After dropping the first three games of the season in regulation the New Jersey Devils have now managed points in consecutive games.
The Devils gave a then undefeated Sharks team all they could handle before eventually falling in a shootout and followed that up with an overtime win against the Rangers. Those aren't exactly bottom feeders.
Before the season many expected the Arizona Coyotes would meet that description but to this point that has not been the case.
The 'Yotes already have wins over Los Angeles, Anaheim and Pittsburgh and what was projected to be one of the league's worst offenses has looked quite potent.
Through five games the Coyotes have scored 16 goals (3.2 per game) led by Martin Hanzal and youngsters Max Domi, Anthony Duclair and Tobias Rieder, all of whom are averaging a point per game or more.
On the flip side the Devils have struggled mightily to fill the net as they've scored just eight times in five games (1.6 per game) but have played very sound defense.
Tonight will be a battle of contrasting styles to say the least.
LINEUPS
Cammalleri - Henrique - Stempniak Tlusty - Zajac - Palmieri O'Neill - Josefson - Tootoo Matteau - Kalinin - Gionta
Greene - Larsson Gelinas - Moore Schlemko - Severson
Schneider
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Domi - Vermette - Boedker Rieder - Hanzal - Duclair Chipchura - Richardson - Doan Scott - Gordon - Downie
OEL - Michalek Dahlbeck - Stone Grossman - Murphy
Smith
KEYS TO THE GAME 1) Power play success. Only six teams have spent more time killing penalties than the Coyotes so discipline has been an issue for them. The Devils need to make the most of their opportunities because scoring at even-strength has proven to be a big problem.
2) Staying hot. Adam Henrique has three goals, four points and 14 shots on goal over the last four games. The Devils have gotten little in the way of secondary scoring so they need their top guns to carry the load while the rest of the team finds its footing.
3) Scoring first. The Devils still haven't played with a lead at any point this season. They can't really score so frequently falling behind the 8-ball will not work out well for them.
4) Shutting the door. Cory Schneider has allowed just two goals in 128 minutes over the last couple games and has posted a .967SV% in that span. Again, the Devils don't score much so they need quality starts if they're going to have a chance in any game.
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