New Jersey at Buffalo Sabres, Mar 28, 2007

New Jersey Devils: 76GP ; 45W-23L-8OTL ; 98 points ; last 10 games: 5-4-1 ; Road: 23-13-3 ; 1st Atlantic
Buffalo Sabres(48-20-7): 75GP ; 48W-20L-7OTL ; 103 points ; last 10 games : 4-4-2 ; Home: 25-10-3 ; 1st Northeast

Season series:
This is the last meeting between the two teams. The new schedule have teams meet each teams within the same conference four times. The first game saw the Sabres defeat the Devils 3-2 in New Jersey on Dec. 12. It was the beginning of a 3 game losing streak in regulation for the Devils, the first of two such streaks. The second one took place last week when the Devils were missing many key players.

The Devils took the two following games by a score of 3-2, at home on February 3 and in Buffalo on March 10.


Devils
The Devils face the Sabres after beating the Islanders last night. They are on a two game winning streak after losing three games in a row for the second time this year. Last night's game marked the return of Patrick Elias who missed 5 games with a groin injury and Erik Rasmussen who missed 2 with a shoulder injury. The mood is much higher than it was last week. Even though Madden (groin) and Gionta (groin) remain out, the Devils are in a better shape with Elias and Rasmussen back. David Clarkson has filled admirably since being called up, scoring 3 goals and going 3-1 for 4 points in 6 games.

Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres have been good all year. They have led the Eastern Conference for a long time now. They are assured of a playoff spot and are still in the race to win the President's Trophy (best record in the regular season). They are currently tied for second in the league with Detroit with 103 points, 2 points behind Nashville but they have a game in hand with the Wings and two with the Predators. They have the best offence in the league with four players having scored at least 30 goals. They come off a disappointing 4-1 loss at Toronto on Saturday and an unhappy Lindy Ruff made sure they got the message when he skated them hard on Monday. They should be ready for the Devils.

The two teams are sure to take part in the playoffs. The Sabres have been leading the Eastern Conference pretty much all season despite a strong push the Devils made before the rash of injuries. The Devils have been as close as two points behind Buffalo. Tonight is going to be a clash between the best offense in the league, the Sabres have scored 282 goals and one of the best defence, the Devils have allowed 189 goals (6th fewest in the league). After playing a team who is battling to make the playoffs last night, the Devils face a team they might have to face again in the playoffs if they are to make it all the way. Tonight is definitely a good opportunity to send a message.


The Devils go back home after tonight to face Philadelphia on Friday, Boston and Ottawa on Sunday and Tuesday respectively.


The last victory over Buffalo was one of those games where the Devils were missing Brian Gionta (groin) and defenseman Colin White (hand). They then lost Erik Rasmussen after he was hit in the face. It was the second consecutive game New Jersey played with a short bench.

That game also featured the return of RW Cam Janssen after his three-game suspension. Of course he got into a fight with Andrew Peters early in the first period.

During that game Briere became the first Sabres player since Pat LaFontaine in 1995-96 to reach 80 points. He has 89 and could become the highest scoring Sabre ever. LaFontaine scored 91 points that season.


Playoff mode
The Sabres are definitely the right team to start getting into a playoff mode. They are one of the best team in the league and the Devils would be inspired to play a strong game and eventually send a message.