Match-up - Buffalo Sabres (6-20-1) @ New Jersey Devils (10-11-5) Road/Home records - 3-9-0 -------------- 4-4-2 TV - MSG, MSG-B Puck drop - 7:00 PM ET Season series - 0-0 Last 10: Sabres 3-7-0 / Devils 6-4-0 Projected starting goalies - Jhonas Enroth vs Cory Schneider
Goals for/against per game
Buffalo - 1.67/3.11 New Jersey - 2.23/2.31
Power play/Penalty Kill
Buffalo - 15.0%/78.3% New Jersey - 18.5%/87.2%
Projected lines for the Sabres:
Matt Moulson - Cody Hodgson - Drew Stafford Steve Ott - Ville Leino - Matt D'Agostini Luke Adam - Tyler Ennis - Zemgus Girgensons John Scott - Brian Flynn - Marcus Foligno
Christian Ehrhoff - Alex Sulzer Henrik Tallinder - Tyler Myers Mark Pysyk - Brayden McNabb
Notable injuries: none.
Projected lines for the Devils:
Dainius Zubrus - Travis Zajac - Jaromir Jagr Adam Henrique - Patrik Elias - Damien Brunner Michael Ryder - Andrei Loktionov - Steve Bernier Ryan Carter - Jacob Josefson - Cam Janssen
Andy Greene - Mark Fayne Eric Gelinas - Marek Zidlicky Jon Merrill - Anton Volchenkov
Notable injuries: Ryane Clowe, Stephen Gionta, Bryce Salvador, Adam Larsson.
Some notes:
- The Zubrus - Zajac - Jagr line has been exceptional of late. Not only are they playing well in their own zone, but they're producing against opposing team's top players on a nightly basis. Zubrus has nine points in his last 10 games, Zajac has been stellar defensively and is turning a corner offensively, as well. And then there's Jagr, who has been a consistent producer offensively all season long. If they don't take the Sabres lightly, they should be in for another good night.
- Speaking of Jagr, his goal last night tied him for 8th all-time in goals with Steve Yzerman. Jagr's now just two goals behind Mark Messier for 7th all-time. With the way he's playing right now, it shouldn't take too long to pass him.
- Damien Brunner record his first point in over a month in last night's win over Carolina. Before assisting on Andrei Loktionov's goal, he hadn't picked up a point since October 26th in the Devils comeback win over Boston. Perhaps that'll get him going offensively.
- Michael Ryder also recorded a point last night despite playing just 12 minutes on the 4th line. He's paid to score goals, but getting on the board with an assist is a start.
- How about Andy Greene? Not only has he been excellent defensively, but he's producing at almost a point per game pace over the last few weeks. The reliable two-way defenseman has nine points in his last 11 games.
- The Sabres have struggled mightily on the road this season and are averaging well below two goals per game. If the Devils can get out to an early lead, it'll be a huge boost for them. They don't allow many goals and the Sabres don't score many, so if Buffalo is behind the eight-ball early it'll be tough for them to come back.
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