THE SCOOP
The Devils return from the holiday break to host the Carolina Hurricanes and begin a back-to-back home-and-home series with their divisional opponent. After Friday night's game, the Devils will travel to Carolina to play the Hurricanes on Saturday night before venturing to California and Washington for their longest road trip of the season. They'll play Anaheim, L.A., San Jose, and Seattle on a 12-day road trip.
Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt continue to contribute at a torrid pace. Hughes is coming off a three-point (2g, 1a) night against the Rangers before the break. Bratt, who contributed two assists against New York, is up to 31 assists this season. Hughes and Bratt are tied for the team lead in points with 45. Captain Nico Hischier continues to lead the way in goals with 17.
The Devils entered the break leading the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference with a 23-11-3 record and 49 points. They are six points ahead of Carolina, which has three games in hand. Carolina is currently third in the division behind both the Devils and Washington Capitals.
The Hurricanes entered the holiday break off a 5-2 loss to the Predators in Nashville and were backstopped by Dustin Tokarski, who was appearing in just his second game with Carolina. He made 20 saves on 24 shots.
WHO’S HOT
Devils: Jacob Markstrom has posted back-to-back, 12-save shutouts over his last two games. Markstrom is 8-0-1 in his last nine games with just 12 goals against and a .933 save percentage.
Hurricanes: Forward Sebastian Aho is on a five-game point streak with four goals and two assists. He's totaled 11 goals and 25 assists so far this season.
INJURIES
Devils: Lazar (knee), Hatakka (shoulder, IR)
Hurricanes: Drury (hand)
REGULAR-SEASON RESULTS
