The Devils will look to sweep the season series from the visiting Thrashers tonight at the Prudential Center. The Devils enter tonight's contest on a two-game winning streak. That included a 3-2 overtime victory over the Eastern Conference leading Ottawa Senators. Brian Gionta snapped a 13-game scoreless streak, netting the game winner in the extra frame from captain Jamie Langenbrunner. Elias added two assists for the second straight night. The Thrashers have also won two straight, including a 3-2 shootout win over their Southeast Division rival Washington Capitals. Friday’s contest starts a five-game road trip for the Thrashers.

 

However, Atlanta has not defeated New Jersey in each of the first three meetings this season.

The Devils won the last meeting, 3-2, on Dec. 2. Gionta manufactured the lone shootout goal, as Martin Brodeur stopped all three shooters from Atlanta, including Ilya Kovalchuk.

Although they may have lost the series already (Devils won 3-0 on Nov. 23 and 6-5 in September), skater Kovalchuk has not lost a beat.

The Russian sniper has potted 39 goals thus far, second behind Alexander Ovechkin’s league-leading 48 goals. Marian Hossa, who is among the hottest trade rumored offensemen, has also fared well this season. He has 25 goals, 26 assists and 51 points.

Jeremy did not add Hossa’s name to his “Devils Trade Rumors, Updates."

What about those ice problems?

Atlanta’s problems lie in the defensive areas. Six players have are -10 or worse, including Kovalchuk’s -16. They have allowed 184 goals, 26th in the league. (The Devils have allowed 134 goals, second to only Detroit’s 126).

Goalies Kari Lehtonen and Johan Hedberg have suffered as a result. Neither goaltender places in the top 10 statistical categories.

On the other hand, the low scoring Devils have seen a recent surge in offense, scoring nine goals in the last two games. For some teams that is average, but for the Devils, those numbers are amazing.

Hopefully, Zach Parise, Patrik Elias and Co. can keep up the offensive fire power tonight and win (at least) their third straight for only the third time this season.

The last winning streak of at least three games lasted from Jan. 8-12.

With a healthy Brodeur between the pipes, I expect another strong performance from the future Hall of Famer. After defeating the Senators on Wednesday night, Brodeur earned yet another milestone to his name.

Brodeur earned his 30th win for the 12th straight year (and counting), an NHL record.

Patrick Roy, the all time regular season wins leader with 551, finished his career with only 8 straight seasons of at least 30 wins.

Lehtonen, a goalie who can be very effective, as seen two nights ago versus the Capitals, will likely start in net for the Thrashers.

NHL critics have typically discredited the Southeast for ineffective play, despite the fact that two of the past three Stanley Cup Winners have come from that division. The Thrashers have Kovalchuk and Hossa, two of the league’s most dangerous weapons, as I mentioned earlier.

In addition, Mark Recchi, who was claimed off waivers by the Thrashers after managing 8 points in 19 games, has definitely proven himself.

The Penguins placed the 18-year veteran on waivers earlier this season and are eating their words now, especially without Sidney Crosby in the lineup.

The Devils will have their hands full tonight, facing the daunting task of sweeping a season series. With a win tonight, the Devils would temporarily move into first place in the Atlantic over the idle Penguins. Pittsburgh has lost two straight after a five game point streak (4-0-1).

The Devils cannot overlook this game and I am confident that Coach Brent Sutter will have the boys fired up tonight.

So get the kids, friends, and family down to the Rock as tickets are still on sale for the best sports team with a New Jersey name on it!

The Devils will need all of our support as they prepare to take yet another run at Lord Stanley's Cup this spring.

Go Devils!

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