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Some off-day thoughts as the New Jersey Devils prepare for Saturday's game against the Flyers:

1) Reid Boucher is not a great skater so he probably will never be a prolific scorer at 5 v 5 but I like how the Devils have utilized him on the power play. They've had him hover around the high-slot and half-wall on the 2nd unit, which is a good spot for him to put his excellent shot to use. Boucher's shot is undoubtedly his best attribute and, of late, the Devils have made a conscious effort to get him the puck and make him a primary shooter on PP2. The early results have been encouraging.

2) Stefan Matteau has played in just seven of New Jersey's last 25 games and has been a healthy scratch in 10 consecutive contests. I think it's only a matter of time before he's sent packing - whether it be via trade or waivers - as the Devils coaching staff clearly isn't fond of what he can bring to the table.

It benefits neither the Devils nor Matteau to keep him around and sit him out for a month at a time so, if this is going to continue, the Devils may as well bring in/recall someone they're going to use. Over the last month he's just been a dead roster spot.

3) Cory Schneider has posted a .941 save percentage(!) in 16 starts since the Christmas break. I know I say this a lot but if the Devils can somehow get into the playoffs he's as deserving of the Hart Trophy as anyone. The Devils' are last in goals per game and 29th in 5 v 5 possession. They'd be nowhere near a wild card spot without Schneider.

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