Two legends collide tonight at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit as the Jersey Devil takes on the Nain Rouge. While the legend of the Jersey Devil is well known to many perhaps Detroit's own ghastly legend, the Nain Rouge, isn't. Have a read on the Nain Rouge, or Red Devil of Detroit if you prefer, while you contemplate the actual New Jersey Devils taking on the actual Detroit Red Wings.
The #6 seed in the east takes on the #4 seed in the west tonight at the Joe. Would it be the worst thing for the Devils to you know, whoops lose a game and finish 6th with a much better chance against Florida than Malkin, Crosby, and the Penguins? No way. In fact it would benefit them. Rest assured the Devils who are on a 4 game winning streak want to continue their sharp play heading into next week's tournament. To wind up in 5th place however the Devils need only to lose one or have the Flyers win once to make this last paragraph moot. David Clarkson should play tonight though no word on who is replacing oft-injured rookie Jacob Josefson. Late last evening Stephen Gionta was ruled out from the trip to Detroit.
The Red Wings may well show a greater sense of urgency as they are in the #4 slot and trying to keep it, currently one point ahead of Nashville with both having two games left. The Red Wings played last night in St. Louis beating the homestanding Blues 3-2 in a shootout. The bad news for Devils fans in that injured players like Nick Lidstrom, Pavel Datsyuk and the Mule, Johan Franzen appear to now be in much better form then a few days ago.
You all know Johnny's a Red Wings fan but tries to give the Devils love when deserved and give them a fair shake. Detroit played last night on the road in a very labor intensive game. If they can keep it close for a couple periods the Devils could sneak out with a point or two. If New Jersey were to give up a couple early goals our guess is that contentment with the #6 seed may set in and the Wings could win big. Either way Johnny will still be at the Rock Saturday cheering on the Devils in what will most likely be a tame nobody get hurt kind of affair.
Oh, and C'mon Buffalo, we'd love to see a Henrik Lundqist vs. Ryan Miller first round matchup.
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