Hischier, Haula to Return in Montreal | PREVIEW

New Jersey visits Montreal to face the Canadiens. Puck drop is 7:15 p.m. ET at Bell Centre. You can watch on MSGSN2 or listen on the Devils Hockey Network.

Read below for your game preview and pre-game story.

PRE-GAME STORY

MONTREAL, QC - The Devils didn't hold a morning skate this morning, but Lindy Ruff certainly had some good news to share when he met the media this morning. Ruff shared that both Nico Hischier and Erik Haula should be able to play tonight against the Canadiens. 

Hischier, who missed Sunday's practice and did not play in the third period of the game against the Islanders, returned to practice on Monday. Haula has missed the past two games with an injury and also returned to practice yesterday.

“Back out there. It feels good,” Haula said on Monday. “I hate not being out there with the guys. I’m sure everyone does. It’s a good feeling to be back there. A good practice. Feel good.”

Having both players back should provide a big boost against the Canadiens. 

Montreal is managing injuries of its own. One of their top defensemen David Savard is out for an undetermined amount of time after blocking a shot last night in Buffalo. The team has recalled defenseman Gustav Lindström on an emergency basis. 

Fast Start

The Devils were happy with the way they started their game against the Islanders and hope to be able to replicate much of it tonight in Montreal. Not only is it important in terms of getting off to the right start, but it's also about making sure they continue to progress as a team from game to game. 

“I think we just came out ready to work," former Canadien Tyler Toffoli said, "We did all the little things, getting pucks in, getting in on defense and getting shots on net. The first few games we kind of got a little too cute and made the extra plays. I think if we just build off that, we’ll be good.”

And in a building like Montreal's Bell Centre, with a crowd as raucous as they can be, taking the crowd out of the game early can be a huge benefit. 

“It’s important every single night," Tyler Toffoli shared, "But for us as a group, we’re obviously trying to trend in the right direction and have another good start and build off that game against Long Island. But I think being able to control the crowd here is really important. It will be a lot of fun.”

Cracking Jokes

With the start Jack Hughes has been off to this season, he becomes the talk of the town just about everywhere he goes. And in Montreal, it is certainly no different. Couple that with his brother Luke on the team, and playing well in his own right, the curiosity from those not around the team on a regular basis is high. 

Head coach Lindy Ruff had a great line when a member of the Montreal media asked what the biggest benefit for Luke is having older brother Jack on the same team:

"Free room and board!" was his answer, Ruff even getting a good laugh at his own answer.

PREVIEW

DEVILS (2-1-1) at CANADIENS (3-1-1)

Head-to-Head

The Devils and Canadiens meet for the first time this season, and also first time in Quebec. It’s the first of three matchups between the club’s and only trip to Montreal. The two teams meet again in Newark on Jan. 17 and Feb. 24.

Devils Team Scope:

The Devils are coming off a 5-4 overtime victory at New York Islanders Friday thanks to Jack Hughes’ overtime winner. New Jersey scored four power-play goals in the game to triumph in the game.

Hughes’ 10 points on the season (4g-6a) rank third (tied) in the entire NHL, just two behind league-leader Alex DeBrincat’s 12. Jesper Bratt is tied for ninth in the league with eight points (3g-5a). Dougie Hamilton is tied for the NHL lead for goals among defensemen with three. Captain Nico Hischier and forward Dawson Mercer are still seeking their first points of the season.

Hischier missed the third period against the New York Islanders and Saturday’s practice. But he was back at practice Monday.

Canadiens Team Scope:

The Canadiens have won their past two games, besting Washington in overtime, 3-2, and topping Buffalo, 3-1. Montreal defeated Buffalo Monday night and will face the Devils in the second half of a back-to-back series.

The Canadiens are led by Cole Caufield and Tanner Pearson, who each pace the team with three goals and five points. Alex Newhook also has three goals to go with four points. Jake Allen improved to 2-0-1 with his 36-save performance against Buffalo. It’s likely the Devils will face goalie Sam Montembeault, who is 1-1 with a 3.55 goals-against average and .892 save percentage.

By the Numbers:

The Devils have the NHL’s top power play, clicking at a 42.9-percent rate with nine scores on 21 tries.

Allen, 33, has stopped 67 of his past 70 shots faced.

Injuries:

Devils

Haula (upper-body)
Nosek (lower-body, IR)
Miller (lower-body)

Canadiens

Guhle (upper-body)
Dvorak (knee, IR)
Wideman (IR)

-Sam Kasan, Devils Beat Reporter