The Time: 5:00 PM EST
The Broadcast: TV - MSG(HD); Radio - 660 AM WFAN
The Matchup: The New Jersey Devils (10-29-2) vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning (25-12-5)
The Previews: John's preview is available here and likely right below this Gamethread. The preview for the Tampa Bay side should be available at Raw Charge.
A Tale of Two Franchises: Compare the quotes below:
Jacques Lemaire after a 2-1 loss yesterday: "We're making progress. I think it's a good game we played tonight," coach Jacques Lemaire said.
Tampa Bay Lightning coach Guy Boucher afer a 2-1 win yesterday: "Some will say we won that one," coach Guy Boucher said. "We did bounce back, but I want a lot more than that.
So, the Devils are happy with efforts in a loss and the Lightning are unhappy with their team's efforts in a win. Sums up where both teams are at this point in the year.
New Jersey Devils 'Guardian' Revealed: I am not shocked that the Guardian's name was the Devil. That was an inevitability. However, I was surprised that he looked like an evil version of Eeyore from the Winnie the Pooh series. In case you didn't read it earlier in the week here was my take on the Guardian project.
Gameday Information: It's doubtful we will get many updates before the game since both teams aren't likely to have a morning skate. Right now, we do know that Martin Brodeur will be in net for the Devils. According to the time on ice report from the game yesterday you can guess that Anssi Salmela (who didn't receive a shift in the third period) and Nick Palmieri (only 8:32 in total ice time) could be scratched in favor of Matt Corrente and Mattias Tedenby (provided he is healthy).
Please use this Gamethread to discuss what's going on in this game. Focus should be on the Devils-Lightning 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. No discussions of illegal streams allowed. No trade talk. Start a fanpost if something happens to occur. Use reliable sources. JailhouseJim from Twitter or anyone that you have never heard of before likely doesn't have real scoop.
Update: An announcement came from the Devils this afternoon with the unfortunate news of the passing of Anton Volchenkov's father. My condolences go out to the Volchenkov family. May the family be in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark Fayne has been recalled from Albany of the AHL with Volchenkov absent this afternoon.