The New Jersey Devils (9-3-0) are set to face off against the Anaheim Ducks (6-3-1) tonight at 8:00 PM ET, with a local broadcast on MSGSN and coverage on the Devils Hockey Network.
Last night, the Devils clinched a strong 4-1 victory against the Los Angeles Kings, thanks in large part to goaltender Jacob Markstrom, who limited the Kings to just one goal despite facing an onslaught of 44 shots. While the Devils capitalized on their opportunities, the game highlighted some inconsistencies in officiating, as they were called for four penalties while the Kings appeared to escape scrutiny on several occasions. This season, the Devils have had the second-fewest power play opportunities in the league, with only 31 opportunities, a reflection of the harsh realities of NHL officiating.
Offensively, the Devils have found some momentum, leading the league with four shorthanded goals, and they boast a strong power play efficiency that ranks them second behind the Edmonton Oilers. However, they will need to work on their possession numbers to draw more penalties and sustain offensive pressure, which will be crucial tonight against a Ducks team that has been relatively middle-of-the-road in special teams.
The Ducks, while boasting a 50.60 CF%, have a concerning shot disparity, getting outshot 230-246 through their first ten games. Their performance has hinged on their ability to capitalize on power play opportunities, but they have been fortunate when it comes to their expected goals versus actual goals. Captain Radko Gudas will miss tonight’s matchup, along with Mikael Granlund and Ryan Strome, potentially giving the Devils an edge as they face a somewhat depleted roster. The Ducks rely heavily on their top lines, including Cutter Gauthier and Mason McTavish, but with several key players absent, the Devils might be able to focus on shutting down their top talent.
As the Devils prepare for this matchup, the effectiveness of their fourth line will be a crucial factor. They will be up against Jansen Harkins, a player with a significant hit rate but lacking in offensive production. With the current lineup mix showing promise, it’s essential to exploit weaknesses in the Ducks’ bottom six.
The starting goaltenders will be Jake Allen for the Devils and Lukas Dostal for the Ducks. Allen has been consistent with a 5-1-0 record, while Dostal has had some ups and downs this season. If he sits, expect Petr Mrazek to step in, which could impact the Ducks’ defensive stability.
Overall, the Devils are looking to capitalize on their successful trends and adjust their lines to maximize offensive output against a Ducks team that will be challenged tonight. With the dynamics at play, both teams will be keen to tilt the balance in their favor as the puck drops this evening.