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FRI. OCTOBER. 20
Player to watch for goal: Jesper Bratt, F, NJD (in New York) — The New Jersey Devils winger leads them in goals (three), power play goals (two) and is tied for second in points (five in three games) behind elite center linemate Jack Hughes (six). Bratt is quietly tied for 40th in the NHL in points (151 in 161 games) over the last three seasons combined and has six points (one goal, five assists) in six games against the New York Islanders over this period.
Player to watch for help: Zach Werenski, D, CBJ (c. CGY) — The Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman could return from a quadriceps injury against the Calgary Flames, who will be playing their second consecutive game. Werenski is a top pair and first on the power play when healthy and ranks 13th among NHL defensemen in points per game (0.71; 48 in 68 games) and was tied for 16th in assists per game (0.54) in 2021. 22 (min. 40 games).
Player to watch: Noah Hanifin, D, CGY (to CBJ) – The Flames defenseman has four assists in his first four games this season and has strong potential on a Calgary team that has the seventh-most shots on goal (33.5 ) in the NHL so far this season. Hanifin had an assist and four shots on goal in two games against the Blue Jackets last season and has strong upside on his top defensive pairing with Rasmus Andersson.
Player to watch for penalties: Mathew Barzal, F, NYI (vs. NJD) – Islanders forward moved from center to wing on a line with Bo Horvat (acquired from the Vancouver Canucks before the 2023 NHL trade deadline) throughout last season and has remained in that role so far this season. Barzal scored a power-play goal in the Islanders’ 1-0 win over the Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday and is tied for second most shots on goal (seven in two games) behind Horvat ( eight); this represents a significant increase in shots on goal per game (3.5) compared to Barzal’s career average (2.3).
