NEWARK, N.J. - Devils captain Nico Hischier and defenseman Ryan Graves ahve been placed in the NHL's COVID-19 protocol. They will be unavailable for the game.
POINT TAKEN
The Devils finish off a stretch of four games in six nights. Thus far they've earned three of a possible six points. But to stay within the playoff hunt, the club needs a victory against the Islanders tonight.
The Devils have 25 points through 25 games and are four points out of the last wild card place currently. They can't afford to fall too far behind, even at this juncture of the season.
"We tried to set a goal of six points every five games. Every game now for teams around where we're at is a playoff battle," head coach Lindy Ruff said. "You need points. You have to stay within the grip of the teams ahead of you. Every extra point you get, every two points you get, adds to the chance you get into the playoff battle."
The Islanders have yet to win in their brand-new UBS Arena, going 0-5-2. Though the Islanders will be hungry, the Devils will be as well.
"Most of our focus is on our team. We know they're hungry for a win in this building," Ruff said. "We have to take care of how we play and we know what they're going to bring."
And Ruff hopes his team mimics a lot of what it did Friday night against Nashville in a 3-2 loss with some adjustments.
"Same type of effort we got last night. How well we skated," he said. "A little bit more finish and if our special teams can be better."
Ruff would not reveal whom his starting goaltender will be. Either Mackenzie Blackwood will go on back-to-back nights, or Akira Schmid will make his NHL debut.
