Head coach Brent Sutter will initially pair Salvador with Andy Greene behind White, Mottau and Martin, Oduya as the third defensive pair. However, Sutter left open the possibility of change. "We'll start a certain way, but that doesn't mean that's what it will end up as at the end of the night," Sutter admitted to Gulitti. "Obviously, he's a guy we feel can play against other team's top lines. So, we'll monitor it as we go along here."

The Devils host a new and improved Capitals club at the Prudential Center. On Tuesday’s trade deadline, Washington added goalie Cristobal Huet, offensemen Sergei Fedorov and Matt Cooke, trading away a 2009 second round pick, Theo Ruth and Matt Pettinger. Huet gives them three capable goaltenders and definitely an upgrade on offense. Huet will make his first start tonight between the pipes.

Meanwhile, Sutter revealed to Gulitti that Martin Brodeur will make his 23rd consecutive start in net tonight. The longtime veteran netminder will start both games of the back-to-back stretch this weekend, the second one taking place in Montreal on Saturday night.

Thoughts and Feelings:

I believe the keys to the game are goaltending and even-strength scoring. As Peerless Prognosticator reminds us, the Devils’ unbalanced scoring is troublesome for New Jersey fans.

“Games giving up more than three goals?...none. He’s (Brodeur) only had three games where he’s given up as many as three goals. This is called “being in a zone.” Or maybe he's made one of those pacts with the Devil.

“And it’s a good thing for the Devils, too, as their offense has been a bit sluggish. The do have 44 goals in February for a 3.14 average, but this number is somewhat misleading. They have 16 of those goals in three blowouts against Los Angeles and Carolina (twice). In the other 11 games, they’ve averaged about two-and-a-half a game.”

I knew in the back of my mind that the Devils improved their offensive touch this month, but they need balance. Zach Parise and John Madden have stepped up in February, each producing 11 points, while Patrik Elias has lead the way with 15 points and +13 in the past 14 games. They need this consistency, especially considering the tight race in the division and conference.

Brodeur has done everything in his power to pull this team into the postseason. Although he’s 35 years old, I don’t see him wearing down anytime soon. At least in the regular season. Just look at the numbers.

Wins: 1st

GAA: 3rd

Saves: 4th

SV %: 6th

SO: T-5th

I know many critics believe the Devils neutral zone trap has limited opposing team's chances, but let's not forget that two of the team's top players departed in the off season,. Yet, they remain atop the division. More importantly, they advanced into the Eastern Conference lead for the first time since April '01 without a Sidney Crosby, Ilya Kovalchuk, Alexander Ovechkin, Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Evgeni Malkin or Daniel Alfredsson. Why? Martin Brodeur.

Like many Devils fans, I fear the playoffs when teams are competing 7-game series in shorter period of time with limited rest. But, until then, Brodeur will start probably the rest of the way. Sutter has not indicated if and when Kevin Weekes will spell Marty in net. I am confident that Sutter, in his first season, knows best for Marty and the rest of the team.

Meanwhile, the Capitals selected Huet to defend their net against the mighty Devils. He started 38 games for the Canadiens until they unexplicably unloaded him for merely a second round pick. Even though he's an unrestricted free agent, I think the Habs executives should have held out for more. In my opinion, Huet is certainly worthy of a player plus draft choice. His statistics thus far are pretty good.

Lately, Huet has sucked., probably reducing his trade value at the worst possible time. After a stellar 8-2-1 record in January, Huet slumped to a 3-4-0 campaign while allowing 22 goals in 6 starts. In fact, he's allowed three goals or more in 6 of the last 8 starts, including one horrific appearance in which he surrendered 3 goals in 5 minutes. That explains his weakened value in a heart beat.

Final Predictions:
If Devils can come out firing, as they's done lately with a 7-1-2 record in the last 10 games, they will make Brodeur's life easier. This game comes down to will power. New Jersey needs to bounce back from two inefficient performances though they won one of them, over the Capitals 2-1 before dropping the second of two consecutive overtime contests 2-1.

Devils 4 -- Capitals 2

• ‹ previous
• 415 of 430
• next ›