Last Thursday the New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks squared off and the Devils prevailed in what may have been their most impressive showing of the season.
The Devils scored the game's first four goals and never looked back en route to a 4-2 win. By the time Chicago got on the scoreboard (late in the 2nd) the game was already over and their 2nd goal came with an empty net in garbage time.
You can bet that loss left a bad taste in the mouth of the defending champs and that they'll be looking to return the favor tonight at the United Center.
The Blackhawks own a 7-1-1 record at home, and have carved teams up in their own building for years now, so it's probably safe to expect a much better showing from them this time around.
The Devils need to be ready.
LINEUPS Cammalleri - Henrique - Stempniak Kalinin - Zajac - Palmieri Tlusty - Josefson - Tootoo Farnham - Gionta - O'Neill
Greene - Larsson Merrill - Severson Moore - Schlemko
Schneider
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Shaw - Toews - Hossa Panarin - Anisimov - Kane Dano - Kero - Teravainen Desjardins - Kruger - Mashinter
Svedberg - Seabrook Hjalmarsson - van Riemsdyk Daley - Gustafsson
Crawford
THREE KEYS 1) Survive the first 10 minutes. Chicago has been excellent at home this year and they'll be looking for revenge after last week's loss in New Jersey so you can bet they'll come out swinging. If the Devils can weather the storm early until they gain their footing they should have a fighting chance.
2) Full-strength play. The Blackhawks are as disciplined as they come averaging just 6.9 penalty minutes per game. The Devils have to do some damage at evens if they're going to win because they probably won't get many power play opportunities.
3) Neutral zone defense. The Blackhawks like to use their speed, gain the line with possession and let their skill go to work in the offensive zone. If the Devils are aggressive in the neutral zone and don't allow easy entires they'll force the Blackhawks to dump and chase more frequently. Mucking it up in the corners isn't their style. Make them play it. Recent Posts Devils' Offense stagnant in loss to Blues