Game Preview #77: New Jersey Devils at Montreal Canadiens
Win this one!
MONTREAL, CANADA - FEBRUARY 08: Jack Hughes #86 of the New Jersey Devils skates the puck ahead of Josh Anderson #17 of the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at the Bell Centre on February 8, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Matchup: The New Jersey Devils (39-34-3) at the Montreal Canadiens (45-21-10) The Time: 7:00 PM EDT The Broadcast: TV — MSGSN; Radio — Devils Hockey Network No Margin for Error I have not believed the Devils could contend for a playoff spot since they lost to Carolina last month, but the out of town scoreboard has been working in their favor lately. Of course, last night’s shootout loss was another big blow to the near-impossible comeback odds, but they still gained a point in the standings.
With six games to play, the Devils are seven points out of eighth place and eight points out of third in the Metropolitan Division. They have two games in hand on the New York Islanders. Technically, the team should still be treating their season like they still have a chance.
But there is no margin for error. A loss is like a fatal wound at this point. Lately, I have been encouraged by the Devils’ lack of quit, continuing to play games the right way and trying to light the lamp as much as possible.
Last night, I thought the Devils outplayed the Canadiens (by quite a bit, too), but Jakub Dobes outperformed Jake Allen when it came down to those two in the shootout. Tonight, it should be Jacob Markstrom against Jacob Fowler. This season, the 21-year old Fowler has an 8-5-2 record with a .