TAMPA, FL -The Lightning present a major challenge for the Devils. They have 28 wins on the season thus far and over the last several years have become a model organization for competitiveness, depth, and winning culture.
They have six players with more than 25 points this season, while the Devils have just one.
For New Jersey to have success against the Lightning, it will come down to stopping the offensive juggernaut on the other end of the ice.
"Success against them is really limiting the opportunities you give really good offensive teams," said Devils Head Coach Lindy Ruff. "For me, that's trying to play well in all three zones. Another area that's really going to be important is special teams and not taking a lot of penalties. Being able to win the special teams battle against good teams [is important]. We know they've got a good power play."
NO MIKEY
Michael McLeod will miss the game, which is not ideal for the Devils as he has been reliable in the dot this season. That is an important aspect of special teams. Win the puck, it gives you an edge.
"So we're missing Mike McLeod, who has been a key faceoff guy," said Ruff. "He's been a guy that has been really good on the kill. So we have to make some adjustments."
Being down a center is not the greatest situation to be in, particularly a tough, defensive inclined one. But the Devils have options up the middle with several wingers who can play center effectively when called upon.
"We do have options," said Ruff. "We have Sharangovich, we have Zacha who can go in the middle, and we have Boqvist who can play in the middle. I think when you're looking at your top nine forwards, if you want to play them more then you don't take a Zacha off the wing, you leave him where he's at because as soon as you end up with those four centers, the ice time goes down."
Ruff indicated the plan may be to keep the lines relatively the same and to move Boqvist inside to replace McLeod.
