The New Jersey Devils are back in action tonight as they host the Columbus Blue Jackets in a battle of two of the NHL's biggest surprise teams; although for different reasons.
Coming into the season many had expected the Columbus Blue Jackets to seriously contend for a playoff spot while most penciled the New Jersey Devils into the basement of the Eastern Conference.
More than a quarter through the season it seems the two sides have traded places as the Devils are currently in possession of a Wild Card spot and the Jackets sit last in the East.
The Jackets have been getting better results of late following an 0-8-0 start but even after winning eight of 14 they're still only one point ahead of the 30th ranked Edmonton Oilers.
This is a game the Devils need to have if they're serious about contending for a playoff spot this season, especially after an underwhelming road trip through Western Canada.
They'll have reinforcements to help their cause, too, as Patrik Elias will make his season debut.
LINEUPS Cammalleri - Henrique - Stempniak Kalinin - Zajac - Palmieri Elias - Josefson - Matteau Farnham - Gionta - Tootoo
Greene - Larsson Moore - Severson Merrill - Schlemko
Schneider
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Via DailyFaceoff.com:
Jenner - Johansen - Saad Hartnell - Foligno - Atkinson Calvert - Karlsson - Anderson Rychel - Campbell - Goloubef
Johnson - Savard Murray - Connauton Bodnarchuk - Prout
Bobrovsky
WHAT TO WATCH 1) New Jersey's top-6 has produced more than expected this season but they've gotten almost nothing offensively from their bottom-6. Perhaps the return of Elias can provide a much needed spark.
2) Sergei Bobrovsky got off to a terrible start to the season but appears to have found his form. Over his last eight starts Bobrovsky has recorded a .930 save percentage or better six times. At the other end of the ice Cory Schneider has been one of the NHL's most consistent goaltenders and enters this game having posted a .900SV% or better in nine straight and a .923SV% or better in eight of nine. Don't expect a ton of offense in this one.
3) New Jersey's shot totals over the last three games: 20, 20, 22. The Blue Jackets struggle in possession and allow 30 shots a night so this may be just what the doctor ordered for the Devils. The game is at 7 eastern and can be seen on MSG+ and Fox Sports Ohio.
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