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The Matchup: The New Jersey Devils (27-38-9) versus the Boston Bruins (44-20-9). SBN Blog: Stanley Cup of Chowder.
The Time: 7:00 PM
The Broadcast: MSG
Reassignments: The New Jersey Devils assigned Nick Lappin and Colton White back to Binghamton. Nick Lappin had been fairly disappointing for the Devils, as he had 0 points in 11 games. In 60 games on his career, Nick Lappin has five goals and three assists. He is 26 years old. Colton White had not been given much time to show anything, just appearing in three games this season where he averaged just over 14 minutes per game.
What this means for the New Jersey Devils: Colton White last played in Colorado, and I imagine he was kept with the team in case Egor Yakovlev returned to the injured group after the Washington game. As for Nick Lappin, it appears that his spot has been taken by Eric Tangradi and Kurtis Gabriel. Take that as you will.
No Practice Yesterday: The New Jersey Devils did not have practice yesterday, which means that there are no lines to share. There are also no injury updates. If there is any information posted by the Devils before game time, I’ll do my best to pass it along.
Bruins Injury Updates: David Pastrnak just returned on Tuesday from an extended absence, which means the Devils defense will have to deal with him tonight. According to NESN, Marcus Johansson has still not resumed skating, but will start skating with the team soon, along with Matt Grzelcyk and Kevan Millar. The only injury return that might happen tonight is Torey Krug, who is returning from a concussion.
New Jersey Native Bruins Prospect Playing Tonight: Connor Clifton, formerly of the New Jersey Hitmen in his earlier days before playing for the USDP and USHL, and then Quinnipiac University, was recently called up by the Boston Bruins. He was born in Long Branch, New Jersey. Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said this about him.
“He doesn’t seem to be fazed. Sometimes guys come up and they’re a little tentative for different reasons. Might be their personality, it might be that they want to defer to the old veteran guys, they want to feel their way around. He’s not that guy.
He’s in there, he’s banging bodies right away. He wants to make plays. So if anything, he’s a guy you might have to coach down a little bit as opposed to coach up, and I’ve always preferred that, a kid that wants to come up and play, as long as he’s not reckless. And he has not been reckless. He came out of Quinnipiac a little bit reckless playing pro, and he’s really tempered that.”
Clifton himself said that it’s good to be home, and when I watch tonight I’ll be looking for the New Jerseyan.
Your Thoughts: What do you think about tonight’s game? How do you think the Devils should approach playing the Boston Bruins? Is Brad Marchand the worst or best trash talker? Is he a dirty player? (Yes.) Who are you watching tonight? Do you think anyone not named MacKenzie Blackwood or Cory Schneider will do anything of note? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.