The Matchup: The Montreal Canadiens (11-6-4 ; SBN Blog: Eyes On the Price) at the New Jersey Devils (8-9-2)
The Time: 7:00 PM EST
The Broadcast: TV - MSG+2
Bouncing Back: This one applies to both teams. New Jersey is coming off a 2-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, part of a bigger, three-game losing streak. Meanwhile, Montreal lost it’s previous game to the Washington Capitals, and will try to avoid a losing streak with a win tonight.
Canadiens On-Track: The Montreal Canadiens are coming off of an absolutely dreadful season a year ago. The 24 Stanley Cup franchise endured one of the most tumultuous down periods of it’s entire history. With injuries to key players, the Canadiens lost a full year, and in the offseason, dealt their captain and best forward in Max Pacioretty. But without Pacioretty, the Canadiens have fared rather well early on. Montreal is 11-6-4 and holding the first wild card in the Eastern Conference. Since November started the Canadiens haven’t put together any sort of streak to be concerned with. Montreal has won a game, lost a game, and vice versa.
The Lineup: New Jersey lined up like this at practice on Tuesday:
#NJDevils in practice, as follows.. with Noesen, Stafford and Yakovlev as extras. pic.twitter.com/7mqMk1HoI9
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) November 20, 2018
Nico Hischier is expected to make his return centering the first line.
Thoughts: The season is still very young, but New Jersey has struggled thus far. Let us hear your thoughts in the comments section below.