5 New Jersey Devils games we’re looking forward to the most in 2018-19
By Kyle McKenna
4. Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New Jersey Devils: Dec. 3, 2018
Yes, New Jersey and its loyal fan base have moved on from the Devils’ first-round exit to the Tampa Bay Lightning during the last year’s playoffs, but there’s always room for revenge.
December 3rd marks the third contest of the season between the Bolts and the Devils. However, it’s the first time that the Lightning return back to the Rock since playing New Jersey back in April. The game should be a good gage for a Devils team that’s hungry to get back into playoff contention.
The Lightning are a top-two favorite to win the Stanley Cup in 2019, but this rebellious New Jersey squad would love to ruin any likelihood of that happening; especially after the team lost in five games to Tampa Bay in convincing fashion last spring.
Taylor Hall scores goal, two assists and Cory Schneider stops 34 shots as #Devils earn 5-2 home win over #Lightning in Game 3. Tampa Bay leads series 2-1. #StanleyCup https://t.co/VXGnEff780 pic.twitter.com/B6jbSBkkkv
— SportsCentre (@SportsCentre) April 17, 2018
A new rivalry could have been born after the defeat, and let’s not forget that there could be a number of fights between these two teams all season long.
Nikita Kucherov laid what could arguably be labeled as a dirty and high hit on Devils defenseman Sami Vatanen in the first round last postseason, and you can be sure that Brian Boyle and company won’t let that fly and also remind Kucherov that he’s still Cup-less, too.
Keep in mind that New Jersey surprisingly managed to sweep the Lightning last season (3-0), and also used three different goaltenders to accomplish the feat (Cory Schneider, Keith Kinkaid & Eddie Lack).
A skater to watch would be Devils rookie sensation, Nico Hischier, who found the back of the net twice and chipped in two helpers for four points against the Bolts last season.