Sheldon Keefe is returning home to Toronto.
The New Jersey Devils (26-15-5) are set to take on the Maple Leafs (27-16-2) for the third time this season. The matchup will also be the first meeting since New Jersey head coach Keefe was hired after nine years in the Leafs’ organization.
The Devils are coming off their first shootout showing of the season, falling 2-1 to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night. After three straight games sent to overtime, the Devils hope they can shut the Maple Leafs down early in their home den.
Toronto’s stars continue to shine, with Mitch Marner leading the team with 60 points (14 G, 46 A) and William Nylander following close behind with 44 points (24 G, 20 A). The Leafs are 2-0-0 against the Devils, with both wins coming in Newark on Oct. 10 and Dec. 10.
Jacob Markström continues to be phenomenal for the team, making highlight reel saves and bailing his team out of high-danger opportunities. Markström stopped 27 or 28 shots against the Panthers earlier this week, continuing to prove his excellent addition to the organization.
Due to illness, Stefan Noesen will remain out of the lineup after missing Tuesday’s game. With the lines shifting due to Noesen’s absence, Keefe must continue relying on his top three players: Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Nico Hischier. They have totaled 140 points between them.
However, the Devils’ bottom six must perform to beat the Maple Leafs. The Devils are missing point production from players like Nate Bastian, Curtis Lazar, and Dawson Mercer; their additions to the score sheet will make all the difference when playing a team like Toronto.
Markström will likely face off in net against Joseph Woll, who currently boasts a .908 save percentage.
Puck drop between the Devils and Maple Leafs is set for Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.
