NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — The struggling Vegas Golden Knights visit the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on Friday night in a matchup of teams on contrasting trajectories. Vegas (12-14) arrives with modest momentum, coming off a 4-3 shootout win over Chicago on Tuesday. Ivan Barbashev and Shea Theodore each had a goal and an assist in the victory, which snapped a two-game skid. The Golden Knights have shown offensive flashes but have lost seven of their last 10, often struggling to close games. The Devils (16-11), despite a 3-0 home loss to Dallas on Wednesday, have been solid overall, winning six of their last 10. That defeat followed a three-game winning streak and highlighted recent defensive inconsistencies, as they have allowed 15 goals over their past four contests. Friday’s game kicks off a five-game road trip for Vegas. The teams will meet again in Las Vegas on Dec. 17. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, the Devils are projected to win 3-2, leaning on their stronger record and home-ice advantage. The Golden Knights will need continued production from their top lines to overcome a New Jersey squad looking to rebound quickly from a shutout loss.