Scouting the Enemy: New Jersey Devils

Record: 31-15-3

Leading scorers: Zach Parise (29G, 28A), Patrick Elias (22G, 34A)

Blogs: In Lou We Trust

The Devils looked good last night - really good.  They skated into the third period with a surprising 2-0 lead over the Boston Bruins and looked like they'd easily head back to NJ with their seventh straight win. 

Until the Bruins decided to finally play.

Amazingly the Bruins managed to bounce back not once, not twice but thrice to take a three goal third period to the limit.  Now down by a goal, it was the Devils' job to turn the tides.

Surprisingly, unfortunately - whatever word you want to label it, they did.  Patrick Elias tied the game at three with less than two minutes remaining in the game, ultimately securing at least one point for the effort.  Jamie Langenbrunner would later net the game winner in overtime.  Boom, seven straight.

Here's what we can take from the Devils game - they can drop a lead, they can bounce back and they can fight it out to the end.  In other words, this is not a team the Penguins want to give any opportunity to early on and definitely not the team they can afford to let up on as the game progresses.

Scott Clemmensen looked strong in net, even after giving up a flukey first goal that went under further review form the War Room.  I'd imagine he'll start tonight against the Pens, so here's to hoping fatigue and travel plays a factor in his back-to-back appearances.