New Jersey Devils: 5 Games We’re Most Excited For This Season
By Kevin Whalen
Thursday, November 7th @ Calgary
The Flames were 26-10-5 at home last year and they were tied for second with 3.52 goals for/game. This game takes place in the middle of the Devils trip out to western Canada and the Saddledome will be the hardest place they have played during it.
A game much like that of the one with the Lightning, this one represents how the Devils will be able to combat a game on the road in a hostile environment. For a young team like New Jersey, a tough test on the road can go a long way in what they are trying to build for the future. Tough challenges on the road put more pressure on goaltending and no matter who may be in net on this particular night, either MacKenzie Blackwood or Cory Schneider, will have to stand tall to pull this one out.
The Flames had five separate players amass more than 70 points last year, the Devils didn’t have any over 50, this team is very potent offensively. With all that firepower it will be a great test for New Jersey and how they respond to it. Expect to see P.K. Subban and the rest of the Devils defense being very active in this game and look for Will Butcher to take some chances with the puck to create opportunities of their own.
Prediction: New Jersey 4 Calgary 3
Thursday, January 9th @ Rangers
Back so soon? Taking into account all the moves both of these teams made this offseason its no surprise the Rangers made the list again. This time it takes place at Madison Square Garden and the rivalry takes on a different form on the big stage of New York City.
It will be interesting to see how Jack Hughes handles the first game at the Garden and how he goes head to head with Kaako. At this point in the season, it’s fair to say we will have a good idea of where both of these teams are heading and the environment at MSG should be electric.
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The Rangers fans will surely have some choice words for all of our new additions, but that’s what makes games at MSG so great. This kind of game will show us where the Devils are headed and it could be positive if we are able to handle the road crowd well enough to pull the game out in our favor. A player of the caliber of Taylor Hall doesn’t need a game like this to gain experience but players like Jack Hughes and Nikita Gusev certainly do. Playing on the road on a big stage against your biggest rival will show Devil’s fans what our next crop of talent is able to withstand. This is the game to look forward to the most because its where Jack Hughes is going to silence the entire Garden.
Prediction: New Jersey 5 Rangers 4 (F/OT) Game winner from Jack Hughes