G54 New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers: Stadium Series is here

The Devils and Flyers will head outdoors for a very important divisional clash.

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By David Mudrak (@MuddyOpinions)

In their second outdoor game, the New Jersey Devils are looking to get their first win in a rink without a roof and to gain some much-needed points on a division rival. Here are some things to consider while getting set to watch the game:

Keep grinding 

Since Lindy Ruff implemented the strategic shift following the all-star break, the Devils have looked more aggressive on the puck, especially over the last three games. That gritty, passionate energy felt like a key characteristic of the team last year when they would swarm opponents and demolish them in chances and possession.

While that play style did not earn them the win against Los Angeles on Thursday, the Devils need to keep their heads down and put in a full effort with the season quickly evaporating.

The games against Seattle and especially Nashville indicated what this team can do when they use their speed and do not relent. The Devils need to hound the Flyers players every shift and have a short memory about any one shift or game for the remainder of the season. 

With 29 games left, two points back of the second wildcard spot, and seven points back of the Flyers for the last Metro spot, tonight will be a special game for New Jersey to show that they can turn it up when the season is on the line. 

A special 3rd line 

It is a gift to have the same personnel in multiple games after dealing with so many changes because of injuries. The Devils will be running back the same lines as the last couple of games.

While they were caved in on Thursday, the Timo Meier, Curtis Lazar, and Dawson Mercer line has the ability to become a consistent threat and a dangerous 3rd line that is rare for any team in the league to have.

They need to take the opportunity of sticking together and find a way to break through a strong defensive system to put up results like they did against Seattle and Nashville.

This line has only played a little over 43 minutes together, so any assessment will be questionable, but there have been flashes of success mixed with last game's dumpster fire. Specifically, it is evident that chemistry is developing between Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer. 

Throughout the Seattle and Nashville games, there were multiple instances of the two players finding each other open and making excellent quick passes for good chances and even a couple of goals. The hard-working mentality that all three players possess on that line may allow them to form a strong checking mentality to balance the skill that they clearly have. 

This would be a huge development for the team, as Meier has struggled to find his form after various injuries, and Mercer has not performed to his potential when he is away from Jack Hughes.

Unlocking the abilities of two players who could be considered top-6 while in a 3rd line role would create incredible depth for this Devils team going down the stretch. 

5v5 needs to improve