Game #75 - vs New Jersey Devil

Game 75

Devils (34-35-4, 72 points) at Penguins (43-23-8, 94 points)

Why does it matter?
The Devils still have delusions of getting into the playoffs (they won't) and that makes them a solid opponent for the Pens.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Two straight wins over Detroit and Philly and six wins in eight games overall. Not too shabby.
• Devils - They were rolling along and then lost three out of four. It's hard to make the playoffs when you have to be perfect to do it.

Questions to be answered

• Will Mike Comrie be able to make a difference in the lineup? Will he be better or worse than Chris Conner, for instance? I think if all he has in the tank is what we saw earlier this year, the answer to that question will not be good. Hopefully he has more to offer.
• Can the Pens stay locked in against an offensively challenged team like the Devils?
• Can the Pens solve Brodeur, who has been excellent against them recently?

Keys to the game

• Work, work and more work. The Devils will trap it up, so dump the puck and go to work.
• Score first (and second) to bring them out of that boring trap.
• Keep a pillow handy - if the Devils get a lead, you're going to need it.