G24 New Jersey Devils vs Nashville Predators: Preying on the Preds

The red hot Devils are looking for their 20th win in 22 games.

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A few notes to get you set for tonight’s game between New Jersey and Nashville:

An unstoppable force vs a very moveable object

Jack Hughes and Dawson Mercer have gone absolutely gangbusters since being reunited as a duo and, well, that’s nothing new.

They’ve spent 116 minutes together at 5v5 this season. In that time, the Devils have controlled 65% of the expected goals, 76% of the high-danger chances, and found twine 10 times. That equates to more than five goals per 60 at 5v5, which is downright absurd.

They’re going to see a lot of the Tanner Jeannot, Colton Sissons, Matt Duchene line and that should be music to their ears. Although they haven’t played together a ton as a trio, Jeannot and Sissons have often been paired and their defensive metrics are horrendous.

With Jeannot and Sissons on the ice at 5v5, the Predators have conceded 3.42 expected goals and nearly 37 scoring chances per 60 minutes. They are bleeding quality looks to any and all competition so you can bet Hughes and Mercer will create their fair share of opportunities.

I expect both to find the scoresheet for the 4th consecutive game.