Devils vs. Golden Knights Preview: Bounce Back

The New Jersey Devils need the Timo Meier, Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt line to help lead a bounce-back performance vs. the Vegas Golden Knights.

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The New Jersey Devils were a disaster against the Dallas Stars in a 6-2 loss a couple of nights ago. Unfortunately, it won't get any easier tonight when they take on the reigning Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights, who are on a three-game winning streak. Here are three things to watch for the Devils to bounce back. 

Starting on Time

The Devils have given up the first goal in 31 of 44 games this season. Eventually, that needs to come to a stop. For that to occur, their top players will have to lead the charge and help the Devils get a goal or two early. 

Based on the morning skate, Timo Meier, Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt will make up the team's top line. They've only logged 4:46 of ice time together this season, but there's good reason to believe pairing them up will benefit everyone from the team to those three players. 

Meier, Hischier and Bratt dominated last season, albeit in a small sample size. They posted an expected goals share (xG%) above 64 percent in the regular season and 71 percent in the playoffs. They looked good in the few shifts they got during the third period of the Stars game, with Meier assisting on Bratt's goal. 

The Devils need to get Meier going, especially with Jack Hughes out for the foreseeable future, as well as Dougie Hamilton. When on his game, he's one of the team's best five-on-five drivers, and Hischier and Bratt are the best solutions to spark Meier. 

Not only could this trio help get Meier going, but they offer the Devils the best chance to get on the front foot early. They're the team's three best players with Hughes out, and given their previous time together, there's reason to be optimistic they can help the Devils start on time. 

Devils & Golden Knights Both Lagging at 5-on-5