Devils Face Bruins in Final Regular Season Clash

NEWARK, NJ — The New Jersey Devils are set to play their final regular-season road game tonight against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden, a highly anticipated matchup as the teams prepare to finalize their seasons.

With a record of 41-32-7, the Devils are looking to maintain momentum heading into the playoffs, whereas the Bruins, struggling with a 33-39-9 record, are aiming to end their disappointing season on a high note.

This game marks a significant opportunity for young talent as Frederic Brunet and John Farinacci, recently called up from Providence, are expected to make their NHL debuts alongside center Marc McLaughlin. McLaughlin expressed his excitement, saying, “I had a really good three-and-a-half years in Boston and Providence. It’s always sad to leave a place but I’m really excited for a new opportunity.”

Head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed that McLaughlin will center a line with Nolan Foote and Nathan Bastian, while forward Stefan Noesen returns from load management to play alongside Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt. “In Noes’ case, he’ll get back in tonight and get back up to speed,” Keefe stated.

The last time these two teams faced off in New Jersey, the Bruins overwhelmed the Devils with a 7-2 victory. “You have to realize how they played against us last time,” forward Jesper Bratt reflected. “That’s something we want to do today, and get momentum for the group.” Defenseman Brett Pesce added, “These guys embarrassed us in our building. We’ll be ready.”

In addition to McLaughlin’s debut, the Devils’ Jack Hughes was named the club’s nominee for the prestigious King Clancy Award.

However, the team will be without forward Paul Cotter, who received a two-game suspension for an illegal hit on NY Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech. The Devils are already secured a postseason berth, prepared to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the First Round.

For the Bruins, this game concludes a campaign they’ve described as disappointing, sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with only 75 points and one final game remaining. Boston recently traded away their former captain Brad Marchand at the trade deadline, further contributing to their struggles.

Currently, the Devils, with a solid away record of 22-16-2, aim to add another win to their profile before transitioning to playoff mode. Meanwhile, Bruins star David Pastrnak continues to shine, leading his team with 104 points this season, including 15 points in his last five games.

As both teams gear up for this important matchup, fans can watch the game on MSGSN or listen through the Devils Hockey Network.