New Jersey has an all-time record of 126-108-17-6 versus Pittsburgh.
The New Jersey Devils will look to get back on track in Pittsburgh when they face the Penguins at PPG Paints Arena on Thursday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 P.M. The Devils held a morning skate at 11:30 A.M.
Before the team left for their two-game road trip, head coach Lindy Ruff said Jack Hughes may join the team in Pittsburgh. After his team's morning skate, he confirmed the first overall pick is "still progressing, but he's not quite ready."
Devils @ Pittsburgh - PPG Paints Arena#
Last season, New Jersey earned a 4-0-0 record versus Pittsburgh. Dawson Mercer, who has two goals and 15 shots in his previous four games, has eight points in eight games versus the Penguins. He has five points in his last two games against tonight's opponent, including his first career hat trick.
New Jersey has dropped their last three games. It marks the first time since the club lost three consecutive contests since December 13-20, 2022.
The Penguins are fifth in the Metropolitan Divison (8-6-0). They are coming off a 5-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, where Sidney Crosby earned four points (three goals, one assist). He enters tonight's game on a nine-game point streak, tied for the fourth-longest active streak in the league. Jake Guentzel has 27 points in 28 games, the second-most points he has collected versus any opponent.
- New Jersey's injury report includes Jack Hughes (shoulder) and Nico Hischier (upper body).
- Pittsburgh's injury report includes Alex Nedeljkovic (lower body), John Ludvig (concussion), Will Butcher (undisclosed) and Jeff Carter (lower body).
- Devils defenseman John Marino can tie his career-high six-game point streak tonight, which he earned with Pittsburgh from November 16, 2019, to November 27 (one goal, six assists).
- Ryan Graves has four assists in 14 games this season for the Penguins. Tonight marks the first time he will face his former team since signing his six-year contract with Pittsburgh in July.
- Per the media notes, The Penguins will be wearing their third jersey tonight. They are 1-0-0 in those jerseys this season.
- Erik Karlsson (776) is one point shy of tying Rob Blake (777) for the 20th most points among a defenseman in NHL history.
Projected Lineup#
New Jersey:#
Max Willman – Michael McLeod – Jesper Bratt
Tyler Toffoli – Dawson Mercer – Alexander Holtz
Ondrej Palat – Erik Haula – Curtis Lazar
Chris Tierney – Tomas Nosek – Nathan Bastian
Jonas Siegenthaler – Dougie Hamilton
Kevin Bahl – John Marino
Brendan Smith – Luke Hughes
Akira Schmid/Vitek Vanecek
**Timo Meier did not participate in the team's morning skate. Ruff confirmed he is a game-time decision.
Pittsburgh:#
Jake Guentzel - Sidney Crosby - Bryan Rust
Reilly Smith - Evgeni Malkin - Rickard Rakell
Drew O'Connor - Lars Eller - Radim Zohorna
Matt Nieto - Noel Acciari - Vinnie Hinostroza
Ryan Graves - Kris Letang
Marcus Pettersson - Erik Karlsson
Ryan Shea - Chad Ruhwedel
Tristan Jarry
** Per Nick Horwat of The Hockey News, during warmups, keep an eye on Hinostroza, who could be swapped out for Jeff Carter, who is seemingly returning to health.
Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be broadcast on MSGSN. Bill Spaulding will handle play-by-play alongside analyst Ken Daneyko and host Erika Wachter. Fans can also listen on the Devils Hockey Network with Matt Loughlin on play-by-play.