THE SCOOP
The New Jersey Devils are coming off a 5-4 overtime loss to the New York Islanders and a stretch of nine games in 16 days, and a third game in four nights. The club is currently at its healthiest all year, with the recent return of Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes. Both defensemen have suited up in the last two games.
Kurtis MacDermid played his second game of the season on Friday night. He was inserted into the lineup where he registered a big hit on Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov and also dropped the gloves with Scott Mayfield. Nathan Bastian was a healthy scratch for the first time this season, making room for MacDermid.
The Devils hope to improve their home record, where they have gone 2-2-2 to date, before they head out for their longest road trip of the season, beginning Wednesday in Vancouver. The Devils are 3-2-0 on the road this season.
Three players have already hit double-digits in points through 11 games. Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt both have 11 points, while Timo Meier is close behind at 10.
The Ducks lost to the New York Rangers, 2-1, on Saturday night, having returned to game action after a three-day break. The Ducks are 3-3-1 this early season and are 1-2-1 on the road.
Goaltender Lukas Dostal has been carrying the majority of the load in net, playing six of their seven games, including Saturday night’s tilt against the Rangers. Dostal is 3-3-1. Backup goaltender James Reimer has played just one game, a loss to the Golden Knights on Oct. 13. Reimer joined the club via waivers from Buffalo in mid-October, shortly after the Sabres returned back from the Global Series in Prague.
WHO’S HOT
Devils: Nico Hischier five goals and six points in his past four games. His eight goals lead New Jersey and he is tied for the lead in points (11) with Jesper Bratt.
Ducks: Troy Terry has four goals in the past six games. He currently leads the Ducks in both goals and points (6).
INJURIES
Devils: Hatakka (shoulder), Vilen (upper-body).
Ducks: Gibson (abdomen), Sennecke (foot fracture), Suchanek (ruptured ACL)
REGULAR-SEASON RESULTS
- Oct. 27 vs. Anaheim
- Dec. 31 at Anaheim