Ottawa Senators take on the surging New Jersey Devils – NHL Preview
The surging New Jersey Devils are on an impressive winning streak, which could be extended on Saturday, April 7, 2012, as Devils play their last game of the current National Hockey League (NHL) regular season against Ottawa Senators at Prudential Center,
Newark, New Jersey.
Both Senators and Devils have already qualified for the playoffs so they will not be worrying about the result of the game. However, Senators are on a losing streak, which they certainly want to end.
Here is a look at both teams.
Devils
They are ranked at sixth spot in the Eastern Conference with 100 points after 81 games.
At present, they are on a five-game winning streak with the victories coming against Chicago Blackhawks (2-1 after shootout), Tampa Bay Lightning (6-4), Carolina Hurricanes (5-0), New York Islanders (3-1) and Detroit Red Wings (2-1).
In their last game, Devils scored a goal in the first period, but Red Wings managed to level the score in the second. However, Devils scored another goal in the regulation and defended the lead successfully to win the game.
Devils’ coach, Pete DeBoer, wants his players to now focus on the playoffs and urged them to refrain from complacency. He said after the last win:
"It's nice to have 100 points. But you throw that out Monday morning because it's time for the playoffs.”
Senators
They are ranked at seventh spot in the Eastern Conference with 92 points after 81 games.
At present, Senators are on a two-game losing streak with the defeats coming against Carolina Hurricanes (2-1) and Boston Bruins (3-1). Before the skid, Senators had won four games in a row.
Senators’ captain, Daniel Alfredsson, said after the defeat against Bruins:
"We really tried to stay upbeat and keep our game going after the four wins and clinching the playoff spot, but just emotionally it's been tough to regroup and get the game to where we want.”
Senators have been playing well on offence, but they have not been able to score more goals during the last two games. As the playoffs come closer, they should find their rhythm back as one mistake could cost them a lot.
Predictions
Devils have a slight edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might be six or more.
If Senators win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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