Allen Starts as Devils Host Sharks on Military Appreciation Night  | PRE-GAME

NEW JERSEY DEVILS (10-5-2) vs. SAN JOSE SHARKS (4-9-2)

New Jersey takes on the San Jose Sharks to complete a set of back-to-back games before heading off to a three-game road trip in Florida.

You can watch on MSGSN or listen on the Devils Hockey Network.

Read below for your game preview and pre-game story below. Tonight's game is presented by Diversified Rack & Shelving

The New Jersey Devils and Prudential Financial will honor the nation’s current and former military service members during the team’s 14th annual Military Appreciation Night presented by Prudential on Sunday, November 10, 2024, when they face off against the San Jose Sharks for a 7:00 PM contest at Prudential Center. The first 9,000 fans in attendance will receive a camo military bag courtesy of Prudential and there will be a multitude of concourse activations, in-game features, and much more to celebrate the dedication of members of the United States military. Additionally, Prudential is providing 200 complimentary tickets to active military personnel and veterans to attend the game.

> More Information on Military Appreciation Night

PRE-GAME STORY

NEWARK, NJ - Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe noted no lineup changes, with one exception:

Meier - Hischier - Mercer
Palat - Hughes - Bratt
Cotter - Haula - Noesen
MacDermid - Dowling - Tatar

Dillon - Hamilton
Siegenthaler - Kovacevic
Hughes - Pesce

Jake Allen will get the start in goal for the Devils after Jacob Markstrom started on Saturday against the Islanders.

On Sunday prior to the game, Keefe talked about the strong all-around play as of late from Jack Hughes.

"I need to give him an opportunity to get out there and then he needs to be willing to put the work in and show that it's important," said Keefe. "What he's shown me is not only can he do it, but he's elite at it.

"He's winning puck battles and his timing and ability to get under a stick and surprise people. It's a combination of his skill and his intelligence."

San Jose has a first-overall pick of their own in Macklin Celebrini. He hasn't played much this season due to injury but has looked good when he does with three goals in three games.

"High profile player and high pick," said Keefe. "So our job is just going like it is when you're facing all the elite players in the league, is to make them defend, keep the puck away from 'em and make it hard for them, to get to the net or to utilize their skills."

He added that he himself inherited several number-one picks, that being Auston Matthews in Toronto and Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes in New Jersey.

"I never coached Austin at 18. Even the guys here, obviously I'm inheriting them at a time when they've gone through those sort of growing pains. But I think for any player coming into the league, the adjustment game, recognizing at times, the plays that you think you can make or want to make aren't always available," Keefe continued.

"It's the physicality and strength of the opposition how organized the teams are through the coaching and defending. And then I would say the, probably the most challenging thing is the consistency factor, the relentless nature of the schedule. Managing that for any player in the league is a challenge for young players that much more."

THE SCOOP

Devils return home after a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the New York Islanders, extending their winning streak to three games. In that matchup, Jack Hughes was instrumental, netting two goals—including the overtime winner—and adding an assist, bringing his career point total to 299. Stefan Noesen also contributed significantly, tying the game with just 50 seconds remaining in regulation and leading the team with seven shots on goal. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom secured his seventh win of the season, marking his second consecutive victory.

The San Jose Sharks, on the other hand, are looking to rebound after a 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild. In that game, rookie Macklin Celebrini scored both goals for the Sharks, showcasing his potential despite the team’s struggles. Goaltender Vitek Vanecek made 26 saves but couldn’t hold off the Wild’s offense. The Sharks, despite their struggles this season, have picked up wins in four of their last six games after starting the season 0-7-2.

The Devils aim to continue their momentum and capitalize on the Sharks’ recent difficulties. With Hughes approaching a career milestone and the team displaying resilience in recent games, New Jersey is poised to extend their winning streak. The Sharks will need to tighten their defense and find additional scoring support to challenge the Devils on their home ice.

WHO’S HOT

Devils:\ Jack Hughes has eight points in his last five games, including four goals. Dougie Hamilton has six assists in his last five, including three on Saturday against the Islanders.

Sharks:\ Defenseman Jake Walman has four points in his last five contests for the Sharks, including three assists though he comes into the game a little banged up. 2024 first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini has only played three games this season due to injury but has three goals and four points in those games. He netted two of those goals last time out against the Wild as noted above.

INJURIES

Devils:\ Lazar (knee), Bastian (jaw), Hatakka (shoulder)

Sharks:\ Walman (upper body) is day-to-day, Vlasic (upper body) is on the IR, Couture (groin) is also on the IR

REGULAR-SEASON RESULTS

• Nov 10 - Devils vs. Sharks
• Jan 4 - Devils at Sharks

GAME NOTES

• Two former Devils are tied for the Sharks' goal-scoring lead. Tyler Toffoli and Fabian Zetterlund each have six goals. Mikael Granlund also has six goals.
• San Jose's goaltending tandem is a familiar one to Devils fans. Mackenzie Blackwood has a 2-4-2 record and 3.52 goals-against average with a save percentage of .894 in eight games played. Vitek Vanecek is 2-5-0 with a save percentage of .898 and goals-against average of 3.32, also in eight appearances.
• The Devils are now 3-1-0 in the first game of back-to-back sets after winning on Saturday against the Islanders. In the second game, they are 1-1-1.
• Jack Hughes is now at 299 career points after netting three in back-to-back games
• Dougie Hamilton has six points on the power play (1g, 5a) which is tops among Devils blueliners. It's also top 15 for all NHL defensemen