PREGAME - NJ Devils vs NY Islanders

Ice Hockey, New Jersey Devils, Professional

November 28, 2023

As the Devils come off a dominant 7-2 win over the New York Sabres, the New York Islanders are their latest test in a divisional match up.

The Devils had no doubt their strongest game of the season on Saturday night, proving they have the ability to be a top team in the NHL. Before that game, it is no secret the Devils have been struggling in every aspect of the game.

Some things that helped the Devils be as productive as they were against the Sabres were little to no defensive breakdowns, good goaltending and taking shots from wherever all night long. The offense was clicking, the defense was doing their job and the goalie was able to make key saves at key times.

Some players to watch going into the game would be Tyler Toffoli as he has had three goals in the past five games, Ondrej Palat who has five points in his last five games and Dougie Hamilton who also has five points in his last five games.

Jack Hughes has not been as productive as he was in the beginning of the season since he just came back from injury. This happened last year when Hughes got hurt, he came back and did not put up many points and then one game it all started to click for him again. As one of the best players in the NHL, there is no doubt he will start to produce again so he is also a player to watch.

With captain Nico Hischier returning to the lineup, most of the lines have started to balance themselves out again. Obviously there are still players missing like Timo Meier and Erik Haula who just recently got hurt against the Sabres. Meier has been out for a little now and has yet to resume practice with the team, but has been seen skating on his own. Haula did not practice on Monday with the team and head coach Lindy Ruff said he would most likely be unavailable for the game against the Islanders.

The Islanders are a team that you never know how the game is going to go. With one of the best goaltenders in the league, Ilya Sorokin, he has the capability to steal games for his team. Another player to watch would be Brock Nelson as he has had an impressive past five games, putting up seven points.

Both teams have not confirmed a starting goalie, so fans will learn during warmups who will be in net.

The Islanders are in a similar position as the Devils at the moment, just trying to find their footing again.

The Devils and Islanders play at 7 p.m. at the Prudential Center, will the Devils begin a win streak at home?