This Friday night, November 6, the New Jersey Devils (9-4-0) are set to return home to the Prudential Center from their west-coast road trip to play the Montreal Canadiens (9-3-1). With both teams fighting for the top spot in the NHL’s Eastern Conference, this game is sure to be one everybody will want to see.
Going into this game, the Devils are coming off a hard 4-1 loss against the Anaheim Ducks, where Jack Hughes was the sole player to score for New Jersey. On top of the most recent loss, the Devils struggled immensely their whole road trip, only winning one out of the three games they played. Even with the uproar of losing on the Devils end, it still wouldn’t be wise for Montreal to count the Devils out of the game.
Like the Devils, Montreal is also coming off a loss. They suffered a 5-4 shootout loss against the Philadelphia Flyers. Unlike the Devils though, before the loss they were doing exceptionally well with three prior wins. The canadiens have showcased multiple times before though that they aren’t a team that be should be seen as an easy win, which is why they shouldn’t be a team that the Devils take lightly.
To add on, the upcoming game is sure to be a fast-paced and energetic game, as Montreal has 19 points currently, and the Devils are in a one point deficit against them with 18 points. This close race in points basically confirms that both teams are going to bring some great energy to the game to get the lead they need.
Some players that Montreal may have to take note of going into this game are most definitely, Jack Hughes and Arseny Gritsyuk. To start off, Jack Hughes has been on fire lately, alongside being the sole goal scorer for the Devils in their loss against Anaheim, he’s also had 8 goals in his last 10 games. Montreal’s defensive players are going to have to work overtime on making sure he stays away from the net. Then for Gritsyuk, the rookie has been continuously making high quality shots each game, and he never seems to give up. Sooner or later hell finally find the back of the net.
On the other side of the ice, the Devils should look out for is Lane Hutson and Nick Suzuki. Both of these players are going to be a huge problem for New Jersey, as produce consistent offensive plays. Specifically for Suzuki, his leadership within the team is what keeps them motivated and ready for each game and period. Hutson is also a key piece in Montreal’s game, and soon to be another problem on the Devils list, as the former calder trophy winner defenseman has been a great power-play guy.
To end off, the game is most definitely going to be fast paced, energetic, and even slightly violent, as both teams are going to try to grab the win and the two points that come with it to put them first in the NHL’s Eastern Conference. To watch the game, head to ESPN or Fubo at 7 p.m.
