Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions. Tonight’s matchup is the big one, as the New Jersey Devils take on the Philadelphia Flyers at MetLife Stadium, in this year’s NHL Stadium Series. This is the third matchup of the season between these two teams. The Devils took down the Flyers 4-3 in overtime back in late November, before the Flyers returned the favor, handing the Devils a 3-2 overtime loss.
The Devils (27-22-4), are coming off a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, but have been playing better hockey recently. Meanwhile, the Flyers (29-19-7), continue to be the surprise of the season but do enter tonight having lost their last contest 4-3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The hype has been building for this game and it comes at a great time with both teams in the thick of the playoff race.
NHL Predictions: New Jersey vs. Philadelphia
Three Keys to Victory for New Jersey
Manage The Bright Lights
Both literally and figuratively the Devils have to handle the bright lights of MetLife. The Devils organization has demons to exercise after an embarrassing loss the last time they participated in the Stadium Series. A decade ago the Devils faced the New York Rangers at Yankee Stadium in a game that saw them blow a 3-1 lead, lose 7-3, and watch as the legend Martin Brodeur got chased from his net. It was a house of horrors the last time out and 10 years later they have a chance to rectify it.
In a more literal sense, the Devils will have to manage the change in atmosphere. Sight lines will be different and the wind will be swirling, making things that much harder. To win, the Devils will have to do something that the Flyers do very well; simply their game. Get pucks in deep, shoot every chance you get, and give the goalie a clear look at the puck will be the three keys to the game. They should enjoy the atmosphere and change of scenery, but can’t get caught up in it once the puck drops.
Battle Of The Young Goalies
Neither team could’ve envisioned their current goalie situation when the season started. For the Flyers, 24-year-old Samuel Ersson has stepped up admirably in net in the absence of Carter Hart. In 29 starts, the rookie has stepped up admirably and has given the Flyers a chance to win every night. Meanwhile, Nico Daws has been the hot hand in recent games for the Devils. He’s had a fantastic stretch of games, putting up +0.930 SV% over the last three games. He also is the only Devils goalie to post a positive Goals Saved Above Expected. Daws missed the early portion of the season recovering from hip surgery and was thrust right into the NHL upon returning. With the pressure ramped up in this game, it may come down to which young goalie cracks first.
Big-Time Players Make Big-Time Plays
With the lights at their brightest, and in a playoff atmosphere, look for the big-time players to step up. For the Flyers, Cam Atkinson, Sean Couturier, and Travis Konecny are all tied for most game-winning goals this season with three. Meanwhile, the Devils most clutch player this season has been Jesper Bratt, who’s scored five game-winning goals. The Devils have lacked a little bit of clutchness this season and may need it tonight. Both games between these teams have been tight, and for the Devils to win, they’ll need their key guys to be key guys. Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and the aforementioned Bratt, will likely all need their A-game to come away with a victory. Our pick though is Bratt to come in in the clutch.
Prediction Time
With playoff positioning on the line, as well as the national spotlight, tonight’s game is a must-watch. The Devils are desperately trying to make up ground on the Flyers, as well as a Wild Card spot, and need every point they can get. On the other hand, the Flyers are trying to separate from the pack and solidify a playoff spot. Both games went to overtime and it wouldn’t be a shock if it happens again. The score can go either way, but the Devils have played well against the Flyers this season and SHOULD be the more desperate team.
Prediction: Devils Win 3-2
Main Photo: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
