New Jersey Devils' Nico Hischier Leads Charge Against Tampa Bay Lightning

First Period

As the New Jersey Devils prepare to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning, all eyes will be on Nico Hischier, who is expected to lead the charge for the Devs. The first period will set the tone for this thrilling matchup at the Prudential Center. With Jack Hughes sidelined due to a finger injury, Hischier's role becomes even more crucial. The Devils have shown resilience in recent games, and their home advantage could play a significant role in dictating the pace early on.

The Bolts, known for their aggressive playstyle, will look to capitalize on any early mistakes by the Devils. However, with Dougie Hamilton anchoring the defense and Jake Allen likely between the pipes, New Jersey aims to keep Tampa Bay's potent offense at bay. The betting lines suggest a closely contested first period, with both teams having an equal chance of taking an early lead.

Second Period

Moving into the second period, expect both teams to ramp up their intensity. The Devils' forward line, featuring Dawson Mercer and Jesper Bratt alongside Hischier, will be pivotal in breaking through Tampa Bay's defense. Mercer has been in fine form recently and could be a key player in exploiting any gaps left by the Lightning.

On the other side of the rink, Tampa Bay will rely heavily on their star players to penetrate New Jersey's defense. The odds have slightly shifted in favor of Tampa Bay due to their recent performances against top-tier teams. However, with Brett Pesce out due to an upper body injury, Simon Nemec and Jonas Siegenthaler will need to step up defensively for New Jersey.

Third Period

The third period is where games are often won or lost. For those wondering who will win New Jersey Devils vs Tampa Bay Lightning, this final stretch could provide answers. The Devils must maintain their defensive discipline while seizing opportunities on counterattacks. Timo Meier and Evgenii Dadonov are expected to bring fresh energy late in the game.

Tampa Bay's strategy might involve pressing hard for goals if they find themselves trailing. Their ability to execute power plays effectively could tilt best bets for New Jersey Devils vs Tampa Bay Lightning slightly towards them if penalties come into play.

Fans eager to catch this exciting clash can tune into ESPN+, MSGSN or The Spot TV networks as these two Eastern Conference powerhouses battle it out on December 11th at 7:00 PM ET in Newark's Prudential Center.

Don't miss out on what promises to be an electrifying encounter! Share this article with fellow hockey enthusiasts and join us as we witness another chapter in this storied rivalry unfold live!