I do hate having so many days off in between games. To go from Friday night to Wednesday night is too much in my opinion. Will the Devils still have whatever it is that they’ve had over the last few games? Sure, the rest is good for some players, like Hedberg who will once again be net tonight while Marty gets over an injury. Well, lets get to it!!
Broadcast – TV – MSG+ (HD); Radio – 660 AM WFAN
The Devils Last Game – The hot Sharks came into town and seem to control the Devils for the first two periods. Unfortunately for the Sharks, they had to play 3 periods. Rolston tied the game, Kovalchuk won it, Devils continued on being a hot hot team.
The Hurricanes Last Game – An important game against the Atlanta Thrashers and the Canes got an important win. Erik Cole put the game winner in the net late to seal a 3-2 win.
Tonight’s Game: If you believe that the Devils have a shot at playing more than 82 games this season, then this game is EXTREMELY important. The Canes are 14 points ahead of the New Jersey Devils for the 8th and final spot in the playoffs. The Devils need to win and need to do so in 60 minutes tonight.
They’ve had a lot of time off so I am concerned about energy to start the game. I don’t doubt that the Devils win find energy as the night plays on but I would like to see them come out and quickly get a lead. With Cam Ward in the net, that sometimes isn’t an easy thing to do.
Try to get some calls our way. Last week when these two teams met, the Devils didn’t get any man advantages while Anton Volchenkov alone gave the Canes 3 power plays.
It doesn’t matter which angle you look at tonight’s game from, this game is not going to be an easy one. When it comes to Carolina, the Devils NEVER have an easy time with them.
Projected Lines:
Line 1 Dainius Zubrus Patrik Elias Brian Rolston
Line 2 Illya Kovalchuk Travis Zajac Nick Palmieri
Line 3 Vladimir Zharkov Jason Arnott Mattias Tedenby
Line 4 Tim Sestito Rod Pelley David Clarkson
Line 1 Andy Greene Anssi Salmela
Line 2 Colin White Mark Fayne
Line 3 Mark Fraser Henrik Tallinder
Goaltender Johan Hedberg
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