Devils vs. Kraken Preview: Goalies Beware

The New Jersey Devils and Seattle Kraken have both struggled to get saves this season, which could lead to a high-scoring affair tonight

The New Jersey Devils are coming off a wild 6-5 win over the Vancouver Canucks and will look to build on it tonight against the Seattle Kraken. Here are some keys to victory as the Devils look to make it five wins in their last six contests. 

Getting Meier Going

Timo Meier found himself on a line with Dawson Mercer and Alex Holtz on Tuesday, but the results were less than desirable. That trio finished with an expected goals share (xG%) just above 15 percent and were heavily out-chanced at five-on-five. 

I think there are a couple of reasons why Meier has struggled. One) It's possible he's still not 100 percent healthy from the injury that kept him out for nearly two weeks. Two) his defensive game has dropped off significantly from a season ago:

There's no play more evident of Meier's defensive struggles than when Quinn Hughes walked the blue line on Tuesday and outworked Meier, who was soft on the puck. That led to the Canucks tying the game at 5-5. 

Meier does look a step slower than he did a season ago, but the defensive shortcomings are the biggest concern. There are a couple of options available for Devils head coach Lindy Ruff to get Meier going. 

But the best might be to put him on a line with Nico Hischier and Ondrej Palát, moving Bratt down on a line with Mercer and Holtz. Palát and Hischier have been two of the Devils' best defensive forwards, and Palát is having quite the rebound season. 

That would kick someone like Bratt out of the top-six, but Mercer and Holtz need a play driver since they can't drive play. I know Ruff might be hesitant to break up Palát, Hischier and Bratt, but they really need to get Meier going. 

Given Meier's defensive struggles, playing him with the team's two best defensive forwards this season makes sense. Plus, Hischier and Palát aren't as puck-dominant as Meier and are playmakers. They could probably get Meier going offensively, too. 

A Potential Good Spot for Devils Goalies