New Jersey Devils Face Chicago Blackhawks in Game 73 Showdown
The New Jersey Devils visit the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 73 of the regular season. The Devils hold a 37-33-2 record. The Blackhawks sit at 27-33-13.
Broadcast and logistics
The game airs on MSGSN and NHLN. Radio coverage comes via the Devils Hockey Network. This matchup lands late in the schedule and carries postseason implications.
Playoff picture for New Jersey
New Jersey had a strong recent stretch of wins. Key defeats to Washington and a collapse against Carolina have all but ended their playoff push.
They can still reach 96 points by winning their final 10 games. That total falls short if rival clubs maintain form. Several teams occupying seventh through tenth currently sit between 86 and 88 points.
Standings context
Only one team, the New York Rangers, had been declared mathematically eliminated at the time of reporting. Still, the climb back into contention is steep. The Flyers and Capitals remain long-shot possibilities under extreme outcomes.
Chicago’s struggles and standings
The Blackhawks are tied with the Rangers at 67 points through 73 games. Only the Vancouver Canucks sit below them in the standings.
Chicago projects as a likely candidate for a top lottery pick. The club’s depth scoring and underlying metrics paint a grim picture.
Key scorers and recent results
- Connor Bedard: 67 points in 60 games.
- Tyler Bertuzzi: 53 points in 70 games.
The Blackhawks recently lost 6-1 to the Rangers and 5-1 to the Flyers in back-to-back games. Those outcomes underline offensive inconsistency outside their top scorers.
Underlying numbers
Chicago’s offense ranks 30th in all situations at 2.51 goals per 60. Their all-situation defense ranks 25th at 3.16 goals against per 60.
Expected numbers are worse for Chicago. They post a 2.58 xGF/60, bottom in the league. Their 3.46 xGA/60 ranks 27th overall.
Five-on-five breakdown
At five-on-five, Chicago’s offense sits near the bottom of the league. Their xGF/60 is 2.22, ranking 32nd. Expected five-on-five goals against are three per 60, also dead last.
The Devils compare more favorably at five-on-five. New Jersey records a 2.58 xGF/60 and 2.65 xGA/60 in that situation.
Goaltending and roster notes
Spencer Knight is expected to start in Chicago. He owns a .908 save percentage and three shutouts across 48 appearances.
Kyle Davidson’s front-office moves included trading a first-round pick for Knight in the Seth Jones deal. That transaction has paid dividends for the Blackhawks’ goaltending depth.
What to watch
Can New Jersey rebound after the loss in Carolina? The Devils must avoid taking this opponent lightly. Chicago has two high-end scorers who can decide the contest on any night.
Expect attention on special teams and the early game pace. New Jersey must limit mistakes if they want to leave Chicago with two points.
Filmogaz.com will monitor postgame developments and provide a season review soon. Fans can follow coverage and share reactions to this Game 73 showdown between the New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks.
