As the Devils (6-7-2) bus to Long Island for another Atlantic Division matchup with the Islanders (8-4) , whom I gave no hope for the season (boy was I wrong so far), I wonder if the Devils can repeat success.  Can they continue to overcome special teams woes, something that plagued the Jersey guys last season?

Well, that and attendance problems of course.  But, since the Devils are on the Island tonight, attendance won't be discussed for a few more days, until the Rangers' first game at Prudential Center.

Quick Preview:

Unfortunately, nobody knows that Martin Brodeur has earned himself 499 career wins in the regular season. And I mean nobody, well, except for John Fischer (but he's a Devils fan so that doesnt count)...does it?  More importantly, tonight history can be in the making, when Brodeur starts against the Islanders.  A number that only reflects one other goaltender in hockey's illustrious history, mind you the greatest netminder ever... and Brodeur would be entering Patrick Roy's domain... well, Brodeur still has a while to play catch up but he is on the right track...

Previous Game/s:
Islanders have won all three contests in November, including five of their last six games dating back to Oct. 18th... they're hot, they're playing well, they're dangerous...

Devils - Coming off a huge win, after a demoralizing loss... which team is going to be on the ice tonight?  The one inspired by Jamie Langenbrunner and Colin White's return to the ice or the one that sucks in the money, but doesn't produce when it matters?

Starting Goaltenders:
Rick DiPietro has held his ground against the Devils... in 19 career games, he's 8-8 with a 2.44GAA and .913SV%

Martin Brodeur: 38-17 with 10 shutouts in 61 career appearances against the boys from Strong Island... but this year has been a different story for Marty and the Devils who have been plagued by the injury bug (White, Langenbrunner) and are still trying to learn rookie coach Brent Sutter's style of play

I think the Devils are just as talented as their foes tonight and need to play better on power play (0 for 18 in last four games) and improve their penalty kill, which has allowed a goal in 13 of 15 games this year...

Keys to the Game:
If the Devils play a low-scoring, defensive-minded style tonight, they will have the upper hand.

If they commit stupid infractions, give the Islanders man advantages, odd-man rushes, etc... it's gonna be a long night for Sutter and his team

Outcome:
I want Brodeur to win his 500th on home ice and the Devils are still struggling, while the Islanders have only played 12 games all season... Islanders 3-2

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