In a surprising move, Devils head coach Brent Sutter shifted sophomore Travis Zajac from center to right wing for tonight's home contest versus Tampa Bay.  Devils beat writer Tom Gulitti broke the story yesterday, reporting that Dainius Zubrus will move into the center slot and Mike Rupp the left wing.  Gulitti added that Sutter might revert to Zajac at center and that his plan is definitely not final.

Meanwhile, the Devils welcome the Lightning for a 7:00 p.m.

Since fellow New Jersey Devils bloggers focused their eyes and ears on the New York Giants 23-20 thrilling NFC Championship win over Green Bay following the Patriots win over San Diego, the posts were shorter than usual, as expected.

The New Jersey Devils knew they were missing the services of John Madden, but until tonight, they did not know how much.

Madden scored two goals, the second held up to be the eventual game-winner, as the Devils held off the Toronto Maple Leafs, 3-2, in front of 15,291 at the Prudential Center.

The New Jersey Devils, who are hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs at 5 o'clock, did not expect the New York football Giants to be playing today at 6:30.  To accommodate Devils and Giants fans, myself one of them, the Prudential Center will broadcast the Gmen's NFC Championship Game on TVs throughout the arena and the Bud Light Goal Bar, Restaurant, and Fire and Ice Lounges will stay open for the entire NFC title game in Green Bay.

Although the New Jersey Devils were hosting a backup goaltender and several minor leaguers, they flopped against the Florida Panthers.  The Devils, who played in front of 15,203, failed to capitalize on five power play opportunities, en route to their second consecutive home loss.  The Panthers defeated the Devils 2-1 behind spectacular play by reserve netminder Craig Anderson, timely scoring and strong penalty killing.

While I was on vacation, the New Jersey Devils went 2-1.  They were victorious  in both road contests before falling at home to the NY Islanders last night.  I am sure that everyone wants to know how London was, but, more importantly, we need to discuss the Devils current events.  A lot has taken place, including John Madden’s leg injury, special teams updates, shots on goal and the Prudential Center’s attendance figures.