The New Jersey Devils (27-17-6) are traveling to Montreal to take on the Canadiens (24-20-4).
The Devils are coming off a commanding 5-1 win against the Bruins on Wednesday night, scoring five unanswered to get themselves out of a 4-game winless drought.
Coach Sheldon Keefe shuffled the lines around, hoping to generate the offensive spark the Devils were desperately looking for, and he succeeded.
Captain Nico Hischier recorded three points (1 G, 2 A) in the win, and Dawson Mercer netted a pair of goals himself.
The Devils’ power play continues to sit at second place in the league (28.9) and went to work against the Bruins with three goals on the man advantage.
Jack Hughes continues to lead the team in points with 56 (18 G, 38 A), and Jesper Bratt is right behind him with 53 (15 G, 38 A).
Despite the tough stretch, the Devils’ goaltending continues to be terrific, sitting fifth in the NHL in save percentage (.909).
However, the injury to Jacob Markström will be a determining factor going forward. Markström suffered an MCL sprain on his left knee Wednesday night after a collision in the crease with Bruins’ Justin Brazeau. Markström will miss 4-6 weeks with the injury, which is the best-case scenario for the Devils considering the 4 Nations break and proper healing time for the goaltender.
Jake Allen was excellent jumping in on Wednesday night, stopping all 16 shots faced and earning his first win since Nov. 23, and will likely get the nod in net against the Canadiens.
Montreal is coming off a 4-2 loss Thursday night against Detroit. Despite the loss, the team has won four of their last six and have gotten themselves closer to a position for a playoff berth.
Fresh out of Boston University, rookie Lane Hutson has been dominant on the ice, recording 39 points on the season, and 36 assists. Hutson’s speed and agility are deceptive; his ability to enter the zone and generate offensive chances has been a big part of the Canadiens’ success this season.
Captain Nick Suzuki leads the team in points with 47 (14 G, 33 A), followed by Cole Caufield with 44 points (24 G, 20 A).
Goaltender Sam Montembeault will likely stand between the pipes for Montreal.
Puck drop between the Devils and Canadiens is set for Friday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. ET.
