Nov8 Preview CGY NJD

For the second time in as many games the Devils are up against the Calgary Flames.
You can watch the game on MSGSN or listen on the Devils Hockey Network.
The Devils will not hold a full morning skate on Tuesday, with Lindy Ruff speaking to the media at 10:30 a.m. and select players available to speak with the media.

YOUR GAME-DAY ESSENTIALS

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PRE-GAME REPORT

The Devils are in an interesting position where they're well-rested, playing a familiar team that's coming off a game last night that went to overtime. On paper you'd give the streaking Devils a huge edge, but not so fast. The Flames are still a very good team, despite their recent five-game skid.
"Their physicality can slow you down," said Devils Head Coach Lindy Ruff. "Their heaviness can make it hard on you. But I think with our puck movement and if we're getting to the right spots in a hurry, we get to utilize our speed…
"We know that they're good team. They're a good team playing their game, and I even thought last night, they probably deserved better in the game."
The Flames lost 4-3 in overtime last night to the Islanders. The Devils defeated the Flames by the same score in their last outing on Saturday.
FOURTH-LINE GRIND
The Devils "fourth line" isn't playing like a fourth line right now. The combination of Miles Wood, Michael McLeod and Nate Bastian has been stellar of late, contributing both offensively and defensively, emphasis on the offense.
What has been the reason for their success?
"I think the the way they play and complement each other," said Ruff. "They go north in a hurry and they get pucks to the net. I think speed with Miles on that line really opens up stuff and I think Michael has got great speed in the middle. And you know, I think they're just a big, physical line that can do things that other lines maybe can't do."
ZETTERLUND OPENING EYES
Fabian Zetterlund looked great last season and has now solidified himself as a lineup contributor this season. He scored two goals, including the game-winner the Devils last game out against the Flames.
"Every shift he is involved in some way, whether it's physical or whether it's tracking back, getting in between the dots and getting that shot away. But there's not much inside of a shift where you'll see that he takes time off."
Zetterlund's motor is paying dividends and he's playing up the lineup as a result.
BRATT SUPREMACY
Jesper Bratt's breakout is upon us. Not that he wasn't already a great player, but no he's becoming a bonafide star and household name in the NHL, getting the national respect he deserves.
Bratt's all-around play is what has impressed Ruff the most.
"I think using his speed effectively and his two-way game… I really think that the better you play defensively, the more chances you get offensively and that part of his game has improved."

PREVIEW

DEVILS (9-3-0) vs. FLAMES (5-4-2)
TV: Tuesday 7:00 p.m. ET; Televised on MSGSN
Head-to-Head
It was just three nights ago that the Devils were visiting the Flames in Calgary and now the two teams are on the East Coast to close out their season series in a matter of days.
In the first matchup, the Devils earned themselves two points after Fabian Zetterlund scored at 2:38 in overtime. The victory extended New Jersey's win streak to six games.
The Flames were on the end of an eight-game homestand, the Devils handing them their fourth consecutive loss before they went out on the road.
Devils team scope:
The Western Canadian road trip sweep was something of the ages for the Devils. Wins in Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary set the stage for a first six-game winning streak from Mar. 27, 2012, to Apr. 7, 2012, and the ability to go for seven straight for the first time since between Feb. 6, 2011, and Feb. 19, 2011.
Jesper Bratt continues to lead the team in points with 17, despite his point streak being halted, and left off the board against the Flames.
Bratt, Nico Hischier, and Miles Wood are tied for the lead in goals with five each.
Vitek Vanecek will get the start against the Flames after the announcement on Monday that Mackenzie Blackwood has been diagnosed with a knee injury, which is a sprained MCL.
Flames team scope:
The Calgary Flames opened the season playing nine out of their opening ten games of the season at home in Calgary, their lone road game in that span was their second game of the year, a 4-3 win in Edmonton. On Monday night, they played just their second away game, visiting the Islanders to start a three-game road trip.
As was the scenario against the Devils, the Flames lost to the Islanders in overtime on Monday night, stretching their losing streak to five consecutive games.
By the Numbers:
The last time that the Devils won seven consecutive games in a single season was from Feb. 6, 2011, to Feb. 19, 2011.
After Saturday's win in Calgary, the Devils improved to 4-0-0 when trialing first in a game this season.
The Flames power play is 0-for-13 in their last five games.
- Amanda Stein, NewJerseyDevils.com
Injury Updates:
Devils
Jonathan Bernier (Hip - IR)
Ondrej Palat (Groin surgery - IR)
Mackenzie Blackwood (Knee, sprained MCL)
Flames
Michael Stone (undisclosed - IR)
Chris Tanev (upper-body)
Oliver Kylington (personal - IR)