For the second time in as many games the New Jersey Devils are set to take on the Carolina Hurricanes; this time on home soil.
Last time out the Devils fell at the hands of the Hurricanes in large part due to the play of Justin Faulk, Brett Pesce and offensive contributions from the back end.
Cam Ward was also surprisingly good, although the Devils didn't make his life too difficult as they put just 20 pucks on net.
Carolina is a better team than their record indicates and the Devils found that out the hard way just a few days ago.
The Devils need to be much better this time around if they hope to collect a much needed two points.
LINEUPS Cammalleri - Henrique - Stempniak Tlusty - Zajac - Palmieri Kalinin - Josefson - Kennedy Ruutu - Gionta - Tootoo
Greene - Larsson Moore - Severson Gelinas - Schlemko
Kinkaid
--
Versteeg - Staal - Lindholm Nordstrom - J. Staal - Nestrasil Skinner - Rask - Di Giuseppe Malone - McClement - Terry
Liles - Faulk Slavin - Hainsey Hanifin - Pesce
Ward
NOTES 1) Led by Justin Faulk the Hurricanes' defense accounted for four points on two goals last time out. They're a very mobile unit with good offensive abilities and their defensemen aren't shy when it comes to jumping into the play to create some offense. The Devils need to watch for activating blue liners.
2) The Hurricanes have the league's worst goaltending at 5 v 5 this season. For the most part Cam Ward has been terrible and Eddie Lack hasn't been much better. Take advantage of that and test them whenever possible even if the shot doesn't look overly dangerous.
3) The Versteeg - Staal - Lindholm line has been excellent for the Canes of late. On a routine basis they've out played their opponents and that was the case last time out as the Canes out attempted New Jersey 20-5 with that unit on the ice at 5 v 5. If that happens again they'll probably find the score sheet.
The game is at 7:00 eastern and can be seen on MSG+ and FS-SE.
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