Devils Look to End Road Slump as Sharks Build Confidence Amid Rebuild
NHL Game Preview: New Jersey Devils vs. San Jose Sharks
The New Jersey Devils (24-14-3) head into an inter-conference battle with the San Jose Sharks (12-23-2-4) on Saturday evening, looking to snap a three-game losing streak. After a tough stretch on the road, the Devils are determined to regroup and regain their position at the top of the Metropolitan Division. Meanwhile, the Sharks, coming off a hard-fought 2-1 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning, will look to build on their success and extend their momentum.
New Jersey Devils: Battling Through a Road Slump
The New Jersey Devils are having a stellar season but find themselves in a bit of a rut, losing three consecutive games. After a surprising 3-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday, the Devils were shut out 3-0 by the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday. These recent defeats have left the Devils 2 points behind the Metropolitan Division leaders and hungry to return to winning ways.
Despite the losses, key players continue to shine. Jesper Bratt has been a standout performer, with 47 points on the season and an impressive 16 points last month. Jack Hughes, the team’s dynamic captain, is also on track for another stellar season, recording 46 points in 41 games. However, Hughes was held scoreless in the Devils’ earlier loss to the Sharks. Timo Meier, who has struggled to find consistent production lately, will need to step up if the Devils hope to capitalize on their offensive firepower.
In net, Jacob Markstrom is expected to start after taking a break during the loss to the Kings. Markstrom has been outstanding this season with a 2.15 GAA, a .912 save percentage, and a 19-7-2 record. Backup goalie Jake Allen has been solid as well, boasting a 2.84 GAA and a .901 save percentage.
New Jersey’s offense has been potent, ranking 6th in the NHL in goals per game, but their recent struggles on the road have exposed weaknesses in both their scoring and defensive play.
San Jose Sharks: Finding Confidence Amidst the Rebuild
The San Jose Sharks are firmly in a rebuilding phase but have shown signs of progress. After a difficult stretch that saw them lose 8 of their previous 9 games, the Sharks picked up a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday. This win has given the Sharks some much-needed confidence heading into this matchup with the Devils.
Macklin Celebrini, the 18-year-old rookie center, has been one of the few bright spots for the Sharks this season. With 27 points in 28 games, he is a strong candidate for the Calder Trophy and has been a consistent offensive presence for the Sharks. Another key contributor has been Jake Walman, who has had a breakout season with 25 points in 31 games and leads the team in ice time. Despite these promising performances, the Sharks’ offense remains lackluster, ranking 24th in goals per game.
San Jose’s goaltending situation remains fluid. Alexandar Georgiev, who was recently acquired from the Colorado Avalanche, has struggled with a 3.55 GAA and a .873 save percentage. Meanwhile, Yaroslav Askarov has been a bright spot in limited action, posting a 2.35 GAA and a .921 save percentage over five games. The Sharks will need steady play from their goaltenders if they hope to secure a win against a high-powered Devils offense.
Conclusion
While the Sharks are in the midst of a rebuilding phase and have struggled with consistency, their recent win over Tampa Bay shows that they can compete with high-caliber teams. However, the Devils’ offensive firepower and defensive stability should prove to be too much for San Jose.
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