Since we last met the New Jersey Devils…
IN: Simon Gagne (Kings)
OUT: Adam Larsson, Henrik Tallinder (Devils); Brad Richardson, Kyle Clifford, Andrei Loktionov (Kings)
Enemy Reading: In Lou We Trust
Lineups:
Parise-Zajac-Zubrus
Ponikarovsky-Henrique-Kovalchuk
Elias-Josefson-Clarkson
Carter-Gionta-Bernier
Greene-Fayne
Salvador-Zidlicky
Volchenkov-Harrold
Brodeur
Kings lineup:
Brown-Kopitar-Williams
Penner-Richards-Carter
King-Stoll-Lewis
Gagne-Fraser-Nolan
Scuderi-Doughty
Mitchell-Voynov
Martinez-Greene
Quick
Gagne has been listed on the 4th line. He should have limited shifts at even strength, but time on the power play.
The ice is also, by the players’ account, a vast improvement over what they had to work with in New Jersey. Will we see an improved performance now that they can make crisper passes? We hope so.
The fans will threaten to tear the roof off, so everyone will have to deal with adrenaline. Let’s hope they repeat whatever “one shift at a time” Sutter mantras they have to, because they’ll need every bit of focus.
Possession time must improve, but the Devils are fighting for survival. Expect the biggest battle yet.
Good luck, Gagne!