Game Preview: Devils at Canucks

The Match-up: NJ Devils (4-7-4) versus the Edmonton Oilers (10-5-2)

The Time: 4 PM EST

The Broadcast: ESPN+, MSG+

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The Last Game: The Devils were embarrassed by the Oilers, 4-0. Mikko Koskinen got the shutout for the Oilers, while Cory Schneider allowed the 4 goals on 32 shots. As stated by John here, the Devils played one good period. Even worse, Sami Vatanen came out injured, with no news yet on his condition. This loss drained all the hope the Devils gained after a string of good games.

Jesper Bratt entered in place of Kevin Rooney, and his line of him-Hughes-Boqvist was horrendous. They were outplayed, out shot, and out chanced overall.

The countdown on Taylor Hall’s decision continues.

Canucks to Watch Out For: The Canucks lost their last game 4-1 to the Jets, with JT Miller scoring the only goal for the Canucks. Thatcher Demko made 31 saves on 34 shots, while Hellebuyck stopped 32 of 33 Canucks shots.

Elias Pettersson is the man for the Canucks, with 21 points in 17 games. Meanwhile, JT Miller and Brock Boeser are the other point-per game Canucks, with 17 in 17. JT Miller is also the Canucks goal scoring leader, with 8 goals. Edler and Quinn Hughes are the defensive threats who can score, with 11 points a piece. Meanwhile, in terms of depth, Brandon Sutter, Josh Leivo, Jake Virtanen and Tanner Pearson are all capable of doing damage.

The Last Time: The Devils beat the Canucks the last time these two teams met, 1-0. Jack Hughes got his first career goal, while Mackenzie Blackwood stopped all 25 shots faced to shutout the Canucks.

Hopefully, the trend of this road trip continues, with the teams looking for revenge failing miserably, and the Devils can pound the Canucks to get back on track.

Predicted Lines: After that dreadful game, I’d predict Kevin Rooney gets put back in the lineup. I’d guess the lines look somewhat like this (All of this is probably wrong):
Hall - Hughes - Palmieri

Zacha - Hischier - Bratt

Coleman - Zajac - Gusev

Wood - Rooney - Simmonds

I personally would like Boqvist in the lineup, but I see John Hynes as the type to sit him in the press box again.

Severson - Subban

Greene - Butcher

Mueller - Tennyson

Blackwood in goal.

Your Thoughts? Who will win? Who will score? Can we turn this around? Let me know in the comments below, and take care.