New Jersey has an all-time record of 61-32-5-7 versus Ottawa.
The New Jersey Devils are back on the road to begin another back-to-back set. They will first face the Ottawa Senators on Friday night at Canadian Tire Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 P.M.
New Jersey held an 11:30 A.M. optional morning skate. Per the team, the following players participated: Curtis Lazar, Ondrej Palat, Colin Miller, Nate Bastian, Alexander Holtz, Simon Nemec, Jesper Bratt, Erik Haula, Chris Tierney, Luke Hughes, Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Vitek Vanecek and Nico Daws.
Devils @ Senators - Canadian Tire Centre
The Devils earned a 3-0-0 record versus the Senators last season. Per the media notes, it was the first time since the 2015-16 season that the Devils earned three wins against Ottawa in a single season.
Tonight's opponent is eighth in the Atlantic Division (13-17-0). They are coming off a 4-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Drake Batherson scored twice and is entering tonight's game on a three-game point streak. He has collected six points over his last five games. Ottawa's record over their last ten games is 3-7-0, winning their previous two contests.
- New Jersey's injury list includes Dougie Hamilton (out indefinitely) and Tomas Nosek (out indefinitely).
- Ottawa's injury list includes Mathieu Joseph (day-to-day), Rourke Chartier (upper body), and Thomas Chabot (lower body).
- The Devils have surrendered the game's opening goal 24 times this season.
- Ottawa selected Lazar first-round (17th overall pick) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He appeared in 176 games for the Senators, earning 36 points (12 goals, 24 assists). The Senators traded Lazar to the Calgary Flames on Mar. 1, 2017.
- Per the media notes: As of Dec. 28, Michael McLeod ranks first in the NHL for overall face-off percentage (65.1. percent). Additionally, he ranks first for overall face-off percentage on the road (65.0 percent).
- Jacques Martin was promoted from the role of Senior Advisor to the coaching staff to interim head coach on Dec. 18 after D.J. Smith was fired.
- Hischier scored his first career goal against the Senators in Ottawa in Oct. 2017. He finished the game with two goals and one assist. He has earned at least a point in the past four meetings with the Senators dating back to Feb. 7, 2022.
Projected Lineup
New Jersey:
Tyler Toffoli - Jack Hughes - Jesper Bratt
Ondrej Palat - Nico Hischier - Alexander Holtz
Timo Meier - Michael McLeod - Dawson Mercer
Brendan Smith - Erik Haula - Nathan Bastian
Jonas Siegenthaler - Simon Nemec
Luke Hughes - John Marino
Kevin Bahl - Colin Miller
Vitek Vanecek/Nico Daws
** After the team's morning skate, Ruff said they will need to see how Lazar feels before determining if he will be in the lineup tonight. **
Ottawa:
Brady Tkachuk - Tim Stutzle - Drake Batherson
Vladimir Tarasenko - Josh Norris - Claude Giroux
Dominik Kubalik - Ridly Greig - Angus Crookshank
Jiri Smejkal - Mark Kastelic - Parker Kelly
Jake Sanderson - Artem Zub
Jakov Chychrun - Travis Hamonic
Erik Brannstrom - Jacob Bernard-Docker
Joonas Korpisalo
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.