Match-up - New Jersey Devils (34-29-15) @ Calgary Flames (34-31-14) Road/Home records - 14-18-8 -------------- 16-17-6 TV - MSG Plus, Sportsnet East Puck drop - 7:30 p.m. ET Season series - Tied 1-1 Last 10: Devils 5-2-3 | Sens 6-3-1 Projected starting goalies - Cory Schneider vs Robin Lehner
Projected lines for the Senators:
Milan Michalek - Jason Spezza - Ales Hemsky Clarke MacArthur - Kyle Turris - Mark Stone Zack Smith - Mika Zibanejad - Chris Neil Matt Kassian - J.G. Pageau - Erik Condra
Marc Methot - Erik Karlsson Patrick Wiercioch - Eric Gryba Chris Phillips - Cody Ceci
Projected lines for the Devils:
Tuomo Ruutu - Travis Zajac - Jaromir Jagr Damien Brunner - Patrik Elias - Mike Sislo Dainius Zubrus - Tim Sestito - Michael Ryder Ryan Carter - Stephen Gionta - Steve Bernier
Andy Greene - Mark Fayne Jon Merrill - Marek Zidlicky Anton Volchenkov - Pete Harrold
Notes:
- With the Devils officially out of the playoffs, they're not really playing for much now. Some guys in the bottom-6 are playing for jobs, and you could argue Pete DeBoer is coaching for his, too, though Lou Lamoriello has probably already decided what to do with DeBoer one way or the other. I think this game might be pretty flat, but what do I know?
- There are reports out there that Paul MacLean could be fired in Ottawa, just one year after winning the Jack Adams. If he is let go, and the Devils decide not to retain DeBoer, I believe MacLean would be an ideal replacement. He is a puck possession coach as well, although his teams play high-event hockey (lots of shots, shot attempts, etc.) while DeBoer preaches a low-event style (minimizes shots, etc.). I think the issue with MacLean's team this year lies in that his 2nd pairing has Eric Gryba on it, Jared Cowen has been one of the worst defenseman in hockey, and Chris Phillips is now a turnover machine more than anything else.
- Ales Hemsky has really benefited from a change of scenery as he has 16 points in 17 contests, including some highlight reel goals, since being traded to Ottawa. For the most part he's played on the top line with Jason Spezza, and has been producing the way many thought he would once he was given a legitimate top-6 role again. If he doesn't re-sign in Ottawa, I think he could be a target for the Devils this off-season.
- I think what you're seeing down the stretch here is the official passing of the keys to Cory Schneider. He's been getting all the important starts of late, and I think the Devils are trying to prepare him for a large workload next season. It doesn't much matter anymore, but you'd like to see Schneider put together a nice string of games entering next season. I think Martin Brodeur will get the final start of the season at home, though, as it'll likely be his last as a Devil.
- What I'm looking for down the stretch is consistency from the young players. Can Merrill continue to drive possession and chip in offensively without sacrificing his defense? Can Eric Gelinas be a little safer on the back end while still putting up points? If Jacob Josefson returns at some point, can he show some flashes he's ready to be a regular in the lineup next season? Those are the types I'll be looking at. You know what you're getting with Jaromir Jagr, Travis Zajac, Marek Zidlicky, Patrik Elias, etc.
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