At this point last season, the New Jersey Devils entered the New Year with a 47-26 double-digits lead in points over their Turnpike rivals Philadelphia Flyers.  While the Devils were on their way to another Atlantic Division crown, the Flyers could not wait for the season to end and to clear house (they fired GM, coach, involved themselves in several large transactions during the offseason).

Although the Devils lost two key players during the offseason, they remain at the forefront of the division and a force to be wreakened with.  The Flyers too have made significant strides since their abysmal record in the 2006-07 campaign, yet are still in last place in the division by a mere five points.

That’s right.  The division of five teams is separated by five points and the Flyers are within striking distance of the playoffs.  The NY Islanders currently hold onto the eighth and final spot by a one-point margin.

The Devils look to fly over Philadelphia tonight once again when they do battle at the Prudential Center at 7 p.m.

Since a 4-0 Flyers shutout, the Devils have rebounded to say the least.  They have easily won each of the last three meetings between these teams by scores of 4-1, 6-2, and most recently, 4-2, last month.

The so-called fierce rivalry between NJ and Philly has been very one-sided lately.

Honestly, what did you expect.

The Devils have a 13-1-1 record in the last 15 regular season meetings and the Flyers are 0-8-2 at Continental Airlines Arena since a March 9, 2004 win (AP).

Since a slow start, first on the nine-game road trip to start the season, and then at home, the Devils have rebounded with home wins in eight of their last nine games.

Florida was their most recent victim.  Captain Jamie Langenbrunner, emergency call-up Noah Clarke, and Brian Gionta scored goals in their 3-2 win.

Most fans did not battle freezing conditions to partake in the Devils’ 22nd win of the 2007-08 season and first after New Years.

For his success thus far, head coach Brent Sutter was invited to the NHL All-Star game as an assistant coach with the Eastern Conference.

I can assure you he has deserved the honor.

In the meanwhile, Philadelphia, who has dealt with injuries thus far, has won three straight, including a 1-0 win over Florida.

Mike Richards, who, earlier this season, signed a lifetime guarantee (12-year contract extension worth $69 million) to stay in Philadelphia, leads the way with 43 points.  Of the 43, 20 have come via the power play, and four more shorthanded.  Although he is only 22, Richards is a dangerous weapon.

On the other hand, Daniel Briere, who signed with Philly in the offseason, has been inconsistent.  If you give the Flyers a man advantage, Briere will take advantage.  He has 7 goals and 13 assists on the power play, but only 39 points in 37 games, after last year’s magical 95-point campaign.  He is projected to finish with 86 points, but the eye-catcher is the -7 +/-.

For the Devils, it is all about goaltender Martin Brodeur, who is 20-13-2 with a .915SV% and 2.24 goals against average.  He will start his 10^th consecutive game in goal for the Devs, who may see a familiar face back on the ice.

Offenseman Patrik Elias returned to practice yesterday after missing two games with a groin injury and will likely suit up against Philly.  The Devils would love to have him back in the lineup, considering his clutch performances thus far.  Although he has not scored at will (8G), five of them are game winners.

New Jersey’s Wounded Soldiers:

Patrik Elias (groin) – will likely play (TG)

Arron Asham (Flu)… may play, participated in yesterday’s practice (TG)

Jay Pandolfo (pelvic ligament, IR) - OUT

Karel Rachunek (ankle, IR) - OUT

Philly Injuries:

Simon Gagne (concussion) - OUT

Scottie Upshall (sprained right ankle) - GTD

Jason Smith (calf) - GTD

Mike Rathje (IR) - OUT

Randy Jones (sprained right knee) – GTD

Pairings (yesterday’s practice)

Forwards: Zubrus-Elias-Gionta; Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner; Brylin-Madden-Clarkson; Rupp-Pelley-Asham; Clarke-(empty)-Tallackson.

Defense: White-Mottau; Oduya-Martin; Vishnevski-Greene/Brookbank.

In all likelihood, Clarke and Tallackson’s brief reign in New Jersey are over.  They were called up, played against Florida, and will return to Lowell, pending the return of Elias and Asham.  I enjoyed watching them take the ice.  Clarke even managed to score a goal in their opening frame.  The line of Madden, Gionta, and Parise, which seemed like they were mixing well with Elias and Pandolfo out of the lineup, was quickly returned to normal.  I hope that their second unit can begin to perform like last season, and Travis Zajac to break out of his sophomore slump.  The Devils are 22-0-1 when they score at least three goals.  Go figure…

Broadcast News:

Local Home: FSNY

Local Away: CSN-PH

Radio: WFAN 660 AM

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