New Jersey at Vancouver

This is a long road trip for first-place New Jersey. They've been an early season surprise, missing the playoffs each of the last five seasons. Despite the hot start, this team has been soft on defense at #21 in goals allowed, #20 in penalty killing, and they head out on the road for the first time since October 19. Right wing Kyle Palmieri is expected to miss all three games on the trip while he recovers from a left foot injury. The Devils have allowed three goals or more in five straight games and the team is 5-17 when they allow three goals or more. Vancouver has been impressive behind a strong defense, third in the NHL in goals allowed, and eighth in penalty killing. Rookie Brock Boeser, the club's top scorer, returns to the lineup after missing the last game with nine points in 10 games. Vancouver have won four of its past five games and has won four straight against teams scoring 3+ goals per game, making this a great spot for the home team. Play Vancouver.