Pre-game thoughts: Out devil the devils

Jackets get another Eastern squad in their house tonight -- this time is 3 time cup champions New Jersey Devils.

The Devils are a team that despite losing names like Gomez, Niedermeyer, Guerin, Arnott, Rafalski, Holik, Sykora, Stevens yet they just keep on chugging along.

Heck I'm not sure they can even use Brodeur as a reason anymore as although he has been a fixture for them between the pipes over the years, they are currently putting up the wins without him due to injury.

Right now they sit 10 games over .500 with a 25-15-3 record for 53 points which is good for 6th in the East. They are 6-4-1 over their past 10 and get this -- are 12-7-2 on the road.

The Jackets certainly have their work cut out for them tonight.

KEYS TO LIGHTING EM UP
* As the title of this post suggest -- the Jackets need to out devil the devils. New Jersey plays a very similar game to the Jackets. They all buy into their system, work hard, create chances off of strong defensive hockey and they are really converting.

* Don't let this team get up on your early as they have the ability to lock you right out of a game. It behooves the Jackets to come out strong and get on the board first to put the Devils on their heels.

* Got a new face in the lineup in Williams as well as getting Torres and OKT back in the lineup -- need to continue that everyone needs to step up mentality.

* Be prepared for a fight right from the start.. this Devils team does not take shortcuts.. the team that makes that first big mistake will probably lose this one. Should be real tight neutral zone play.... hard board battles... physical affair.

* If your interested in watching what I think is the best American player in this game today -- keep your eye on Zach Parise.. this kid is real good and is putting up fantastic numbers.. he's got 25g, 25a for 50p in 43 games. Need to contain this guy.

* The Devils can beat in you in a lot of ways.. they are middle of the pack on both PP and PK so they can score and stop you... they get production from a lot of guys.. they have 5 guys over 32 points and another with 28... Jackets need to counter that by rolling 4 lines that are also effective which they have been of late.

* Mase will need to bounce back from an 'okay' outing against the Avalanche.

GAME SPOTLIGHT
I think everyone will be watching Jason Williams to see what he can add to this team -- especially on the PP.

Looks like no Shannahan tonight. Probably a good thing. Thanks to those who gave me the heads up on that news.

I think we'll see a big crowd tonight. Lets support these guys as its the final home game before hte All Star break!

Special request to game ops -- can I please get a Motley Crue "Shout at the Devil" tonight?!

GO JACKETS!

-LTL