The New Jersey Devils are set to clash with the Chicago Blackhawks tonight at the United Center. With a record of 11-4-1, the Devils are embarking on a crucial five-game road trip. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks, holding a record of 8-5-3, begin a four-game homestand.
Game Preview: New Jersey Devils vs. Chicago Blackhawks
This matchup marks the first encounter of the season between both teams. The Devils are looking to bounce back after suffering their first home loss, a 3-2 overtime defeat against the New York Islanders. Their previous road trip ended poorly, allowing just one win out of four games.
Coaching Insights
Head coach Sheldon Keefe is keenly aware of the team’s need for improvement on the road. “We didn’t like how our last road trip went,” Keefe stated. “This is a chance to rectify that.”
Blackhawks’ Momentum
In contrast, the Blackhawks enter this game on a three-game winning streak, most recently securing a decisive 5-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Rookie Connor Bedard has emerged as a standout player, boasting an eight-game point streak with 11 points in his last five outings. Currently, Bedard is tied for the team lead in goals with nine and leads Chicago in scoring with 25 points this season.
Player Comparisons
- New Jersey Devils Top Scorer: Jack Hughes – 18 points
- Additional Scorer: Timo Meier – Two goals in past three games
- Chicago Blackhawks Top Scorer: Connor Bedard – 25 points
Injury Updates
The injury report reveals a number of absences for both teams:
| Team | Player | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|
| Devils | Dougie Hamilton | Undisclosed |
| Devils | Connor Brown | Undisclosed |
| Devils | Brett Pesce | Upper Body |
| Devils | Evgenii Dadonov | Hand |
| Devils | Johnathan Kovacevic | Knee |
| Devils | Marc McLaughlin | Undisclosed |
| Blackhawks | Frank Nazar | Day-to-Day |
| Blackhawks | Jason Dickinson | Shoulder (IR) |
| Blackhawks | Louis Weber | IR |
Line Adjustments for the Devils
Facing recent offensive challenges, Keefe has shuffled the team’s lines. Dawson Mercer will now be partnered with Jack Hughes and Arseny Gritsyuk. Jesper Bratt will play alongside Nico Hischier and Timo Meier. Mercer expressed his belief in this fresh setup, stating, “We aim to make a strong statement on the road.”
Game Details
The puck is scheduled to drop at 9:30 p.m. ET in Chicago. Both teams are eager to capitalize on this pivotal matchup as the season progresses.
