GDT: Jets @ Devils - 7:00 PM - MSG

[JK3]

NEW JERSEY DEVILS (33-24-6) vs. WINNIPEG JETS (43-16-4)

New Jersey hosts the Winnipeg Jets for a Friday night showdown.

The Devils are battling through adversity, winning only two of their last five games, and four of their last 10. Over their last five games, all on the road. The Devils also suffered some key injuries, Jack Hughes who underwent shoulder surgery on Wednesday and Dougie Hamilton. Head coach Sheldon Keefe said the team is still evaluating the defenseman and he would not play on Friday.

Jack Hughes leads the Devils in goals (27) and is tied with Jesper Bratt for most points (70). Nico Hischier has 26 goals and is five away from tying his career-high in a single season (31). Since returning from injury, Jacob Markstrom has played the Devils last two games. Through 38 games he has a 21-11-5 record, is averaging 2.24 goals against, and has a .910 save percentage.

Ahead of Friday's trade deadline, the Devils added two-time Stanley Cup Champion Brian Dumoulin. The veteran defenseman is a left-hand shot and brings a wealth of experience. Adding another left-hand shot will allow a Devils defenseman to switch back to their strong side. The playoff race is getting tighter in the Metropolitan Division with the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers just points behind the Devils, each with a game in hand. The Devils will have 12 of their final 19 games of the regular season at home.

The Jets enter Friday on the second half of a back-to-back. In their most recent game, the Jets beat the Flyers, snapping a three-game winless skid. In their last 10 games, the Jets have gone 7-2-1. The Jets are allowing the fewest goals per game in the NHL (2.32) and is averaging the third most goals per game (3.48). The Jets power play is first in the league, scoring on 32% of their opportunities.

Mark Scheifele leads the Jets with 35 goals, Kyle Connor’s 78 points are a team-high. The third member of this line, Gabriel Vilardi, has 26 goals (3rd) and 58 points (3rd). With Eric Comrie playing Thursday night, it’s likely the Devils will face Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck is one of the best goaltenders in the NHL and his 36 wins lead the league. The Jets’ starter has a .926 save percentage and is averaging 2.01 goals against. Hellebuyck has six shutouts this season, for the third time in his career.

INJURIES

Devils: Siegenthaler (unknown, IR), J.Hughes (shoulder, LTIR), Hamilton (undisclosed)
Jets: Kupari (concussion protocol)

​

 

[JK3]

Well...we do have a game tonight.

I know that's not our final form but yeah, let's see what Fitz can do.

 

[Satans Hockey]

Hard to feel good about the team going into this game. They desperately need to score first. Crowd is going to be extremely grumpy if they go down a few goals early.

I used a buyback for this game, just not in the mood and there's two home games next week anyway.

LETS GO DEVILS!!!

 

[Hockey Sports Fan]

the new “tired” emoji can’t come fast enough

 

[britdevil]

 

[My3Sons]

Hopefully not an ugly loss and they play competitively. That loss to Dallas really still stings.

 

[Comparison Ford]

at least now my expectation are absolutely rock bottom. go devils

 

[Better Call Sal]

Seems like I'll need to just take a break from this place for the rest of the year given the way the board is going.

 

[theoptimist]

Feel bad for Keefe. He moved his family in short notice after a brutal Game 7 loss and committed to what he believed was contender. 6 months later the season collapses right in front of him and he’ll have to cozy up to a 3rd GM in 3 years.

Thank you Fitz.

 

[Satans Hockey]

Feel bad for Keefe. He moved his family in short notice after a brutal Game 7 loss and committed to what he believed was contender. 6 months later the season collapses right in front of him and he’ll have to cozy up to a 3rd GM in 3 years.

Thank you Fitz.

Unless something changed recently his family stayed in Toronto and he was going back and forth on off days.

 

[Richer's Ghost]

Pending a whopper last minute move, I think the room will be fairly down and if the get behind by a goal it will be something ugly. Hope Markstrom is ready with his cape.

 

[theoptimist]

Unless something changed recently his family stayed in Toronto and he was going back and forth on off days.

Good to know. I have major respect for Keefe. Not easy to do that.

 

[Satans Hockey]

Good to know. I have major respect for Keefe. Not easy to do that.

Here's where I had read about it...

Keefe Balancing Family Life with Coaching Life | FEATURE | New Jersey Devils

TORONTO, Ont. – Sheldon Keefe was back into his routine. The 44-year-old head coach left his house in Oakville, an area that sits west of Toronto. He drove down the QEW, Queen Elizabeth Way, fighting through traffic, on his way to Scotiabank Arena. He entered the building through the usual

www.nhl.com

 

[Louskoolaid89]

Meh Winnipeg already lost to PHI and the NYI recently. Despite having Hellebuyck in net tonight. This is winnable. LGD!

 

[The Wumpus]

Bring it. I don't care. I'd play the '96 Red Wings tonight. I'd play the '79 Canadiens. I'll fight five moose. I'll fight 3000 whales. 5-0 win.

 

[Mgd31]

How is the line only Winnipeg -125 right now?

 

[Call Me Al]

“fire fitz” chants tonight?

 

[ZachaFlockaFlame]

How is the line only Winnipeg -125 right now?

B2B

 

[britdevil]

Well...we do have a game tonight.

I know that's not our final form but yeah, let's see what Fitz can do.

 

[Mgd31]

B2B

Still, they are the best team in the league and we are down our best forward and two top 4 defenseman.

 

[ZachaFlockaFlame]

Still, they are the best team in the league and we are down our best forward and two top 4 defenseman.

Yeah, they're assuming Winnipeg will be tired off a B2B even though they played a preseason esque v Philly and have the Vezina winner starting.

 

[JK3]

I was torn on whether to post that Pesce meme ripping on the lineup and looking like a total jerkoff doomer but followed it with a Fitz actually helping the team post. Here we are.

 

[Bleedred]

Have to miss this one tonight. Had a prior engagement planned well before this.

It’s fine if we lose tonight though. Glass, Sprong snd Chowlowski should help come Sunday.

 

[britdevil]

I was torn on whether to post that Pesce meme ripping on the lineup and looking like a total jerkoff doomer but followed it with a Fitz actually helping the team post. Here we are.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

so who is even playing tonight on D? I know Dumo is in, obviously HAmilton is out

is Casey in for Nemec I imagine? Casey was practicing with the 2nd PP yesterday