Devils Host McDavid, Oilers as Homestand Continues | PREVIEW

New Jersey will face Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in the third game of a five-game homestand at Prudential Center. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m. ET. 

You can watch on ESPN+ and Hulu or listen on the Devils Hockey Network.

Read below for your game preview and pre-game story below.

PRE-GAME STORY

NEWARK, NJ - The Devils held a morning skate Thursday at Prudential Center ahead of facing the Edmonton Oilers.

The only missing player was defenseman Colin Miller, who is expecting a child with his wife.

“They’re expecting a family today so he won’t be here,” head coach Lindy Ruff said. “I think it’s today, they’re in the process.”

Skate Info

The Devils used the same workflow from the previous game against Philadelphia.

Palat – Hischier – Bratt
Haula – Hughes – Toffoli
Bastian – McLeod – Lazar
Meier – Mercer – Holtz

Siegenthaler – Nemec
Bahl – Marino
Smith – Hughes

Schmid worked the starter’s crease.

Oil Rewind

The Devils suffered a 4-1 loss to the Oilers in Edmonton on Dec. 10. The team took away a few lessons from that encounter.

Ruff: “It was a game we lost. We didn’t play well enough inside the game. We know we have to play better.”

Bratt: “We didn’t bring the energy and speed to our game that we wanted. We played a team that was on a roll at the time. I think that was a factor to our play overall.”

Timo Staying Positive

It’s been a hard season for forward Timo Meier. The 40-goal scorer from last year has just five in 23 games so far this season.

Meier suffered a lower-body injury at Winnipeg Nov. 14. Though he returned to the lineup Dec. 1, he has zero points in nine games back. Meier said the injury is playing no part in his recent play.

“It’s a long season. There are times where you have some bumps and bruises,” Meier said. “But that’s never an excuse. I feel ready to play. You just have to go out there and work. Keep it simple and work hard.”

Meier hasn’t lost any confidence in his game even with his recent production.

“When things aren’t going your way just go back to the basics,” he said. “Focus on playing well defensively, playing hard and getting yourself into the game. Maybe it’s a hit or a blocked shot. Do that and maybe it will build your confidence and your play. And it will lead up to offensive production.

“Working hard and trying to stay positive. I’m hard on myself. I have high expectations. We have high expectations as a team.”

PREVIEW

DEVILS (16-12-2) vs. OILERS (13-15-1)

Head-to-Head

The Devils and Oilers face off for the second and final time this season, and only contest at Prudential Center. In the previous meeting, in Edmonton on Dec. 10, the Oilers netted a 4-1 victory.

Jesper Bratt scored the lone Devils goal. Connor McDavid and Evander Kane each posted a goal and assist. Evan Bouchard and Derek Ryan also scored.

Devils Team Scope:

The Devils currently have 34 points in the standings (16-12-2) and are in the fourth spot in the Wild Card race. They are tied with Washington and Detroit, but one point behind second-place (and final Wild Card holder) Tampa Bay.

The Devils continue their five-game homestand through the holidays. New Jersey is 0-1-1 so far after a 5-1 loss to Anaheim and a 3-2 overtime setback to Philadelphia. Still, the Devils are 5-2-1 in their last eight games.

Jack Hughes leads the Devils with 14 goals and 38 points. He’s followed by Jesper Bratt and Tyler Toffoli, both have 13 goals each. Bratt has 24 assists – tied with Hughes for the team lead – and his 37 points rank second. Rookie Luke Hughes is tied for the points lead among defensemen with 16 points.

Oilers Team Scope:

The Oilers are in the seventh slot for a Wild Card position. Their 27 points trail Arizona (34) by seven for the second WC and final playoff spot.

It’s been a feast or famine season for the Oilers. They’ve strung together winning and losing streaks of varying degrees. The club had been on an eight-game winning streak (which included a 4-1 win against New Jersey) but are now riding a three-game losing streak.

Kris Knoblauch has been behind the bench since replacing Jay Woodcroft on Nov. 12. The team is 10-6-0 since the switch.

The Oilers are led by Connor McDavid. His 41 points lead the club and are tied for sixth in the entire NHL. McDavid’s 30 assists rank fourth (tied) in the League. Leon Draisaitl is second on the club with 34 points (13g-21a). Zach Hyman has a team-best 18 goals on the season.

By the Numbers:

Devils captain played in his 400th career game against the Philadelphia Flyers Tuesday. He picked up his 301st career point in the contest. 

Center Michael McLeod has won 28 of his last 30 faceoffs (93.3%).

Injuries:

Devils

Hamilton (torn pectoral muscle)
Nosek (foot)

Oilers

Halloway (lower-body)
Stonehouse (undisclosed)\
Fanti (hip)