DENVER, CO - It will be a tough test for the Devils tonight as they take on one of the hottest teams in the NHL, the Colorado Avalanche. The Avs have won six straight games and have scored on their first shot of the game in each of the last three so the Devils know that they need to be strong right out of the gate.
"For the most part, we can skate with them. Not a lot of teams can say that. But they're going real good right now. I've watched the games and their speed is something you have to deal with. They're jumping on teams early," cautioned Devils head coach Lindy Ruff. "We haven't been a good starting team lately. We know we're in for a tough one."
Earlier this season, the Devils put on one of their stronger performances when they defeated the Avalanche 1-0 at Prudential Center. That's the type of commitment that the team will need tonight against a team firing on all cylinders, noted Ruff.
"Defending really well, Not giving up a lot. Scoring early. They're rounding their game into the form it was last year."
Ruff added that while speed is a strength of the Devils, it's a weapon for Colorado also.
"They can get away from anybody. You look at their first shift against Winnipeg, MacKinnon ended up with a breakaway on the first shift. They've got a group that can really skate well."
Erik Haula reflected on that 1-0 win as well.
"Defensively, it was one of our best defensive games all year," said Haula. "It was a good stepping stone. They're playing really good right now. It's a huge challenge coming here. They play really well always."
PROJECTED LINEUP
The Devils did not run lines at morning skate today but based on practice lines yesterday and who skated late (Clarke and Smith), the team's configuration might look like this:
Tatar - Hischier - Mercer
Sharangovich - Hughes - Bratt
Palat - Haula - Boqvist
Wood - McLeod - Bastian
Siegenthaler - Hamilton
Graves - Marino
Bahl - Severson
Ruff did not tip his hand on who might get the start in goal so we'll have to wait until warm-ups begin at 8:29 p.m. ET to get an indication there.
TOP LINE BUZZING
The Devils' top line of Tomas Tatar, Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer has been very good as of late, particularly in the team's last eight games where they've combined for 15 goals and 24 points. Mercer has registered eight goals in his last six games overall, on absolute fire.
Ruff talked about the success of the trio.
"Their puck support in the offensive zone has been really good. They're finding the hole on low plays. You saw last game, Mercer had an early chance. They're getting the pucks first and making the next play. That on top of playing well away from the puck where you don't spend a lot of time in your own end."
