Predators at Devils
The New Jersey Devils were rolling along with four straight victories to start the season before hitting a speed bump and look to get back to their winning ways when the talented Nashville Predators pay a visit Thursday night. New Jersey allowed four goals to open the campaign 4-0-0, but gave up 10 while dropping the last two after Saturday’s 5-2 setback at Philadelphia.
Reigning Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall told reporters the Devils were disconnected the last two games and fellow forward Blake Coleman added, “For whatever reason, we didn’t have that competitive level that we were at through all of camp and the first four games. … We’ve been quickly reminded and sent back in the right direction.” The Predators won’t make it easy on New Jersey after winning seven of their first nine games, but also suffered a setback last time out after coughing up a two-goal lead in a 5-4 loss to San Jose at home Tuesday. “We played good for two periods, scored four goals. We should win the game,” Nashville forward Viktor Arvidsson told the media. “. … We made mistakes in the third that cost us. We didn’t work hard enough. We have to look at the game and look forward to the next one.” Predators goalie Juuse Saros allowed five goals on 32 shots after pitching a shutout against Edmonton in his first start since last season’s Vezina Trophy winner Pekka Rinne went down with an undisclosed injury.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Tennessee (Nashville), MSG Plus (New Jersey)
ABOUT THE PREDATORS (7-2-0): Filip Forsberg leads the team with 10 points while linemates Ryan Johansen and Arvidsson have each produced nine after the trio posted three goals and four assists combined against San Jose. “I think (Johansen) and (Arvidsson) are playing with a high pace,” Forsberg told reporters. “I’m just trying to keep up with them as good as I can. We’re keeping it pretty simple. That’s got to be the mindset for everybody.” Nashville is winning despite struggling special teams as the power play is 3-for-31, including 0-for-8 the past two contests, and the penalty kill is 22nd in the league (73.1 percent) entering Wednesday.
ABOUT THE DEVILS (4-2-0): New Jersey is getting similar production from its top line as Hall, Kyle Palmieri and Nico Hischer boast 20 points while the rest of the team’s forwards have the same amount combined. Hall boasts a five-game point streak, defenseman Damon Severson owns points in five of six outings on the season and center Brian Boyle - who is slated to play his 700th NHL game - has scored in back-to-back contests. Keith Kinkaid recorded two shutouts in the first four games and has allowed seven goals on 52 shots in the past two as fellow goalie Cory Schneider (hip) continues to rehab with the American Hockey League’s Binghamton Devils.
OVERTIME
1. The teams split a pair of games last season and the road team has won the last six matchups in the series.
2. New Jersey C Travis Zajac (leg), who is winning 71.4 percent of his faceoffs, is day-to-day after missing Saturday’s game.
3. Nashville D Mattias Ekholm is scheduled to play his 400th NHL game and teammate C Colton Sissons is slated for his 200th.