Match-up - New Jersey Devils (32-28-15) @ Buffalo Sabres (20-45-9) Road/Home records - 13-18-7 -------------- 12-20-6 TV - MSG, MSG-B, Bell TV Puck drop - 7:00 p.m. ET Season series - Tied 1-1 Last 10: Devils 4-4-2 | Sabres 1-8-1 Projected starting goalies - Cory Schneider vs Nathan Lieuwen
Projected lines for the Sabres:
Cory Conacher - Tyler Ennis - Drew Stafford Cody Hodgson - Zemgus Girgensons - Brian Flynn Marcus Foligno - Johan Larsson - Matt D'Agostini John Scott - Matt Ellis - Ville Leino
Rasmus Ristolainen - Christian Ehrhoff Chad Ruhwedel - Henrik Tallinder Jamie McBain - Mike Weber
Projected lines for the Devils:
Tuomo Ruutu - Travis Zajac - Jaromir Jagr Adam Henrique - Patrik Elias - Damien Brunner Mike Sislo/Tim Sestito - Dainius Zubrus - Michael Ryder Ryan Carter - Jacob Josefson - Steve Bernier
Andy Greene - Mark Fayne Pete Harrold - Marek Zidlicky Eric Gelinas - Adam Larsson
Game notes:
- After last night's win over the Florida Panthers, the Devils are just three points out of a playoff spot. With a win tonight over the lowly Sabres and a little help from Colorado (vs CBJ) and/or Dallas (vs WSH) the Devils could be within one point of a spot by the end of the night. It'll still be hard to catch up as the Devils will have to win at least five of their next seven to have a realistic shot at a spot, but considering their favorable schedule it is possible.
- The Sabres struggle immensely at 5 vs 5 and their special teams aren't much better, so the only way I give them a shot tonight is if they get a strong performance in goal. Otherwise, I think the Devils, who have an advantage in every aspect of the game, will come through with a win. They have more talent and much more to play for.
- Travis Zajac and Jaromir Jagr both snapped out of four-game pointless streaks in style last night, having recorded four-point games. Since the break most of the Devils offense has come from Adam Henrique and Patrik Elias, so it's nice to see someone else step up. The Devils will need their best players to be their best players down the stretch.
- Ryane Clowe is really starting to find his game as he recorded three points in nine minutes last night before leaving with an injury. He has 13 points in his last 16 games and is already a leader on the team so hopefully he doesn't miss too much time.
- Cory Schneider played half a game yesterday, and generally I don't like goaltenders playing back-to-back, but given he wasn't tested much, the travel to Buffalo isn't gruelling and the Sabres aren't very good, I think he'll be fine.
- Only Andy Greene and Pete Harrold played more than Adam Larsson on the backend. Wonder if that changes tonight.
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