After two days off, the Boston Bruins will host the New Jersey Devils as they look to extend point streak to 17.
The Boston Bruins come into tonight on a 16-game point streak. They are 12-0-4 in that stretch and their last regulation loss came in mid-December. Arguably, they are the hottest team in the league. After four games last week, they are coming off two days rest and should be ready to go against a strong Devils team.
The New Jersey Devils are among one of the top teams in the Metro. However, this the second game in a back-to-back for the Devils. They got shutout last night in a 3-0 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. With 37 shots, they clearly did not have a problem getting chances, but couldn’t seem to find the back of the net. They will be looking to bounce back tonight against a streaking deep Bruins lineup.
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This is also the second time these two teams will meet this season. Towards the end of November, the Bruins took down the Devils in a shootout. In this first meeting, the Devils outshot the Bruins, but Boston did lead for the majority of the game.
Where to Watch
The game tonight is set for 7:00 pm EST at the TD Garden in Boston. As always, you can watch it on NESN and listen in on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
What to Watch For
While most of the Boston area was focused on the New England Patriots over the weekend, Charlie McAvoy became the next player this season to be sidelined. He missed practice yesterday and it was announced he will be out for the next two weeks. It will be interesting to see how Bruce Cassidy changes up the defensive pairings with this latest injury. Luckily, Adam McQuaid has returned fully after missing most of the first half of the season.
As mentioned, the Boston Bruins will also be looking to extend their current point streak to 17. Their last regulation loss came from the only Metro team in front of the Devils, the Washington Capitals. The Bruins seem to be firing on all cylinders over the past month and a half. This McAvoy injury may hurt the strength of the blue line, but with a solid four forward lines, all doing their part, the Boston Bruins are still a tough team to beat in 60 minutes.
During this 16-game stretch, the Bruins’ top line continues to be the strongest production point. Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and David Pastrnak as a unit are averaging 5.1 goals per 60 minutes and only one goal allowed per 60. Patrice Bergeron, himself, is averaging 2.5 goals per 60, a league-best during that stretch.
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Even on the second-leg of a back-to-back, the Devils will have to come out ready to play if they have a chance of slowing down the red-hot Boston Bruins.