Bruins at Devils: Game preview, lineups, and more

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 31: Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins tries to skate past Sami Vatanen #45 of the New Jersey Devils during an NHL hockey game on December 31, 2019 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Devils won 3-2 in a shootout. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 31: Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins tries to skate past Sami Vatanen #45 of the New Jersey Devils during an NHL hockey game on December 31, 2019 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Devils won 3-2 in a shootout. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)
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Aug 12, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning goal against the Carolina Hurricanes in the second overtime in game one of the first round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning goal against the Carolina Hurricanes in the second overtime in game one of the first round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Game Prediction

Overall, without Pastrnak, I think the Bruins and Devils are closely matched, especially if the B’s are also without Marchand and/or Smith. The Bruins will be relying heavily on their middle-six in this game if Marchand is out.

When it comes to the bottom-six, I think the Devils have a slight edge on the B’s. Defensively, both teams could go either way. The entire left side of the Devils defense is on a new team, while the left side of the Black and Gold is inexperienced.

I think this will be a close game that ends ups going past regulation. However, at the end of the night, the Bruins will be victorious with a 3-2 overtime final.

Boston’s three goals will come three different goal scorers. DeBrusk will have the first, as the second line comes out hot. Studnicka will have the second, his first in the NHL, as he takes some time getting readjusted to the NHL game. And Bergeron will have the OT winner, solidifying himself as the new captain.

Where to watch

On TV, this game can be viewed on NESN or MSG+. The game can also be streamed using MSG Go. The game can also be heard via radio at 98.5 the Sports Hub.