Jan 4, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) scores a goal on Detroit Red Wings goaltender Ville Husso (35) during the third period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Gameday Preview: Devils @ Red Wings
Get ready for a Thanksgiving Eve matchup in Motor City. The New Jersey Devils will face the Detroit Red Wings for the second time this season on Wednesday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 P.M. The Devils held a limited optional morning skate at 11:30 A.M.
In their first meeting, the Devils earned a 4-3 victory, with New Jersey getting goals from Jack Hughes (2), Dougie Hamilton, and Erik Haula. Hughes has earned two points in his last three games versus Detroit dating back to Oct 25, 2022.
Devils @ Red Wings - Little Caesars Arena
The Devils are coming off a 5-3 loss to the New York Rangers. It marked Jack Hughes' return from his shoulder injury after missing the previous five games. Ondrej Palat scored his first goal of the season and is entering tonight's contest on a three-game point streak. Other Devils players on respective point streaks are Tyler Toffoli, Jesper Bratt, Haula, and Hamilton.
The Red Wings are fifth in the Atlantic Divison (8-6-3). They are coming off a 3-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the 2023 NHL Global Series. With his assist, Alex DeBrincat extended his point streak to three games. The former Chicago Blackhawks forward and Dylan Larkin lead Detroit with 17 points in 17 games.
- New Jersey's injury report includes Nico Hischier (upper body), Timo Meier (lower body), and Tomas Nosek (upper body).
- Detroit's injury report includes Matt Luff (upper body).
- As of Nov 21, Michael McLeod ranks fourth in the NHL for overall face-off percentage (61.7.0 percent). The Devils ranked sixth in the NHL for overall face-off percentage (52.8 percent) and first in the NHL for defensive-zone face-offs at 58.8 percent.
- Jesper Bratt leads the NHL with 16 power-play points (four goals, 12 assists) this season as of Nov 21. Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks ranks second with 14 power-play points (one goal, 13 assists).
- Jonas Siegenthaler leads New Jersey with 26 blocks through 16 games. Hamilton ranks second on the team with 23 blocked shots this season.
Projected Lineup
New Jersey:
Erik Haula - Jack Hughes - Curtis Lazar
Tyler Toffoli - Michael McLeod - Jesper Bratt
Ondrej Palat - Dawson Mercer - Alexander Holtz
Max Willman - (Chris Tierney) - Nathan Bastian
Jonas Siegenthaler - Dougie Hamilton
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Kevin Bahl - John Marino
Luke Hughes - Colin Miller
(Brendan Smith)
After the team's practice on Tuesday, head coach Lindy Ruff said it's a possibility they will continue to use a 7/11 lineup.
"We have discussed it. It's always a possibility," Ruff said. "I thought it fatigued our group (versus the Rangers) when you lose another guy, and you're down to 10 forwards. I saw some fatigue in our game, and I would hate for that to happen again."
Detroit:
Joe Veleno - Dylan Larkin - Lucas Raymond
Alex DeBrincat - J.T. Compher - Michael Rasmussen
Robby Fabbri - Andrew Copp - David Perron
Christian Fischer - Daniel Sprong
Jake Walman - Moritz Seider
Olli Maatta - Justin Holl
Jeff Petry - Ben Chiarot
Alex Lyon
**Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde confirmed the team would go with 11 forwards and seven defensemen versus New Jersey.
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.
