Injury Woes Cast a Shadow Over Devils' Crucial Matchup Against Senators
The New Jersey Devils (28-24-2) face a pivotal test tonight at 7:00 PM EST against the Ottawa Senators (25-21-7), a team breathing down their necks in the standings. Catch the action on MSG or tune in to the Devils Hockey Network (https://www.nhl.com/devils/team/devils-hockey-network) for the radio broadcast. But here's where it gets concerning: the Devils are battling injuries to key players, casting a shadow over their playoff aspirations.
Hughes' Status a Major Question Mark
Yesterday, I delved into the injuries plaguing Jack Hughes and Cody Glass (https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/devils-injury-report/66138/the-devils-cannot-afford-more-games-lost-to-injuries), highlighting the potential impact on their final three games before the Olympic break. While Amanda Stein and Pierre LeBrun provided some updates, the situation remains murky.
- Cody Glass: Thankfully, his injury isn't severe, and he's traveling with the team, potentially suiting up tonight.
- Jack Hughes: Underwent imaging yesterday, with no definitive word on his travel status to Ottawa. Interestingly, there's seemingly less concern about his Olympic participation than his availability for these crucial games. This raises eyebrows – if he's potentially out for five days, how can he be cleared for the rigors of international competition shortly after?
The lack of concrete updates on Hughes is unsettling. Assuming he sits tonight, it's a significant blow. The Senators, just one point behind with a game in hand, are a formidable opponent. Every point is precious in the tight Metropolitan Division race, where the difference between a divisional spot and a Wild Card chase is razor-thin.
Senators: Offensive Powerhouse with Defensive Vulnerabilities
Ottawa presents a unique challenge. They're a top-10 scoring team, but their defensive woes are glaring. Their team save percentage of .871 is a glaring weakness, despite Linus Ullmark's recent return from personal leave. Ullmark, with an .881 save percentage, provides an upgrade over Leevi Merilainen (.860), but the Devils' forwards should relish the opportunity to exploit Ottawa's goaltending vulnerabilities. Sheldon Keefe's message should be clear: pepper the net from all angles, exploit traffic, and force the Senators' goalies into mistakes.
However, the Devils must be wary of Ottawa's potent offense. Brady Tkachuk and Nick Cousins are always a threat, and the Senators boast eight forwards (plus a defenseman) with 25 or more points, despite David Perron's long-term absence (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nhl/senators-hit-with-brutal-david-perron-injury-update/ar-AA1ULVYS). The Devils, in comparison, have five forwards (and a defenseman, currently out) reaching that mark. Defensively, the Devils need to be disciplined and prevent Ottawa from establishing an early lead. While the Senators struggle to hold leads, the Devils' tendency to retreat into a defensive shell when trailing could prove costly.
Keefe's Lineup Decisions Crucial
I was impressed with Keefe's defensive pairings against Nashville. Brett Pesce and Dougie Hamilton showed promise, despite a costly clearing error by Hamilton. Brenden Dillon and Simon Nemec held their own, while Jonas Siegenthaler and Johnny Kovacevic contributed positively. Against Ottawa, Keefe should prioritize offensive production from Pesce and Hamilton, while relying on Siegenthaler and Kovacevic for shutdown defense. Dillon and Nemec need to keep it simple defensively, allowing Nemec to showcase his offensive skills.
Unlocking Offensive Potential: Line Combinations
Maxim Tysplakov deserves more ice time. His strong puck protection skills were evident before being benched due to line shuffling after Hughes' injury. I'd like to see him back in the top six. Lenni Hameenaho and Arseny Gritsyuk, with their combined nine points in six games, are a dynamic duo and should be reunited with Nico Hischier.
Here's my proposed lineup, considering Glass' potential return and Hughes' uncertain status:
If Glass Plays, Hughes Out:
- Gritsyuk - Hischier - Hameenaho
- Tysplakov - Glass - Meier
- Dadonov - Mercer - Bratt
- Cotter - Glendening - Brown
If Both Hughes and Glass Play:
- Gritsyuk - Hischier - Hameenaho
- Tysplakov - Hughes - Meier
- Bratt - Glass - Mercer
- Dadonov - Cotter - Brown
While separating Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt might seem counterintuitive, it could be a strategic move. After Hughes' injury, they struggled, getting outshot 9-5 with a goal against when Mercer centered them. Given the Devils' struggle to consistently generate offense from multiple lines, splitting up these high-paid wingers could create an additional scoring threat. This is especially compelling considering Meier's success as a third-line winger in San Jose and Bratt's chemistry with Glass last season.
Your Turn to Weigh In
What are your predictions for tonight's game? Can the Devils overcome their injury woes and secure a crucial win? How do you feel about the current injury situation and Keefe's lineup choices? Share your thoughts and engage in the discussion below!
