Game #66 - at New Jersey Devils

Game 66

Penguins (37-21-7, 81 points) at Devils (28-31-4, 60 points)

Why does it matter?
This is a key divisional match-up against an opponent that has been playing extremely well since early January.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Nine losses in twelve games won't cut it, but they do have points in three of their past four and have not been playing poorly.
• Devils - Only one stat matters - 18-2-2 in their past 22 games. Wow.

Questions to be answered

• Can the Pens slow Kovalchuk down? In his past 16 games, he has just one scoreless game, with 9 goals and 10 assists over that span. Most of those points (and all of the goals) are at even-strength.
• Can the Pens get to Brodeur?
• Can James Neal get his first in a Penguins uniform? The team needs him.

Keys to the game

• Score first and bring the Devils out of that boring trap. If the Devils take the lead, you may as well get a blanket and take a nap.
• Win at even-strength. Most of the success recently for the Devils has been even-strength hockey since they don't earn or take many penalties.
• No turnovers in the neutral zone. The Pens have good speed - dump the puck and go get it if you have to - make it a team effort.