The Matchup: The New Jersey Devils (39-34-3) at the Montreal Canadiens (45-21-10)
The Time: 7:00 PM EDT
The Broadcast: TV — MSGSN; Radio — Devils Hockey Network
No Margin for Error
I have not believed the Devils could contend for a playoff spot since they lost to Carolina last month, but the out of town scoreboard has been working in their favor lately. Of course, last night’s shootout loss was another big blow to the near-impossible comeback odds, but they still gained a point in the standings. With six games to play,
the Devils are seven points out of eighth place and eight points out of third in the Metropolitan Division. They have two games in hand on the New York Islanders.
Technically, the team should still be treating their season like they still have a chance. But there is no margin for error. A loss is like a fatal wound at this point. Lately, I have been encouraged by the Devils’ lack of quit, continuing to play games the right way and trying to light the lamp as much as possible. Last night, I thought the Devils outplayed the Canadiens (by quite a bit, too), but Jakub Dobes outperformed Jake Allen when it came down to those two in the shootout.
Tonight, it should be Jacob Markstrom against Jacob Fowler. This season, the 21-year old Fowler has an 8-5-2 record with a .904 save percentage. Fowler was selected in the third round by Montreal in 2023. Perhaps someone should let the Devils know that they are allowed to call up young goaltenders to see if they’re better than older, struggling goaltenders. The Canadiens did not let their playoff contention deter them from benching Sam Montembeault, who has an .873 save percentage this season. Montembeault may be a veteran, but Fowler gives them a better chance to win, and that matters more than paying service to the mere fact that some players have experience.
Two-Line Attack
Last night, the Devils continued to struggle with their bottom six minutes. Since Arseny Gritsyuk ended his season by getting surgery, the shuffling on the lower two lines have made it difficult to get a third line going well. Thankfully, Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier have been coming to play, but I would like to see something new on the third line today. Cody Glass currently has two righties on his wings. Perhaps Paul Cotter or Maxim Tsyplakov would add a better element there than Nick Bjugstad at the moment, as Bjugstad was playing well at center on the fourth line. We’ll see if Keefe keeps tinkering.
Your Thoughts
What do you think of tonight’s game? Will you be watching? Do you think the Devils can pull off a win this time? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, and thanks for reading.
