New Jersey Devils (15-19-6) vs. Colorado Avalanche (24-13-4)
7:00 PM ET • Prudential Center • MSG / ALT2 • Devils Hockey Network
*Links for Devils Hockey Network can be found on newjerseydevils.com and on Devils’ social media channels.*
Check @NJDevils on Twitter for Morning Skate Interviews
Pre-Game Availability *subject to change
10:30 AM Media Availability at Prudential Center*
LAST GAME @ NY ISLANDERS
The Devils defeated the Islanders, 2-1, in the first of four contests of the 2019-20 regular season series. The win marks the clubs first three game-winning streak this season (12/29 @ OTT, 12/31 vs. BOS, 1/2 @ NYI). The Devils improve to 6-2-1 in their last nine games played (4-0-1 last five).
New Jersey improves to 4-5-1 (2-3-0 road) against Metropolitan Division rivals this season. The Devils are 2-6-1 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and 6-6-1 overall against the Islanders since the 2015-16 season.
New Jersey was 2-2 on the penalty kill tonight, and 0-2 on the power play. The Devils outshot the Islanders, 31-30. New Jersey was 27-58 (47%) in face-offs tonight.
P.K. Subban dented the net for New Jersey, 18:33 into the second frame, assisted by Nikita Gusev and Travis Zajac. The helper ties Zajac with Kirk Muller for third place all-time in point in Devils franchise history (520). Subban’s tuck extends his point streak to two games (1G-1A; 12/31-1/2). Gusev tallies his ninth point in his last seven games played (12/18-1/2; 1G-8A).
Nico Hischier tallied the game winner in the contest, 1:09 into the third frame, assisted by Kyle Palmieri. Hischier extends his point streak to four games (12/27-1/2; 3G-3A).
Mackenzie Blackwood got the start for his 28th this season. Blackwood stopped 29 of 30 shots faced in regulation, and improves to 14-10-5 this season.
TONIGHT’S GAME vs. COLORADO AVALANCHE
Tonight’s contest marks the halfway point for New Jersey and the second and final contest between New Jersey and Colorado in the 2019-20 regular season series. The club currently sits 15-19-6 through their first 41 games played and has the second longest current win streak in the league (1. TBL, W5; 2. NJD, W3). The Avs defeats the Devils in the first matchup on Dec. 13 at Pepsi Center, 3-1.
New Jersey looks to improve their 2-4-2 (0-1-2 home) record against Central Division opponents this season. In the December contest, the Devils went 4-5 on the penalty kill, and 0-4 on the power in through four contests. The Devils are outshooting the Avalanche, 38-37 through 60 minutes of action.
Mirco Mueller tallied his first goal of the season, assisted by Pavel Zacha and Wayne Simmonds in the first contest. Sami Vatanen led the team in TOI, skating in 22:00. Louis Domingue got the start in the matchup, allowing two goals on 17 shots against. Domingue fell to 1-4-1. Mackenzie Blackwood came into relieve Domingue at 30:48, stopping 33 of 35 shots faced in regulation. Nikita Gusev leads the Devils in shots tallying five in 13:12 TOI.
Nathan MacKinnon leads his Colorado squad in points tallying two through one contest (1G-1A). Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin dented the net for the Avalanche in the first meeting with New Jersey. Nichushkin’s tuck was the game winner for Colorado. Ryan Graves and MacKinnon lead Colorado in shots, tallying five each. Pavel Francouz saw 60 minutes of action allowing one goal on 38 shots against in the win.
The Devils are 2-2-0 at Prudential Center and 3-6-0 overall against the Avalanche since the 2015-16 season.
INJURIES
Matt Tennyson (I.R.) – 13 games missed; Upper-body injury sustained Dec. 3
Jack Hughes (Day-to-day) – 1 game missed; Upper-body injury sustained Dec. 31
Total Man-Games Lost to Injury: 71
PRIDE NIGHT
The New Jersey Devils will host their Fourth Annual Pride Night on Saturday, Jan. 4 vs. the Colorado Avalanche (7:00 p.m. game. In honor of the NHL’s “Hockey is For Everyone” initiative, the Devils will hold a pregame Panel featuring gold medalist and U.S Women’s Ice Hockey Team Captain Meghan Duggan and LGBTQ athletes and coaches. Proceeds from the sales of player-used sticks wrapped with pride tape, pride-themed hats, shirts and more will benefit You Can Play and Garden State Equality. This year’s game is being held in collaboration with Newark Gay Pride, a volunteer organization that engages in advocacy, education, programming and recreational events in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Newark.
Pre-Game Pride Night Panel:
From 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., the Annual Pride Night Pregame Panel, in partnership with OutSports, will feature Centenary University wrestler Alec Donovan, former student-athlete Arman Bashiri and Greenburgh North Castle UFSD Athletic Director and Basketball Coach Anthony Nicodemo and U.S. Women’s Olympic Team Captain and Gold Medalist Meghan Duggan as moderator. The diverse panel of athletes will share their insights on the challenges facing the LGBTQ community, recent successes and milestones, and ambitions for the future. A ticket package which includes a Devils Pride tee-shirt, tickets to the game and passes to the pre-game panel, held in the Primepoint Lounge on Prudential Center’s INFINITI Suite Level 2, may be purchased at NewJerseyDevils.com/PrideNight. Media requested to attend may contact Lara Toscani-Weems at LaraToscani@HBSE.com.
Pride Tape Stick and Drum Auction:
Devils players warm-up sticks and Mascot “N.J. Devil’s” drum, wrapped in Pride Tape, will be will be autographed and auctioned off following the game at NewJerseyDevils.com/Auction. The online auction will go live the night of the game through Jan. 18, 2020. with proceeds benefitting You Can Play and Garden State Equality. Fans arriving via the Ford Tower will notice that the stick on Devils legend and Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Martin Brodeur’s statue on the corner of Lafayette St. and Mulberry St. will also be wrapped in Pride Tape in honor of the night.
Game Presentation Honors for LGBTQ Community Leaders:
In celebration of local LGBTQ community and industry leaders, the National Anthem will be sung by long-time Devils National Anthemguest singer Max DeFrancesco, a member of the LGBTQ community; Newark Gay Pride will act as Honor Guard; and Backward Flag Brewery owner Torie Fisher will be honored as Hero of the Game.
Mystery Hats and Andy Greene Meet & Greet:
Fan who purchase a mystery hat outside Section 20 on Prudential Center’s Main Concourse, will receive a Devils hat signed by a “Mystery Player” on the team and five random fans who purchase will receive a “Golden” Mystery Hat, which grants them access to a post-game meet and greet with You Can Play Ambassador and Devils Captain Andy Greene. A portion of proceeds from Mystery Hat purchases go to You Can Play and Garden State Equality.
Devils Pride Tee-Shirts:
Short-sleeved Devils Pride tee-shirts will be sold on Prudential Center’s main concourse outside Section 20 for $30, with a portion of proceeds benefitting You Can Play and Garden State Equality.
Throughout the night, players, staff, fans, and partners will show their support for the LGBTQ community. The activations for Pride Night include Devils’ coaches, executives and broadcasters wearing You Can Play pins. Additionally, all proceeds from the game’s 50/50 raffle will benefit Garden State Equality and You Can Play.
On Monday, March 23, the New Jersey Devils will host Hockey is for Everyone: Gender Equality Night. The night will include an all-women pregame panel and networking event titled, Women in the Business of Hockey. The panel will feature influential women who hold various roles on the business side of hockey. Proceeds from 50/50 sales will benefit Devils Care Foundation with funds earmarked for Girls Youth Hockey Initiatives.
2020 WORLD JUNIOR PROSPECTS
| Player Stats (as of 1/3) | |||||||||
| Player | Team | Pos | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM | + / – | TOI |
| BAHL, Kevin | Canada | D | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | – |
| SMITH, Ty | Canada | D | 5 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | – |
| PASIC, Nikola | Sweden | F | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | -1 | – |
| MISYUL, Daniil | Russia | D | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 1 | – |
| Goalie | Team | Pos | GP | GA | SVS | SVS% | GAA | W | L |
| SCHMID, Akira | Swtizerland | G | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
MILESTONES
*Jesper Boqvist – 1st NHL goal (Nov. 26 vs. MIN)
*Blake Coleman – 200 GP NJD/NHL (Nov. 19 vs. BOS)
*Andy Greene – Passed Scott Niedermayer for 7th place all time in Devils/franchise GP (893)(Dec. 3 vs. VGK)
-900th NJD/NHL GP (Dec. 20 vs. WSH)
-3 G to 50 NJD/NHL
-7 A to 200 NJD/NHL
*Nikita Gusev – 1st NHL goal (Oct. 4 vs. WPG)
*John Hayden – 1st Devils point (1A; Nov. 23 vs. DET)
-1st Devil goal (Dec. 23 @ CHI)
*Nico Hischier – 100th NHL/Devils career points (Oct. 5 @ BUF; 1A)
*Jack Hughes – 1st NHL point (Oct. 17 vs. NYR; 1A)
-1st NHL goal (Oct. 19 vs. VAN)
*Kyle Palmieri – 500th NHL GP (Oct. 10 vs. EDM)
–100th Devils assist (Nov. 1 vs. PHI)
-300th NHL point (Oct. 30 vs. TB; 3G)
-50th PPG (Oct. 30 vs. TB)
-150th NHL assists (Nov. 28 @ MTL)
*Gilles Senn – 1st NHL appearance (Dec. 20 vs. WSH)
-1st NHL start (Dec. 21 @ CBJ)
*Damon Severson – 400th NHL/NJD GP
*P.K. Subban – 100th NHL goal (Nov. 2 @ CAR)
*Sami Vatanen – 100th Devils GP (Jan. 15 @ CBJ)
-400th NHL GP (Nov. 4 @ WPG)
*Miles Wood – 200th NHL/NJD GP (Oct. 4 vs. WPG)
*Travis Zajac – Passed John MacLean for fifth place in GP in NJD franchise history with 935 (Nov. 5 @ WPG)
-Tied Kirk Muller for third place on the Devils all-time points list (520) (Jan. 2 @ NYI; 1A)
-3 G to tie Zach Parise four fourth place on the Devils all-time goals list
RECENT HAPPENINGS
October 6: Signed Joe Morrow to a one-year, two-way contract
-Placed and cleared waivers, to Binghamton (AHL)
October 12: Placed Andy Greene on I.R. retroactive to Oct. 9 @ PHI
-Recalled Matt Tennyson from Binghamton (AHL)
October 25: Placed Connor Carrick on I.R.
November 1: Acquired G Louis Domingue for a conditional seventh round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft
November 15: Placed Sami Vatanen on I.R.
-Recalled Colton White from Binghamton (AHL)
November 17: Assigned Colton White to Binghmaton (AHL)
November 18: Placed Cory Schneider on waivers (cleared waivers, to Binghamton (AHL))
-Recalled Louis Domingue from Binghamton (AHL)
November 22: Placed Kevin Rooney on I.R.
November 23: Recalled Brett Seney from Binghamton (AHL)
November 29: Assigned Brett Seney to Binghamton (AHL)
December 5: Placed Matt Tennyson on I.R. retroactive to Dec. 3 vs VGK
December 6: Assigned Connor Carrick to Binghamton (AHL) on a conditioning stint
-Recalled Colton White from Binghamton (AHL)
Dec. 10: Placed Nico Hischier on I.R.
-Recalled Michael McLeod from Binghamton (AHL)
Dec. 13: Activated Nico Hischier off of I.R.
-Assigned Colton White to Binghamton (AHL)
Dec. 14: Placed Louis Domingue on I.R.
-Recalled Evan Cormier from Binghamton (AHL)
Dec. 16: Traded Taylor Hall and Blake Speers to Arizona in exchange for Arizona’s first-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft (top-three protected), Arizona’s third-round selection (conditional) in 2021, defenseman Kevin Bahl and forwards Nick Merkley and Nate Schnarr
Dec. 17: Assigned Evan Cormier to Binghamton (AHL)
-Recalled Gilles Senn from Binghamton (AHL)
Dec. 18: Activated Connor Carrick off of I.R.
Dec. 24: Assigned Michael McLeod to Binghamton (AHL)
Dec. 28: Activated Louis Domingue off of I.R. and assigned to Binghamton (AHL)
Dec. 30: Signed prospect Nikita Okhotyuk to a three-year entry level contract.
Jan. 1: Assigned Gilles Senn to Binghamton (AHL)
-Recalled Louis Domingue from Binghamton (AHL)
NIC-OT
On Feb. 9th,2019, Nico Hischier (1G-1A) scored with 1:41 remaining in overtime to help the Devils overcome a three-goal deficit to win for the second time this season (also: Dec. 14 vs. VGK). The first-overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft (20 years, 42 days) became the first player in Devils franchise history to record three overtime goals before his 21st birthday. Among all active NHL players, only Ilya Kovalchuk (4) and Sean Monahan (4) scored more overtime tucks prior to turning 21. Hischier has scored the game winner in the clubs three overtime wins.
HOW THEY WERE BUILT
In the System:
Jesper Boqvist (2017, 2nd round, 36th overall)
Mackenzie Blackwood (2015, 2nd round, 42nd overall)
Jesper Bratt (2016, 6th round, 162nd overall)
Blake Coleman (2011, 3rd round, 75th overall)
Nico Hischier (2017, 1st round, 1st overall)
Jack Hughes (2019, 1st round, 1st overall)
Gilles Senn (2017, 5th round, 129th overall)
Damon Severson (2012, 2nd round, 60th overall)
Miles Wood (2013, 4th round, 100th overall)
Pavel Zacha (2015, 1st round, 6th overall)
Travis Zajac (2004, 1st round, 20th overall)
Free Agency: Will Butcher, Andy Greene, Kevin Rooney, Wayne Simmonds, Matt Tennyson
Trade: Connor Carrick, Louis Domingue, Nikita Gusev, John Hayden, Mirco Mueller, Kyle Palmieri, P.K. Subban, Sami Vatanen
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