The Time: 7:00 PM EST
The Broadcast: TV - VERSUS(HD); Radio - 660 AM WFAN
The Matchup: The New Jersey Devils (10-26-2) vs. the Minnesota Wild (18-15-5)
The Previews: My preview from the way early this morning is here; for the visitor's side, BReynolds has this up at Hockey Wilderness.
Gameday Info: There's quite a lot of it. First, for the visitors, the Star-Tribune's Michael Russo reported this morning that Jose Theodore will get the start tonight, Antti Miettinen remains out, and Marco Scandella is scratched as well. Russo also has a picture of Brent Burns' latest hat here.
For the Devils, Tom Gulitti reported that Dainius Zubrus is scratched for tonight for precautionary purposes. Gulitti wonders whether Zubrus' right foot may be the source; though X-rays were negative when it was originally thought to be a problem. In any case, this decision to give Zubrus a day of rest makes room for Brian Rolston to be back in the lineup. In that same post, Gulitti reported that Matthew Corrente will also not play tonight. On top of all this, Gulitti confirmed that Patrik Elias will play center tonight, with Ilya Kovalchuk (OK, this could work) and Nick Palmieri (...) as wingers. Lastly, in this morning's skate, Gulitti noted that Corrente, Adam Mair, and Tim Sestito were the fifth forward line which could mean that Mair and Sestito might also be scratched. Something to look for in warm-ups.
Some Other Things to Read: A lot of people came here through NHL.com due to Tom's post on trade thoughts. Welcome, if this is your first visit. While you are here, you all may want to read Tom's own approach Guardian Project; the Devils December Month in Review; and a takedown of a terrible Scott Burnside article (but I repeat myself).
The Reminder that the Devils Supporters Group is Back on 1/9 against Tampa Bay: They were granted section 107 and they sold it out. They have expanded discounted sales to section 106 for this coming Sunday's game against the Lightning. If you are a Devils fan that wants to stand and yell for New Jersey and you got $20, go get a ticket through this link (use the code: devils) and don't delay.
A Song for Tonight: Given the opponent is representing Minnesota, it is only appropriate to take a track from one of the best bands ever to come out of the state. I am, of course, referring to Hüsker Dü. The album is the seminal Zen Arcade. The song is one of my absolute favorites: "Chartered Trips."
Please use this Gamethread to discuss what's going on in this game. Feel free to note a score, but do focus on the Devils-Wild game. As always, please keep your comments clean, relevant, and legal. If you want to be negative; fine, but do be rational as nobody needs any nonsense from anyone. Most importantly: Let's go, Devils.