The New Jersey Devils haven't officially been eliminated from playoff contention but reality has set in that they will not make it this season.
While making the playoffs may no longer be an option the Devils can still play spoiler and help ensure their opponent won't make the playoffs, either.
They have an opportunity to try and do that tonight as they take on a reeling Bruins team that has lost six of its last 10 games. As a result the B's sit just one point ahead of the Red Wings for 3rd in the Atlantic Division.
A loss to the Devils wouldn't be devastating but it would certainly make life difficult on the Bruins, especially considering the likes of Chicago, St. Louis and Detroit are still on their schedule.
The Devils take pride in not being an easy out for anyone so I'm sure they'd like nothing more than to spoil the party for the Bruins.
LINEUPS Blandisi - Henrique - Smith-Pelly Boucher - Zajac - Palmieri Pietilla - Kalinin - Sislo Farnham - Gionta - Ruutu
Greene - Larsson Moore - Severson Warsofsky - Helgeson
Kinkaid
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Marchand - Bergeron - Stempniak Beleskey - Krejci - Pastrnak Eriksson - Spooner - Vatrano Ferraro - Acciari - Hayes
Chara - Miller Morrow - Seidenberg Krug - McQuaid
Rask
Notes
1) Stempniak got off to a fantastic start in Boston tallying six points in his first four games but he has really slowed down of late. Over the last nine games he has just one point.
2) Since February 1st only the Canucks have a worse goal differential at 5 v 5 than the Devils. The Bruins have struggled of late but they they own a plus-1 goal differential in that span.
3) Over the last 26 games Boston ranks 29th in power play goals with just nine.
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