The New Jersey Devils are back on track and they are hot.  Having already won seven straight, the Devils (14-10-2) look to move into a tie for first place in the Atlantic Division when they host the Boston Bruins (14-9-2) tonight at the Prudential Center.  So what’s changed?

Veteran forward Jaime Langenbrunner, defenseman Colin White and future Hall of Fame goaltender Martin Brodeur.

White and Langenbrunner returned from off season injuries mid-November and Brodeur has risen from the dead (3-6-0 n October).

During the course of the Devils' seven-game win streak, Brodeur has posted magnificent numbers, including a 1.27 goals against average and two shutouts.

In addition, Langenbrunner’s return has sparked the Devils' October inconsistent play (they were shutout three times), which has now scored 25 goals over the last two and a half weeks, going 7-0 during that time.  Langs has also posted 11 points in his first nine games back, including an impressive two-goal effort in his return on Nov. 14 against the New York Rangers.

The return of Colin White has played a major role in the Devils turn-around as well.  Prior to his return, the Devils were having a tough time adjusting to Sutter’s new aggressive forechecking system.  White, a stay-at-home defenseman, provides more dependability needed behind an aggressive forecheck, allowing the forwards to attack more confidently and efficiently.

The Devils face a tough task tonight.  The Bruins have put together a solid start to their season and that’s largely due to the stellar play of goaltender Tim Thomas.  Thomas has posted a 10-7-2 record with a league-leading .938 save percentage and a 2.09 goals against average (fifth in the league).

The Bruins offense has finally come to life over the last four games as they’ve scored 14 times.  Center Marc Savard leads the way with 31 points, including a league-leading 26 assists, and Chuck Kobasew has scored 11 goals on the right wing.

If the Devils are to extend their streak tonight they’ll need to shutdown Savard, Kobasew and 15-year veteran Glen Murray, who has 10 points in his last nine games, and throw as many shots at Thomas as they can.

It goes without saying that Marty will have to be Marty tonight.

 
Dude Joel

Note:

According to TSN.ca, Boston-native Jay Pandolfo will miss his third straight game tonight.

I will be at the game tonight so expect a full game story later tonight.

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