Even though the New Jersey Devils lost two important members of their organization to free agency this past offseason, they are still continuing their winning ways.

Defenseman Brian Rafalski and Center Scott Gomez departed to the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers for rather expensive contracts after the Devils failed to get out of the first round of the playoffs last season.

The pain was felt earlier this season when the Devils (16-10-2) were undermanned with injuries to Jamie Langenbrunner and Colin White.  The Devs went 7-10-2 before their current nine-game outbreak.

That streak will look to be extended to 10 games with today’s road contest against the New York Rangers (15-12-2), who are in the midst of a three-game losing streak.

Even with two consecutive defeats, goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has had great success against the Devils in his career (13 games, 8 wins and 2 losses) including an outstanding 1.57 goals against average and .938 save percentage.

This season the Devils are 0-2-1 against their arch-rivals but have played those three contests without a full roster.  Langs missed the first two and White all three meetings thus far.

While both players have since returned, the Devils will be without defensive-minded jay Pandolfo, who is out with a lower body injury.

Pandolfo's presence will surely be missed against the Jaromir Jagr line.

While Rafalski and Gomez are enjoying playing for their new teams, they may have reconsidered knowing that the Devils are in first place and currently playing some of the best hockey.

Money might talk in this world, but the Devils' three Stanley Cups in 12 years speak for themselves.

Notes:

You can watch the game today on MSG and FSNY with the pregame beginning at 4:30 p.m and the game at five o'clock.

• ‹ previous
• 214 of 431
• next ›