Richard Dean
Updated on: October 14, 2024 4:11 am GMT
The New Jersey Devils face off against the Montreal Canadiens tonight in a preseason matchup that promises plenty of excitement at the Bell Centre in Montreal. With both teams coming off different preseason performances, fans can expect an intense showdown.
Game Details
The game is set to begin at 7:00 PM ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and RDS. Fans can also listen to the action on the Devils Hockey Network via Audacy. Following a tough start to their preseason against the New York Islanders, where the Devils fell 4-2, they will be looking to bounce back against the Canadiens, who recently secured a commanding 5-0 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.
What to Expect from the Canadiens
Last season was challenging for the Canadiens, especially in terms of defense. They allowed 281 goals, ranking them fifth in the NHL for most goals conceded. Montreal’s goaltending looked uncertain, but players like Sam Montembeault and Cayden Primeau showed promise.
- Sam Montembeault had a 0.903 save percentage last season.
- Cayden Primeau recorded a 0.910 save percentage in 23 games.
Top Players on Offense
On offense, Montreal struggled as well. They finished 26th in the league for goals scored, with Nick Suzuki leading the way at 33 goals. Star winger Cole Caufield was right behind him, netting 28 goals. Both players will be crucial tonight, especially as they debut their first line together along with Juraj Slafkovsky.
Defensive Woes and Special Teams
The Canadiens’ defensive weaknesses extended to their special teams, with a power play that ranked 23rd overall and a penalty kill that allowed 65 goals last season. This could offer the Devils an advantage if they can exploit these areas.
Devils’ Strengths and Challenges
The Devils have a different approach this preseason, notably enhancing their roster with new talent, including Jacob Markstrom in goal. His performance will be on full display tonight, as he seeks to establish his presence after a solid showing in the preseason opener.
- Markstrom played the first two periods against the Islanders and looked promising.
- Expect to see goaltender Jake Allen make an appearance as well.
Line Combinations
Head coach Sheldon Keefe has a few decisions to make regarding line combinations. Star players like Jack Hughes and Timo Meier sat out in the team’s first game and are still recovering from offseason injuries. However, the line of Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier, and Tomas Tatar showed promising chemistry in the previous match.
Defensive Pairings
The Devils’ defense is under scrutiny as injuries complicate their pairings. Luke Hughes is sidelined for several weeks, and Simon Nemec also missed time due to an upper-body injury. This leaves Keefe with significant decisions to make as he reshuffles his defensive lineup to mitigate these losses.
Strategic Focus for Success
For the Devils, the emphasis will be on coordinating their lines effectively. Shutting down the Canadiens’ top line will be paramount to securing a victory. Furthermore, maintaining a robust defensive structure can lead to fewer scoring opportunities for Montreal, capitalizing on their special teams woes.
What Fans Are Looking Forward To
Fans are eager to see if the Devils can find success on the road and start building momentum in the early part of the season. As the game unfolds, the strategies from both coaches—Keefe for the Devils and Martin St. Louis for the Canadiens—will be scrutinized closely. How each team adapts to the flow of the game could ultimately determine the outcome.
Conclusion
Tonight’s game is really important for both the Devils and Canadiens. It’s a chance for them to see how well they are playing early in the season. Both teams want to find their groove, so fans can look forward to an exciting and intense match. Make sure to watch at 7:00 PM ET and cheer for your favorite team as they go head-to-head on the ice!
