Trying to hold onto first place in the Atlantic Division for an extended period has been challenging for the New Jersey Devils.  Tonight, they move one step closer to finishing their Canadian Road Trip in Edmonton, while their arch-rival NY Rangers are also in action, in Colorado.  With a Devils loss and Rangers win, the Rangers would take over first place in the most competitive division in the NHL.

History is on the Devils side though, as they have not lost in Edmonton in 12 years, even though they have not been there for a regular season matchup in nearly six years.

Rebound:
The Devils have now been shut out seven times in the 2007-2008 campaign, tying their record established in 2001-02 and 1983-84.  This year, they have done it in only 34 games, which, according to some mathematical calculations, would be 17 times in an 82-game season.

Let’s quickly look at some of their scoreless outings…

December to Remember:

12/18: Last game’s 5-0 loss to Vancouver… G Martin Brodeur faced the future of the NHL goaltender Roberto Luongo… Devils had six power plays and led 32-34 in shots on goal, but still managed to score nothing…

12/09: Devils cannot score on Henrik Lundqvist and end their nine-game win streak…more understandable defeat… Rangers tightened up the defense, limited second chances… maybe Zach Parise was disappointed after not making the all star ballot

11/05: In possibly the most embarrassing three periods of hockey, Pittsburgh beat the Devils 5-0… we all remember head coach Brent Sutter’s post-game punishment ride reminiscent of the legendary Herb Brooks… maybe they should not have released defenseman Richard Matvichuk

October:

Yes… the team’s first month this season

Three shutouts, a 4-6-1 record…

10/11: 3-0 to the Panthers… this one’s theme was penalties

10/18: Philadelphia managed four goals on 18 shots… the Devils? 38 shots, zero goals…seven power play opportunities…

10/25: First of four losses to the Rangers this season, a 2-0 shutout no less…

Well then… that sums it up in a nut shell… the Devils may be in first place due to the offensive play of Zach Parise (15G 20A), Martin Brodeur’s veteran leadership, and John Madden’s surprising outburst on both ends of the ice…

The Devils are not panicking just yet and they have no reason to fear seven shutouts since they are still in first place.  But, I think their inconsistent play will not help down them the stretch… So, did GM Lou Lamoriello make any significant transactions before the roster freeze?  Nope… just that the Devils signed an undrafted free agent Brad Snetsinger (Tom Gulitti).  He is most likely going to play for the Devils minor league system (Lowell)…

Notes:

Gametime: 9 p.m.

Television: FSNY 2 or check here

Radio: WFAN 660 AM

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