As the Devils prepare for a back-to-back against Edmonton and Washington this weekend, Pete DeBoer is changing things up hoping for a big four points heading into the Olympic break.

The most notable change was moving skilled center Andrei Loktionov up to the top line with Dainius Zubrus and Jaromir Jagr in hopes of jump starting some offense.

The team's undisputed top center, Travis Zajac, will try his luck with Patrik Elias, who's been hot of late, and an ice-cold Damien Brunner, while the 3rd and 4th lines remain in tact.

I'm a big fan of Zajac's game and think Jagr complimented him very well, as evident by Jagr's production when playing with No. 19 this season, but I understand the change and can appreciate DeBoer's effort for trying. As much as I like Zajac with Jagr, No. 19 on a line with Elias and Brunner is pretty intriguing.

As for Loktionov, he will bring an element of speed and skill to the top line, and considering he has just nine points in 42 games this season, a change was needed to get him going. Playing the top line to play with a guy on pace for over 70 points as a 41-year-old just might be the opportunity he needs to start producing.

Coming off a pair of heartbreaking losses and being a team that's struggled to score all season long, something needed to be done. Since Lou Lamoriello is yet to acquire some help from outside the organization, DeBoer's trying to create from within. Good on him.

Matteau Struggling

Remember when after recording just one point in his first 11 games of the season, Stefan Matteau flipped a switch and started to light it up with Albany, registering 11 points in his next eight games? Well, those days have long passed and since then the 19-year-old winger has struggled to find the scoresheet in Albany. He has just one goal and four points in 17 games with Albany since. He did play pretty well for Team USA at the world junior's in the middle of all that, but those numbers are less than encouraging.

NHL defensemen playing in the AHL

Adam Larsson continues to get it done in Albany. After going pointless in five straight the young Swede has bounced back with four points in his last five games. He now has eight points in 12 games since being assigned to Albany.

As for Eric Gelinas, he's pointless in two games since being sent down. He has nine shots in those two games, though, so at least he's shooting. With a shot like his, it's only a matter of time before they start going in.

**

- I recently posted my midseason rankings for the top-30 first-year NHL draft eligible players from the OHL. You can view that here.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow Todd on Twitter @ToddCordell!

Email: [email protected]