PRE-GAME STORY
VANCOUVER, BC - The big story for tonight's game between the New Jersey Devils and Vancouver Canucks is all three Hughes brothers playing together for the first time but for both of these clubs, the game itself has some strong implications on the standings and forward momentum through December.
“It’s probably the first time where both our teams are really competitive. Tonight’s going to be really exciting and I hope the stakes are like this for a bunch of years,” said Jack Hughes.
“The big thing for us is keeping the puck out of our net. That’s part of the reason I’m there is to take some of the defensive responsibility," said Devils forward Erik Haula who is expected to make his return to the lineup tonight on a line with Jack Hughes and Tyler Toffoli. "We all know what they do offensively. Try to do the little things and work hard for them. I love playing with Jack. I haven’t got too many reps with Toff but he definitely knows how to put the puck in the net. I’m going to bring my game and looking forward to it.”
The Devils lineup is expected to look like the following:
Haula - Hughes - Toffoli
Palat - Hischier - Bratt
Meier - Mercer - Holtz
Lazar - McLeod - Bastian
Siegenthaler - Nemec
Bahl - Marino
Hughes - Miller
FORMER CANUCKS RETURNING
Tyler Toffoli and Curtis Lazar both come into Vancouver having played previously for the organization. For Toffoli it was only 10 games at the end of the 2019-20 season plus seven in the playoffs but the city still holds importance to him.
“It’s always fun coming in here. The fans are extremely passionate," he said. "People make it a much bigger deal than it is but it’s always fun competing against the guys on the other side.”
Toffoli's had a lot of success this season with the Devils, netting 12 goals in 22 games which is a 44-goal pace. That would eclipse his career high of 34 set last season with Calgary.
“Just trying to do the little things," he said of his scoring success. "Get into the areas where it’s not easy and not always the most fun. When my game’s on track, I’m getting in those dirty areas and scoring goals around the net.”
For Lazar, it's his first time playing his former team.
“It’s no secret I’ve bounced around," he laughed. "It’s not the first time going to a former team but it’s close to my hometown. Near family and friends, it’s special. I played here for the Canucks last year and a lot of familiar faces on that side so that makes it special.”
Lazar added his wife's grandfather was going to be at the game and his parents were not only going tonight but planned to hit all four stops on the trip.
"They’re going to be logging the kilometers — we’re back in Canada," he joked.
START IS KEY
One thing that's eluded the Devils a lot this season is how their games have started. Colin Miller talked about the importance of starting the game -- and road trip -- the right way.
“I think just gathering energy," said Miller. "This is a long road trip and an important time for us. We have to make sure we have a good start."
Devils head coach Lindy Ruff added that attention to detail will be key for the team in getting that good start.
“It’s how you manage the puck. We need to make sure we get above people, make it tough to go through us. They’re a really good team and we know we’ve got our hands full.”
