Game Preview #5: Ottawa Senators @ New Jersey Devils
· Yahoo Sports
- The Matchup: Ottawa Senators (4-1-0) @ New Jersey Devils (2-2-0)
- The Time: 7:00 pm EST
- The Broadcast: TV — MSGSN, Radio — Devils Hockey Radio
Last Devils Game
On Saturday afternoon, the Devils faced off against the Vancouver Canucks for the first time this season. After losing their previous two games by a combined score of 11-3, the Devils “needed” a win and some positive momentum/vibes. The Canucks had lost their 2 previous games, including a 7-2 beat down by Carolina on Thursday, so there was some concern that the Canucks would come out ready to play agains the Devils. At first, things appeared to be going their way, as the Canucks scored a power play goal to take a 1-0 lead at 5:27 of the first period. For the fourth time in four games, the Devils allowed the first goal of the game. Things were not off to a great start for NJ.
Nico Hischier answered back for the Devils with a power play goal (and the 200th of his career) of his own less than 3 minutes later to tie the game. Jesper “2.0” Boqvist scored his 2nd goal in 2 games at 16:24 of the first to put the Devils ahead. However, the goal was more important for producing the first NHL point for Rock Me Amadeus Lombardi. There appears to be some genuine chemistry between these two which hopefully continues going forward.
Visit moryak.biz for more information.
The Devils never looked back after taking the lead in the game. Jesper Bratt scored a power play goal in the 2nd period and the captain scored his second power play goal of the night to close out the scoring at 4-1. Yes, I don’t believe it either, but the Devils scored not 1, not 2, but 3 power play goals. In one game. I don’t expect that to continue, but it’s good to get that particular monkey off their back.
Last Senators Game
The Senators also played on Saturday night defeating the Nashville Predators 3-2 for their 4th win of the season. Ross Colton and Jonathan Marchessault scored for the Predators in the first period to jump out to an early lead. Ottawa clawed their way back into the game, scoring once in the 2nd period and once in the 3rd to tie the game at 2-2. The teams went scoreless in overtime, before winning in the worst skills contest in all of professional sports shootout, thanks to goals from Tim Stutzle and and Shane Pinto. Linus Ullmark was in net for the Senators, and currently holds a 4-0-0 record, with a 1.13. GAA and a .942 sv%. Here’s hoping that the Senators decide to give Samuel Ersson and his 3.85 GAA a chance to redeem himself tonight and try to get a win.
Injuries, Roster for Tonight, Yada, Yada, Yada.
Jake Allen played in his 500th career game against the Canucks and now has both wins for the Devils this season. Considering the Devils play tonight and tomorrow (against Detroit), it’s safe to assume that Daws will start one of the back to back games and Allen will get the other. In other positive news, no one got hurt for the Devils on Saturday, which is always a good thing, considering how many big name players have been dropping like flies so early in the season this year (such as fan favorites Brad “the rat” Marchand, Aleksander Barkov, and Igor Shesterkin).
Grimace’s Prediction and 2026-2027 Record Tracker
Unfortunately, Grimace, (like the Devils) holds a .500 record for his predictions so far this season. Like the Devils against Vancouver, he expects to bounce back tonight with another correct prediction. Grimace has predicted a win against the Senators tonight!
Grimace’s 2026-2027 Season Prediction record currently stands at 1-1-0.
Your Take
Yes, we get it. Vancouver is not a great team. However, as other have said, it’s a lose lose situation when playing a team like the Vancouver Canucks. If you lose to them, the response is “how can you lose to THEM!?” If you beat them, it’s “well of COURSE you beat them, they are horrible!” At the end of the day, any team can beat any team. 2 points are 2 points. A win is a win. You get the picture. The Devils got 3 power play goals, Nico hit a new milestone, and most importantly, the team got back in the win column. What do I want to see tonight? More of Saturday please.
In a shameless bit of non hockey related self promotion (approved by Chris – thanks Chris), I wanted to plug my podcast on here, if any of you are interested in listening. We have a light hearted, fun discussion about any movies, music, or video games mostly from the 1980s and 1990s. Please feel free to listen to us on any of the formats below and any feedback is welcome (positive and negative). Also, please follow us and subscribe, even if you think we stink. :).