The stage is set for an exciting ice hockey showdown! In a thrilling Game Preview #3, the New Jersey Devils are heading to Columbus to face the Blue Jackets at 7:00 pm EST, broadcast on MSGSN and Devils Hockey Radio.
A Tale of Two Teams:
The Devils are coming off a high, securing their first win of the season against the Tampa Bay Lightning. They dominated from the start, leading 3-0 in the first period and never truly letting the Lightning back into the game. Arseny Girtsyuk's impressive performance added to the celebration.
But here's where it gets interesting: The Blue Jackets are also riding a wave of momentum after a 7-4 victory over the Minnesota Wild. With a 1-1-0 record, they're eager to make a statement in their home opener, backed by a passionate crowd. Will the Devils' momentum continue, or will the Blue Jackets steal the show on their home ice?
Goalie Conundrum:
The Devils' goaltending situation is a hot topic. While Markstrom struggled in the first game, the team managed to win despite his performance against Tampa. With 80 games ahead, it's a long season, and goalies can fluctuate between hot and cold streaks. However, in the small sample size of two games, Markstrom's stats are less than ideal, with a 4.04 GAA and an .837 SV%.
Controversial Take: Some believe the Devils lack a clear-cut starter or backup, not due to individual skill but because both goalies are equally talented. Should the Devils rotate their goalies based on performance, or is consistency in netminding more beneficial?
Injury Woes:
Injury updates are a concern, with Dadonov officially out for the rest of the road trip and Noesen unlikely to feature. Brett Pesce's resilience is admirable, but his health is a potential worry.
Nico's Status:
A potential storyline revolves around Nico's hand injury. While no official updates were provided, there's a chance he might play. Will Nico's potential absence impact the Devils' performance, or do they have the depth to overcome it?
Grimace's Predictions:
Grimace, our resident soothsayer, is in a bit of a grumpy mood, feeling underappreciated for his accurate win prediction. He boldly predicts another victory for the Devils with Jake Allen in net but remains tight-lipped about the score. His prediction record stands at an impressive 2-0-0, including the preseason.
Your Thoughts:
What's your take on the Devils' strategy? Do you think they can replicate their dominant start against Tampa? The NHL is a league of consistency; share your thoughts on how the Devils can maintain their momentum throughout the season. And what about the goaltending debate? Let's discuss in the comments!
