The New Jersey Devils have piled up 36 points through 27 games and only the Tampa Bay Lightning have lost fewer games in regulation.
You'd think their Cinderella start would give them a bit of a cushion for a playoff spot but that's not at all the case.
While the Devils lead the Metro Division, there are four teams – Columbus included – within a point and the New York Rangers, who are on the outside of the playoffs looking in, only sit four points behind the Devils for top spot.
In other words, a couple losses in a row over one bad week could have the Devils, who lead the league's toughest division, out of the playoff picture altogether.
It's obviously a little early to be worrying about the playoffs and seeding, but it helps put in perspective how important every game is. The points accumulated now count the same as the ones in April, and the teams in this stack division won't be slowing down, so its imperative the Devils keep the foot on the gas and continue to pile up the points.
Getting another win tonight will be tough because a) Columbus is really good; b) they need the points as well and; c) they weren't at all happy with their performance Tuesday, so you know they'll come out with their best effort.
The Devils better be ready to answer the bell.
Here are the projected lineups:
New Jersey
Taylor Hall - Nico Hischier - Jesper Bratt Marcus Johansson - Travis Zajac - Stefan Noesen Brian Gibbons - Blake Coleman - Drew Stafford Miles Wood - Brian Boyle - Jimmy Hayes
Andy Greene - Sami Vatanen John Moore - Damon Severson Will Butcher - Steven Santini
Cory Schneider
Columbus (via DailyFaceoff.com)
Artemi Panarin - Pierre-Luc Dubois - Josh Anderson Nick Foligno - Alex Wennberg - Cam Atkinson Matt Calvert - Brandon Dubinsky - Oliver Bjorkstrand Boone Jenner - Lucas Sedlak - Tyler Motte
Zach Werenski - Seth Jones Jack Johnson - David Savard Scott Harrington - Markus Nutivaara
Sergei Bobrovsky
What to watch for:
1) Schneider has posted a .917 save percentage or better in eight of his last nine starts. He's playing his best hockey and that will need to continue tonight as it's entirely possible, if not likely, he sees in the range of 40 shots again.
2) The PB&J line didn't get on the board for New Jersey last time out, but they controlled ~66% of the shot attempts and generated more than their fair share of chances. If that happens again, they'll likely find the scoresheet.
3) Zajac has been very quiet offensively since returning to the lineup but last game he found the net and added a team-high six scoring chances. Perhaps he's finally turning a corner.
4) Stafford has just two points at 5v5 in the last 20 games and has gone 12 straight without recording one. He has to get going and start contributing something, anything, offensively if he wants to remain in the top-9, or in the lineup in general.
5) The Devils took five more penalties than they drew on Tuesday. They got away with it – largely because Columbus' PP continues to be dreadful – but that's not exactly a good recipe for success. They can't do that again.
Puck drop is just after 7:00 p.m. Eastern and can be seen on MSG+ and FS-O.
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