The Devils are back in action on home ice against the Dallas Stars Saturday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. ET after the 4 Nations break has concluded.
Before the break, the Devils weren’t playing their best hockey as they were missing their starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom and captain Nico Hischier. They went 5-5-0 in their last 10, but won their last game before the break.
It seems like Hischier will return to the lineup Saturday evening, but it is assumed Markstrom will not be playing despite taking part in practice. Hischier and head coach Sheldon Keefe will check with the training staff tomorrow to confirm Hischier is ready to play.
The Dallas Stars have been playing excellent hockey as of late, going 7-2-1 in their last 10, including their most recent win, an 8-3 win against the San Jose Sharks.
Coming back from the break, the Devils need to forget the hockey they were playing. They need to bring back the energetic, crisp style of play they had at the beginning of the season. The offense needs to get going and the power play needs to start clicking. The penalty kill will be without Jonas Siegenthaler as he is out with an injury after having surgery during the break.
Jake Allen will most likely get the nod in net as the Devils need to stay afloat until Markstrom can resume his starting position between the pipes. Allen has been as good as the Devils could ask for, making highlight reel worthy saves and giving the Devils a chance in their games.
Seamus Casey got called up with Siegenthaler’s injury, but it is unconfirmed if we will see him or Simon Nemec in the starting lineup tomorrow.
HC Keefe went back to forward lines during practice on Friday morning that were working for the Devils a bit ago. This includes:
Palat – Hughes – Bratt
Meier – Hischier – Noesen
Cotter – Haula – Mercer
Tatar – Lazar – Bastian
Puck drop is at 6 p.m. ET at Prudential Center – will the Devils grab the win?
