This Friday, September 26, the New Jersey Devils (1-1-0) are set to take on the New York Islanders (1-2-0) for the last time during this year’s preseason. Both teams hit the ice at 7 p.m. hoping for a successful game.
Going into this game, the Devils are coming off a big win they had Tuesday against none other than the Islanders themselves. In this game New Jersey was able to score big at home, beating the Islanders 6-2. The Islanders are coming into the game with the short end of the straw, although they won their last game in comeback fashion against the New York Rangers, they lost their first preseason game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Its obvious that both teams need this win to either keep their fire going, or to reignite it.
Its expected to be a physical game throughout the ice as well, as past altercations from last season between both teams are still lingering, and waiting to be resolved.
Some players to look out for on the Devils side of the ice are going to be Dougie Hamilton and Dawson Mercer. Both of these players played crucial parts in Tuesday nights game. To start off, Dougie Hamilton had over 7 shots on goal, with 1 goal scored, and an assist. Alongside all those positive attributes, Hamilton also displayed excellence defense with his old problems from last season seemingly fixed up. Dawson Mercer also had a goal and an assist during Tuesdays game.
On the other side of the ice, the Islanders also have some lethal players New Jersey will have to take note of, some of these players being Kyle Palmieri and Matthew Barzal. Palmieri had a goal and an assist during Sundays game against the Flyers that helped the team put up a good fight. Onto Barzal, who is known for being speedy quick and forming great chemistry with any of his linemates, these qualities deem him a threat, and New Jersey will have to watch him closely throughout the game.
Both teams defenses have been looking promising in the first few preseason games, meaning offensive players will have to play their cards right to get past the defensive players.
Each team will have to bring the needed energy to win this upcoming game, to see who wins the game and takes home the win, tune in at 7 p.m. to MSG+.
