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Match-up - New Jersey Devils (3-2-2) @ Ottawa Senators (4-1-0)
Road/Home records - 3-1-0 -------------- 2-0-0
TV - SN1, MSG Plus
Puck drop - 7:00 p.m. ET
Projected starting goalies - Scott Clemmensen/Cory Schneider vs Robin Lehner
Projected lines for the Senators via DailyFaceoff.com:
Clarke MacArthur - Kyle Turris - Mark Stone
Bobby Ryan - Mika Zibanejad - Alex Chiasson
Mike Hoffman - David Legwand - Chris Neil
Milan Michalek - Zack Smith - Curtis Lazar
Chris Phillips - Erik Karlsson
Patrick Wiercioch - Cody Ceci
Mark Borowiecki - Eric Gryba
Projected lines for the Devils:
Mike Cammalleri - Travis Zajac - Jaromir Jagr
Dainius Zubrus - Patrik Elias - Damien Brunner
Ryane Clowe - Adam Henrique - Michael Ryder
Tuomo Ruutu - Stephen Gionta - Jacob Josefson
Andy Greene - Damon Severson
Bryce Salvador - Marek Zidlicky
Jon Merrill - Eric Gelinas
Game notes:
- Ottawa is averaging upwards of 40 shots a game and their defense has been a mess this season, so their 4-1-0 record is a little bit deceiving. The Devils should get plenty of opportunities, they just need to make the most of them.
- The Devils enter tonight's game having lost four straight. They've played well in stretches and still hold a playoff spot (too early for that, I know) but they need to stop this before it spirals out of control.
- Erik Karlsson is a one man breakout and is really the most impactful offensive player on the team. He's excellent making outlet passes or carrying the puck up ice and through the neutral zone, so the Devils need to make sure they play him tight and keep their feet moving. If they overload him with pressure he'll be forced to dish it off to a player not named Erik Karlsson. That's a plus for the Devils.
- I thought the line of Ruutu - Gionta - Josefson was excellent against the Stars. In particular, Josefson really stood out. If he can put together another performance like that he may just force his way into the lineup for a while regardless of when Jordin Tootoo is ready to return.
- Since being inserted into the lineup Damien Brunner has three points and eight shots in three games. He's looked very good and his speed has been a huge asset for the Devils, especially while skating through the neutral zone, so I expect he'll be used quite a bit while he's hot. Brunner played 19 minutes vs Dallas.
- After registering seven points and 25 shots in his first five games, Mike Cammalleri has gone pointless with just four shots over his last two. The Devils need him to get going again.
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