2. Know Your Enemy
It's the return of Jacob Markstrom.
Devils coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed Friday morning after an optional skate for the team that he will start against the Flames.
Markstrom, of course, tended the twine in Calgary for the previous four years before being dealt to the Devils.
He just so happens to be coming off his first shutout of the year against his old, old team - the Vancouver Canucks.
Markstrom made 20 saves as the Devils shellacked the Canucks 6-0 in Vancouver Wednesday night, improving his numbers this season to a goals-against average of 2.68 with a .903 save percentage, in line with his career averages of 2.73 and .909.
It was the second straight game the Devils have put a six-pack on the board (they beat the Ducks 6-2 Sunday night), posting a pair of Ws after losing four in a row, two of which came via overtime.
“We've been working towards getting the system and everybody on the same page and the last few games has been huge improvements,” Markstrom told NHL.com's Kevin Woodley after Wednesday's game. “Today was another one where all four lines and six defencemen played really good and special teams was good again, so it makes my job really easy.”
The Devils got balanced scoring in their outing in Van, with New Jersey captain Nico Hischier scoring a goal and and two helpers, while Dawson Mercer, Timo Meier, Ondrej Palat, Jack Hughes and Tomas Tatar also tallied.
“We came out with a good start and just never let off the pedal,” Mercer said. “Consistent throughout the full game and (Markstrom) shut the door, and that's all we can ask for.”