DEVILS (10-9-5) vs. PREDATORS (15-10-1)
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET; Televised on ESPN+
Head-to-Head
The Devils and Predators meet for the second and final time this season. New Jersey suffered a 4-2 loss in Nashville on Nov. 26. It's the first meeting between the clubs in Newark since Jan. 30, 2020.
Devils team scope:
The Devils will finish off a three-game homestand against Nashville, and are in the midst of playing four games in six nights. New Jersey is 1-0-1 on the home stretch so far with a victory against Philadelphia, 3-0, Wednesday and a shootout loss to Ottawa, 3-2, Monday.
Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, who turned 25 Thursday, stopped 25-of-25 shots by the Flyers to record his eighth career shutouts. Jesper Bratt picked up two points (1G-1A) for a three-game scoring streak (1G-3A). Bratt has points in 12 of his last 14 games for 17 points (5G-12A).
Predators team scope:
The Predators face the Devils after having played the previous night on Long Island, posting a 4-3 comeback victory against the Islanders. Nashville's east coast swing will take them through Detroit (W, 5-2), Islanders (W, 4-3), New Jersey and NY Rangers.
Mikael Granlund leads the club with 21 assists and 26 points. Matt Duchene has a team-best 13 goals. Juuse Saros has carried the load in goal, posting a 11-8-1 mark with a 2.37 goals-against average and .921 save percentage.
By the Numbers:
Blackwood's eight career shutouts ties him with Johan Hedberg for third place all-time in franchise history, behind Cory Schneider's 17 and Martin Brodeur's 124.
In eight games since returning from injury. Filip Forsberg has nine points (7G-2A) which includes a four-goal game against Columbus on Nov. 30.
Injury Updates:
Devils
Thompson (upper-body)
Wood (right hip)
Predators
Benning (upper-body)
Ekholm (illness)
Saros (illness)