New Jersey has an all-time record of 23-17-1-2 against Anaheim.
The New Jersey Devils will face the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night at Honda Center in California. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 P.M. The Devils held a morning skate at 11:30 A.M. PT.
Veteran defenseman Brendan Smith, who missed the team's Thursday practice because he was "a little banged up" from the club's previous game against the San Jose Sharks, was on the ice.
"Looks like (Smith) will be good to go. We may dress an extra guy for warmups, just in case, but I think he is going to be good," head coach Lindy Ruff said.
Devils @ Ducks - Honda Center
The Devils have a 0-1-0 record against the Ducks this season. In their previous meeting, ex-Devil Adam Henrique celebrated a hat trick in his team's 5-1 victory over New Jersey. Curtis Lazar and Nathan Bastian each earned a point, while goaltender Akira Schmid made 23 saves on 27 shots.
The Ducks are seventh in the Pacific Division (21-35-3). They are coming off a 6-4 victory over the Sharks. Henrique had a three-point night. Ryan Strome and Alex Killorn each collected two points. Goaltender John Gibson made 24 saves on 28 shots.
- New Jersey's injury list includes Dougie Hamilton (out indefinitely), Nathan Bastian (lower body), and Vitek Vanecek (lower body).
- Anaheim's injury list includes Brock McGinn (upper body), Troy Terry (upper body), and Trevor Zegras (broken ankle).
- The Ducks traded defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin Thursday night. In return, the club acquired a third-round draft pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
- When the Devils score first in a game, they have a record of 11-3-2. When trailing first, their record is 19-22-2.
- Entering tonight's game, the Ducks have an NHL-leading nine third-period comeback wins this season.
- Jack Hughes is riding a two-game point streak (one goal, three assists).
- This season, Anaheim has a record of 0-7-0 in games played on a Friday.
- Jesper Bratt has 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 10 games against tonight's opponent.
- The Ducks recalled defenseman Olen Zellweger from the San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League (AHL). The youngster was named the AHL's Rookie of the Month for February.
Projected Lineup
New Jersey:
Timo Meier - Nico Hischier - Jesper Bratt
Ondrej Palat - Jack Hughes - Curtis Lazar
Tyler Toffoli - Erik Haula - Dawson Mercer
Tomas Nosek - Chris Tierney - Alexander Holtz
Kevin Bahl - John Marino
Luke Hughes - Brendan Smith
Jonas Siegenthaler - Simon Nemec
Nico Daws/Akira Schmid
Anaheim:
Adam Henrique - Leo Carlsson - Alex Killorn
Frank Vatrano - Mason McTavish - Brett Leason
Isac Lundestrom - Ryan Strome - Jakob Silfverberg
Ross Johnston - Sam Carrick - Max Jones
Jackson LaCombe - Cam Fowler
Pavel Mintyukov - Radko Gudas
Urho Vaakanainen - Gustav Lindstrom
Lukas Dostal/John Gibson
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.
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