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New Jersey Devils vs Ottawa Senators Game Preview

By Tyler Kelley

OTTAWA, ON - OCTOBER 19: New Jersey Devils Center Nico Hischier (13) celebrates his second career NHL goal during first period National Hockey League action between the New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators on October 19, 2017, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - OCTOBER 19: New Jersey Devils Center Nico Hischier (13) celebrates his second career NHL goal during first period National Hockey League action between the New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators on October 19, 2017, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The New Jersey Devils are coming off a long week where they’ve had plenty of time to think about a rough loss to the San Jose Sharks. They’ll face the Ottawa Senators in the first of a back to back tonight at the Rock.

Goaltending

In all likelihood we’ll see a battle of the backups tonight. Keith Kinkaid is getting the nod with Cory Schneider expecting a child and nursing an injury. If Schneider can’t backup we’ll see Scott Wedgewood on the bench.

Craig Anderson played last night in Ottawa’s 5-4 win over Philadelphia meaning we’ll likely see Mike Condon between the pipes. Ordinarily facing a backup is a good thing, but Condon has been outstanding for the Senators this year posting a 96.2 sv% in his two appearances.

Missing Scorers

Ottawa has already ruled out center Kyle Turris for tonight with a viral infection. The Devils Kyle Palmieri looks like he may miss some time as well. Look for Jesper Bratt to move into a top 6 role alongside Adam Henrique and Marcus Johansson.

While Bratt has been essential on special teams, he’s been relatively quiet since his hot start. With the news that he and Nico Hischier will be staying with the club past the ten game mark, look for more relaxed play and a good game from Bratt tonight.

Power play

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Losing Kyle Palmieri is a big hit to the power play but even with Palmieri the Devils were 0 for their last 9. After a scorching hot start on the PP it seems teams have caught up to the Devils attack.

We’ll see if Coach Hynes made any adjustments during the bye week. With all of the early line juggling, I’d assume Coach Hynes diagnosed the issue and we’ll see a rejuvenated power play tonight.

The Devils should come out with plenty of fire tonight coming off a long rest period. This Ottawa team clearly underestimated this young Devils team in their last matchup and you can guarantee they won’t make the same mistake.

This is another tough test for a young Devils team coming off a big home loss to San Jose.

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