The Devils are beginning a string of 4 out of their next 5 games at home and look to finally establish consistency on home ice. The Devils are 1-6-2 on home ice this season, but cannot simply continue to free-fall. So, this week is the most important week for the team in terms of trying to finally establish a sense of urgency and begin to be effective offensively. It seems all but certain the Devils need to win 3 out of the 4 games this week in order to have any hope of getting back into the playoff race while its vaguely possible.
Much like the Canadiens, Leafs and Bruins did on Saturday night, the Devils will honor their former coach Pat Burns in a video tribute and a moment of silence before tonights game against Washington. Burns passed away on Friday night of cancer at the age of 58. Funeral Services will be held next Monday, November 29th. He led the Devils to their last Stanley Cup triumph in 2003 in his first year as the teams coach, but stepped aside from the job in 2004 after learning he had colon cancer. Burns beat colon cancer as well as liver cancer before being diagnosed with incurable lung cancer leading to his death.
Defenseman Mark Fayne was recalled by the Devils on emergency basis and it is possible the Devils could use 7 defensemen and 11 forwards tonight. All defense is healthy with the exception of Taormina, Salvador, Salmela and Fraser. Fayne is 6-3 so he should give the Devils some size. The Devils will try to avenge their 7-2 loss against the Capitals back on October 9th. Johan Hedberg will start in net for the Devils as he has also struggled this year especially at Prudential Center much like the Devils did. Again John MacLean is still fighting to keep his job.
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