The Matchup: The New Jersey Devils (3-1-1) versus the Philadelphia Flyers (3-2-1)
The Time: 7:00 PM EST
The Broadcast: TV - MSG+
Same Lines
After switching up the lines prior to their game against the Islanders, Lindy Ruff has decided that he likes what he say from that game and has chosen to keep them the same for today’s matchup.
Per Amanda Stein:
#NJDevils have no changes from last night's game today at practice:
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) January 25, 2021
Status quo over here, ahead of tomorrow's game versus the Flyers. pic.twitter.com/OF2EtDNNNf
While I do understand that Andreas Johnsson has played poorly to start his Devils career off, I strongly believe that Johnsson needs some additional time to adjust to a new team and scheme before we can accurately judge his play and potential. Keep in mind that a lot of these guys are adjusting to a different style of play coupled with stricter regulations in preparation and what they can do - their will be signs of rust amongst players. In the end, I’m a believer that the acquisition of Johnsson will help the team in the long run, so seeing time on the 4th line alongside McLeod and Bastian will hopefully get him rolling.
The Flyers Lineup
It was announced yesterday that Brian Elliott would be starting in goal for the Flyers tonight.
#NJDevils will face Flyers Brian Elliot in net tomorrow at Prudential Center. https://t.co/pOcyqIa9xb
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) January 25, 2021
This means that the Devils will likely line up against Carter Hart on Thursday. The tale of the two goalies have been quite tantalizing. In limited play, Elliott has been outstanding. While only playing two games, he has saved 53 of 55 shots, good for a .964 save percentage. Carter Hart, on the other hand, has been nothing short of dreadful. Through 5 games he is 2-2-1, with a .880 save percentage. After two consecutive bad performances for the young netminder, it appears as if the Flyers want to rest his mind a bit in order to allow him to recollect himself.
Otherwise, the lines should look somewhat like this.
Van Riemsdyk - Hayes - Voracek
Lindblom - Laughton - Farabee
Giroux - Patrick - Konecny
Raffl - Bunnaman - Aube-Kubel
Provorov - Gostisbehere
Sanheim - Friedman
Hagg - Braun
Some notes - It’s weird to see Claude Giroux not on the top line, though he still gets a lot of power-play time as he adjusts to the surplus of talent the Flyers have offensively. The youngsters Joel Farabee and Nolan Patrick are off to good starts - two players who are key to elevating the Flyers to a bonafide contender status. Meanwhile, everyone in the Flyers top-nine can score, so the Devils have to be on their game at all times.
Your Thoughts
How good do you think the Flyers are? For those who watch them closely - has Carter Hart been the issue in their losses? Who do you think will score today? Let me know in the comments below, and take care!