(Preview from The Sports Network)
Losers of a season-high four straight, the New Jersey Devils start up a three-game homestand this evening against the Detroit Red Wings at the Prudential Center.
New Jersey's skid was extended last night despite the return of netminder Martin Brodeur, who made 26 saves in a 3-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators. Brodeur, who also had an assist, had missed the previous eight games with a bruised right elbow.
Patrik Elias and Dainius Zubrus both scored goals, but David Clarkson had a potential game-tying goal late in the third period waived off when it was ruled he kicked the puck into the net.
"We didn't get the break, but it's not like anyone owes us any favors," Clarkson mused. "I don't know ... I shot the puck and it went off my skate. I have to watch it again, and I can't comment about the call. I just felt that I shot it first and it went off my skate."
New Jersey lost its seventh straight game on the road, so a return to the Prudential Center could be what the club needs. It has won four of its last five in the Garden State after an 0-5-2 start at home this season.
Unlike the Devils, the Red Wings were able to halt a three-game slide on Friday night with a 4-2 triumph over the Canadiens. Pavel Datsyuk had a goal and an assist, while Nicklas Lidstrom, Patrick Eaves and Niklas Kronwall all tallied as well.
Jimmy Howard notched his 16th win of the season with 36 saves, including 18 in the third period. His biggest came on a falling-down glove save on Montreal's P.K. Subban with 2:39 to go.
"I thought [Montreal goaltender Carey] Price was sensational for them early and I thought Howard was sensational for us late," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "Every time we turned it over we were in trouble, except for the third period. I thought we were pretty good for two periods and I thought we were better for the third period."
Detroit had won four straight over New Jersey prior to last season's 4-3 shootout setback in New Jersey. Elias had the game-winner in the final session and Brodeur ended with 28 saves.
The Red Wings have just one win in their last nine trips to the Garden State and will host the Devils on Jan. 26.