Opinion
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Clash at Prudential Center: New Jersey Devils Host Montreal Canadiens

As the New Jersey Devils prepare to face off against the Montreal Canadiens at the Prudential Center, fans are eager to see if their team can continue their recent performance on home ice. The upcoming game promises to be a pivotal moment for the Devils, who have shown both resilience and areas for improvement in their past few outings.


Sep 25, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Timo Meier (28) celebrates his goal against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

The last time the Devils took to the ice at Prudential Center on December 24th against the Detroit Red Wings, they secured a narrow victory with a score of 3-2. This win was characterized by an even-strength display where all goals were scored during regular play. The goaltending was solid with a save percentage of 92 percent, matching that of their opponents. However, despite this win and a faceoff win percentage slightly over half at 51 percent, there were signs that powerplay opportunities weren't fully capitalized upon.


In contrast, when facing off against Edmonton Oilers two days earlier on December 22nd, it was clear that defensive lapses cost them dearly in a high-scoring affair which ended in a loss with six goals conceded. Despite putting up three goals themselves and having more hits than in their previous game against Detroit (22 compared to 13), they allowed too many shots on goal (38) and had an unimpressive save percentage of just under 85 percent.


Against Philadelphia Flyers on December 20th, it was another close call where they managed to take one point from an overtime loss. They outperformed Flyers in faceoffs won (61 percent) and showed tenacity by taking away possession twenty times throughout the game but ultimately fell short due to conceding three goals.


Looking ahead to facing Montreal Canadiens, it's crucial for NJD's defensemen and goaltender(s) to step up once again as they did against Detroit Red Wings if they wish for positive results. Their ability or inability to improve powerplay efficiency could also be decisive; converting these chances into goals will be essential given how tight recent games have been.


The offensive line will need support from every player stepping onto the ice – creating scoring opportunities through aggressive forechecking while maintaining discipline so as not give away unnecessary penalties which could shift momentum towards MTL’s favor.


Devils fans should expect an intense battle where every shift counts; players must bring energy and focus from puck drop until final horn sounds if victory is within reach this Thursday night encounter.


Mark your calendars for January 18th when New Jersey Devils host Montreal Canadiens at Prudential Center in Newark – puck drops at sharp 7:00 PM EST. Fans can catch all action live either online via ESPN+ or tune into MSGSN channel number 635 for television broadcast coverage right from comfort of home or favorite local sports bar!

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