias Lindholm Pat Dwyer - Riley Nash - Alex Semin Brad Malone - Jay McClemment - Zach Boychuk
Andrej Sekera - Justin Faulk Tim Gleason - John-Michael Liles Ron Hainsey - Brett Bellemore
Injured: Jordan Staal, Jiri Tlusty, Andrej Nestrasil.
Projected lines for the Devils:
Scott Gomez - Adam Henrique - Jaromir Jagr Michael Cammalleri - Travis Zajac - Michael Ryder Tuomo Ruutu - Stephen Gionta - Steve Bernier Jordin Tootoo - ** - Tim Sestito
Andy Greene - Jon Merrill Seth Helgeson - Marek Zidlicky Eric Gelinas - Pete Harrold ** - Adam Larsson
Injured: Patrik Elias, Martin Havlat, Dainius Zubrus, Ryane Clowe, Damon Severson, Bryce Salvador.
What to watch:
1) Michael Ryder's play. He hasn't scored in about 20 games, and is unhappy with his ice time. Ryder's averaging 14:30 per game, which I think is fair given the lack of production from him over the last couple years. He's a UFA at the end of the season so perhaps the Devils can get something for him if he starts to produce.
2) Tank nation. The Devils are currently 26th in the NHL with 30 points, while the Hurricanes, despite good possession numbers, sit 30th with 22 points, in large part due to early season injuries. If the Devils lose this one, especially in regulation, it'll make that race for last a lot tighter.
3) Adam Henrique. He has four points in his last five games, which has tied him with Jaromir Jagr for the team-lead in points (20) despite playing six fewer games.
4) Cory Schneider has lost his last four starts and hasn't looked great at times while doing so, but Keith Kinkaid has had a couple starts of late. Perhaps the additional rest and ability to recharge will get him going again.
5) Road vs home. The Hurricanes have three wins in 18 road games, while the Devils have four wins in 14 home games. Which team bucks the trend tonight?
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