Match-up - Anaheim Ducks (24-7-5) @ New Jersey Devils (14-15-6) Road/Home records - 11-7-3 -------------- 7-5-3 TV - MSG Plus, PRIME Puck drop - 7:00 PM ET Season series - Devils lead 1-0 Last 10: Ducks 7-1-2 / Devils 5-4-1 Projected starting goalies - Jonas Hiller vs Cory Schneider
Projected lines for the Ducks:
Dustin Penner - Ryan Getzlaf - Corey Perry Kyle Palmieri - Mathieu Perrault - Teemu Selanne Jakob Silfverberg - Saku Koivu - Andrew Cogliano Tim Jackman - Nick Bonino - Dan Winnik
Francois Beauchemin - Hampus Lindholm Cam Fowler - Ben Lovejoy Mark Fistric - Bryan Allen
Injuries: Sheldon Souray, Luca Sbisa, Viktor Fasth.
Projected lines for the Devils:
Dainius Zubrus - Travis Zajac - Jaromir Jagr Adam Henrique - Patrik Elias - Damien Brunner Reid Boucher - Andrei Loktionov - Michael Ryder Steve Bernier - Stephen Gionta - Cam Janssen/Tim Sestito
Andy Greene - Mark Fayne Eric Gelinas - Marek Zidlicky Anton Volchenkov - Jon Merrill
Injuries: Ryane Clowe, Bryce Salvador, Adam Larsson, Ryan Carter.
Game notes:
- As the numbers indicate, the Ducks have more or less been a dominant 5 vs 5 team this season. Their special teams haven't been great but because of their success at full strength they've been able to tread above water and remain among the top teams in the league. They haven't dominated possession, but they've essentially gone shot-for-shot with their opposition and when you have players like Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, etc. you'll often come out on top in the process. The Devils have struggled to score goals this season, but they've been better of late and have been pretty stingy defensively. They'll need to continue that tonight.
- Travis Zajac did an excellent job of keeping Kyle Turris' line in check on Wednesday, and he'll have another tough task tonight against Ryan Getzlaf and company. Zajac has shadowed top competition all season and for the most part has done an excellent job, so I think he'll be up to the challenge.
- Sticking with Zajac, he went up primarily against the Getzlaf line in Anaheim earlier this season and was not only a 63% possession player, but he scored the game-winning-goal. I'm sure Pete DeBoer would be thrilled with a repeat performance.
- After sitting out the last couple of games, Cory Schneider will be back between the pipes tonight. He's played very well this season and is more familiar with Western Conference opponents than Brodeur is, so I think giving him the nod in goal is the right call.
- The Patrik Elias-Damien Brunner duo has been red hot of late, combining for 10 points over the last four games. Will their hot streaks continue tonight?
- Reid Boucher is coming off his best game in the NHL as he had four shots, created several more scoring opportunities and found twine for the 1st time in his NHL career. For the most part he's been protected against tough competition and being on the 3rd line, he likely will be again. It'll be interesting to see what matchup he draws and if he's able to take advantage of it.
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