Todd Cordell: G31 New Jersey Devils @ Montreal Canadiens: Five things to watch

What is the logic behind using only 5 reasons? I feel like the devils have 6 reasons every night, given the number of the beast.

Wow this team took a beating from the injury bug. Kinda makes you miss Henrique and maybe Blandisi a little bit more. Not criticizing the trade, just saying we are suddenly short at forward.

I would really like to see the Wood/ Zacha & Noesen line be given top 6 minutes tonight. Noesen steps up when given the roll. Plus i have really enjoyed watching wood play this year. Last year he was obviously fast and showed a lot of speed, but i felt like he was playing the game faster than he could think it, if that makes sense. This year he has been fast, but has also been playing smarter. I also love the physical aspect that he brings to the lineup. give the kids top 6 even strength minutes and let the zajac/ gibbons/ coleman line take a reduced role even strength but utilize them heavily on special teams. We will need those three against that power play tonight.

I say this is the perfect chance to throw Zacha back on top line and see what happens.

Stafford on the top line

Why not reward Noesen with top line minutes, he's been on quite a roll lately.

Why not reward Noesen with top line minutes, he's been on quite a roll lately.
- FAZOOL

I’m sure there will be plenty of line juggling tonight and Hynes will reward the player who are playing well with ice time

Missing your best offensive players is not ideal regardless of opponent but especially so against Carey Price and Montreal.


Trust me, we're not that intimidating.

Missing your best offensive players is not ideal regardless of opponent but especially so against Carey Price and Montreal.


Trust me, we're not that intimidating.
- Pat1993

Why don't you take one more look at the forwards we're dressing tonight

Stafford on the top line
- RubberBiscuitz

what on earth has he done to deserve that spot

Why don't you take one more look at the forwards we're dressing tonight
- willschulme

Bah, the habs can still find a way to make them feel good about themselves.

Devils 4-1 and Stafford with the hatty! First line duties will fire him up

(I hope)

Injuries suck, but every team has to deal with them. I just don't understand Hynes rewarding Stafford on the top line. I actually think the fourth line could be very productive, although not with fourth line playing time. Really, Stafford? Unless they want him to score and beef up his trade value makes no sense.

Devils 4-1 and Stafford with the hatty! First line duties will fire him up

(I hope)
- Crushers68

stafford playing big minutes is a guaranteed loss.

stafford playing big minutes is a guaranteed loss.
- Pomegrant

Call me crazy but I think he'll have a big game tonight. Feel free to take pot shots at me tomorrow if I'm wrong

stafford playing big minutes is a guaranteed loss.
- Pomegrant

Coleman-Zajac- Gibbons would be a kick ass 4th line. Too bad it's our 2nd.

Call me crazy but I think he'll have a big game tonight. Feel free to take pot shots at me tomorrow if I'm wrong
- Crushers68

I'd love to be wrong but he hasn't do anything this season at all.

@Htowntigers89 (quotes not working)

I was actually hoping they would put Zacha or Wood on that top line in Hall's place for a game to give them a chance. The Wood-Zacha-Noesen line as far as I see could be just as effective as lines "2" or "3" tonight. We will see what they have.

I just watched a discussion on nhl network on a hypothetical trade for Karlsson to the Devils.

The Devils would get Karlsson and a conditional 2nd in 2019 if he resigns.

Senators would get Severson, Zacha, McLeod, 2018 1st and 2019 1st if Karlsson signs long term.

I know thats just a hypothetical but that seems like an overkill. I know he's one of the best dman in the world but damn. What do you guys think of a trade like that?

I just watched a discussion on nhl network on a hypothetical trade for Karlsson to the Devils.

The Devils would get Karlsson and a conditional 2nd in 2019 if he resigns.

Senators would get Severson, Zacha, McLeod, 2018 1st and 2019 1st if Karlsson signs long term.

I know thats just a hypothetical but that seems like an overkill. I know he's one of the best dman in the world but damn. What do you guys think of a trade like that?
- Devils4ever

easy accept

easy accept
- Pomegrant

The only thing I wouldn't want to part ways with is McLeod it seems like too much with thr rest of the stuff. If they really want McLeod for the deal at least keep Zacha.

The only thing I wouldn't want to part ways with is McLeod it seems like too much with thr rest of the stuff. If they really want McLeod for the deal at least keep Zacha.
- Devils4ever

it would probably be Severson, top prospect, 1st rounder, 1st rounder/top prospect. Agree that it's one asset too many, but Karlsson is the best defenseman in the league.

it would probably be Severson, top prospect, 1st rounder, 1st rounder/top prospect. Agree that it's one asset too many, but Karlsson is the best defenseman in the league.
- Pomegrant

I would definitely be more comfortable with that but you are right. I'm sure teams will offer A LOT, rightfully so.

I would definitely be more comfortable with that but you are right. I'm sure teams will offer A LOT, rightfully so.
- Devils4ever

Hypothetical yes that would be a better deal. My concern is that if his leg never fully heals what are you really getting. I just don't know and think that is a big risk.