New Jersey Devils eye fifth straight win as they face Detroit Red Wings – NHL Preview
The New Jersey Devils have been performing brilliantly of late and with just two more games for them to play in the National Hockey League (NHL) regular season, they are hoping to carry a winning momentum into the playoffs.
At present, Devils are on a four-game winning streak and they are hoping to get fifth straight win in a row, but the task is not going to be easy as they are going to face the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday, April 05, 2012, at Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan.
As for the Red Wings, they have found their winning rhythm just at the right time and they are certainly going to give a tough time to Devils.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Devils
They are ranked at sixth spot in the Eastern Conference with 98 points after 80 games. Their recent victories came against Chicago Blackhawks (2-1 after shootout), Tampa Bay Lightning (6-4), Carolina Hurricanes (5-0) and New York Islanders (3-1).
Since the Devils have already qualified for the playoffs, a defeat might not harm them severely, but it is better to carry a positive momentum into the next round.
Devils’ goaltender, Johan Hedberg, said after the last game:
"You have to use these games to fine-tune everything and play with the urgency you want to have. If the other team doesn't show up and do that, it's obviously tougher, but you have to keep doing it and doing it. Even though it might get boring at times you
have to plug away. We did that and that shows we're on the right path."
As the score suggest, Devils have been strong on offence, but they will have to stage a better effort against Red Wings as the latter might not prove to be an easy opponent.
Red Wings
They are ranked at fourth spot in the Western Conference with 101 points after 80 games.
Red Wings have won four out of their last six games and are presently on a two-game winning streak with the victories coming against Florida Panthers (2-1 after shootout) and St. Louis Blues (3-2 after shootout).
Red Wings will play last two games of the regular season on their home-ice where they perform at their best.
Predictions
Devils have a slight edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Red Wings win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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