Simmonds

DEVILS (0-1-1) at FLYERS (1-0-0)
7:30 p.m. ET; NBCSN, TVAS

The Flyers opened the season with a 4-3 win against the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2019 NHL Global Series at O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic on Friday.
Devils forward Wayne Simmonds will play his first game against the Flyers since Philadelphia traded him to the Nashville Predators on Feb. 25 and Simmonds signed a one-year contract with the Devils on July 1. Simmonds had 378 points (203 goals, 175 assists) in 584 games with the Flyers. His 91 power-play goals are seventh-most in Flyers history.

Players to watch

Devils forward Blake Coleman had four points (one goal, three assists) and a New Jersey-high 17 shots on goal in four games against the Flyers last season.
Flyers forward Travis Konecny had two goals and an assist against the Blackhawks. He scored three goals and led Philadelphia with 11 shots on goal in four games against the Devils last season.

They said it

"It's another hockey game. I've got to get my mind right and make sure I'm mentally and physically prepared for that game. I'm ready to get the two points for the New Jersey Devils. Hopefully I get some cheers. I was deep-rooted in that community. I spent eight years there. I had a great time, I enjoyed Philadelphia thoroughly. I was proud to be a part of that franchise and I don't regret anything I ever did in a Flyers uniform." -- Devils forward Wayne Simmonds
"I think for him I'm sure it'll be an emotional thing. He spent a lot of great years playing here, was a really productive player, really successful player in the League. These things happen with players moving on in different situations and whatnot. Certainly, he wants to have a good showing because of all the years here and how good a player he was for the Flyers." -- Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk on playing against Wayne Simmonds

Devils projected lineup
Flyers projected lineup
Status report

The Devils did not hold a morning skate. ... Welinski took part in the Flyers morning skate but will not play.

Stat pack

New Jersey is looking to avoid its first three-game losing streak to start a season since going 0-3-1 to begin 2015-16. ... Gostisbehere will play his 300th NHL game. ... Philadelphia will try for its first 2-0-0 start to a season since winning its first three games to begin 2011-12.