Todd Cordell: G77 New Jersey Devils vs Pittsburgh Penguins: Five things to watch

what happened to butcher? He was in conversations about calder in the first few months of season... did he really drop off or just get lost in the barzal/boesner race?

what happened to butcher? He was in conversations about calder in the first few months of season... did he really drop off or just get lost in the barzal/boesner race?
- ChrisMS

He's been very good. Not as good as the first couple months of the season but that was unsustainable. He actually has four points in the team's last three games.

7-1 Pitt

what happened to butcher? He was in conversations about calder in the first few months of season... did he really drop off or just get lost in the barzal/boesner race?
- ChrisMS

It’s a point race, he never had a real shot at it.

4-3 Pitt

👿 GIVE EM HELL DEVILS!! 👿

I feel dirty....
GO PENS GO!

I'm not a fan of scratching Bratt.

Gotta take advantage of the panthers loss. Doesn't happen often

Over/Under for tonight's game set at 6 goals - I'm thinking (never a good idea) that 6 goals is a pretty safe bet for tonight. Thoughts?

Very interested to see how the 2nd line plays together. Each player brings a totally different type of style

Butcher broke the Devils season record for assists by a rookie defenseman this year. He is also the top scoring rookie defenseman in the NHL this year and is third in assists by a rookie this year. I think he is doing just fine.

Yeah I don't think we could've expected any better from Butcher coming into this season. It was a blessing Shattenkirk didn't sign with us.

Go Flames and Sens!

I’m not a fan of scratching Bratt either. He works hard and can keep pace with top line while allowing palmieri to play on line 2. He is not scoring like earlier in season but that is because he is a scratch and on 4th line.

I’m not a fan of scratching Bratt either. He works hard and can keep pace with top line while allowing palmieri to play on line 2. He is not scoring like earlier in season but that is because he is a scratch and on 4th line.
- Devils622

I tend to agree with you but on the flip side, who do you sit instead?

Nosen and Coleman have solidified themselves the past few games and have earned the trust of coaching staff against top talent.

Gibbons? I don't think it is a coincidence that we have won 6/9 since Gibbons has returned and our penalty kill has been on another level (against great times) since his return as well.

Very interested to see how the 2nd line plays together. Each player brings a totally different type of style
- hockeybocc

i wouldn't bet an over/under that doesn't have a .5 in the line.

I've been pretty vocal on here against scratching Bratt but I don't mind it when it's not Stafford playing in his place. You can make a solid argument for Noeson, Coleman, Gibbons, Maroon, and anyone else to be playing over Bratt.

I've been pretty vocal on here against scratching Bratt but I don't mind it when it's not Stafford playing in his place. You can make a solid argument for Noeson, Coleman, Gibbons, Maroon, and anyone else to be playing over Bratt.
- MannySilvers

I agree on Stafford, I also don't think it is a bad idea to give the Bratt some rest.

I’m not a fan of scratching Bratt either. He works hard and can keep pace with top line while allowing palmieri to play on line 2. He is not scoring like earlier in season but that is because he is a scratch and on 4th line.
- Devils622

We all know he's part of the long-term plan, but aside from not scoring he's turning over the puck a bunch and he's never been great in his own end. I'm not saying he can't turn it around, but this late in the season the Devils can't let any points slip past them. I think against a deep team like Pittsburgh this is the right move.

I tend to agree with you but on the flip side, who do you sit instead?

Nosen and Coleman have solidified themselves the past few games and have earned the trust of coaching staff against top talent.

Gibbons? I don't think it is a coincidence that we have won 6/9 since Gibbons has returned and our penalty kill has been on another level (against great times) since his return as well.
- hockeybocc

Yeah, that is the dilemma. Oddly, neither Gibbons or Bratt have good numbers individually over the last 9 games. If you go by production you can't take Coleman or Noesen out either because they're getting more points.

Go Flames and Sens!
- Iggysbff

There is a good chance the Devils make the playoffs and Penguins miss. How funny would that be?

There is a good chance the Devils make the playoffs and Penguins miss. How funny would that be?
- Leniwm1

by good chance you mean almost impossible, right?