After opening the season with three consecutive losses the New Jersey Devils have seemingly righted the ship by picking up points in three straight and winning the last two in the process.
Tonight they'll be looking to extend their winning/point streak against an inner-conference opponent in the Ottawa Senators.
The Senators have gotten out to a respectable 3-2-1 start led by a very potent offense that has found twine 19 times in six games (3.16 per).
While New Jersey can't match them offensively they have been sound in their own zone and have Cory Schneider and his .937 save percentage to hold the fort whenever a mistake is made in front of him.
It will be fun to see how these teams match up as they couldn't be more different. Ottawa games average more than 110 events (shot attempts for and against) per 60 minutes of 5 vs 5 while New Jersey games average a league-low (by far) 79.
Ottawa will be looking to push the pace and the Devils will be looking to slow things down. It'll be interesting to see which team can dictate play.
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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Hoffman - Turris - Stone Michalek - Zibanejad - Ryan Chiasson - Pageau - Lazar Prince - Smith - Neil
Borowiecki - Karlsson Ceci - Wiercioch Cowen - Wideman
Hammond
KEYS TO THE GAME 1) Limiting the damage. The HST line has been one of the league's best in the early going as they've combined for 25 points in just six games. It will be tough to keep them off the board but if the Devils can limit their damage they'll have a chance.
2) Line 2. There has been something weird going on between the Zibanejad-Ryan duo and it's not good for the Senators. Oddly enough they rank last and 3rd last in the NHL in 5 vs 5 scoring chance differential and have caused the Sens more harm than good when they're on the ice. The Devils need to take advantage of them while they're struggling.
3) Throw everything at the net. Andrew Hammond is making his first start of the season and there will probably be some rust there. The Devils need to get as many pucks and bodies to the net as they can. Don't make it easy on him.
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