NHL: New Jersey Devils Have One Hell of a Comeback in the Works in Dallas

Today, the red-hot New Jersey Devils travel to the Lone Star State and face the Dallas Stars.

The matchup features New Jersey Devils (25-30-4) and Dallas Stars (31-22-6), who are two teams going in opposite directions.

The Devils are looking for their eighth straight win while the Stars have dropped their last four. 

New Jersey is on an impressive 15-1-2 record in 18 games, making a case for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Dallas, on the other hand, has lost eight of nine, with their last win coming off a shootout February 11th against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Although the Devils have been the hottest team in hockey, history is against them, as the last time they beat the Stars in American Airlines Arena was way back in March of 2002. 

The Devils last game was at Carolina this past Saturday, where they dominated the first period, netting three goals in the opening 20 minutes. Brian Rolston, Henrik Tallinder and Dainius Zubrus (2) were the catalysts pushing the Devils ahead with Patrick Elias earning three assists.

The Devils beat the Hurricanes for the second time that week, by the score of 4-1. 

The Stars previous battle came against Vancouver on Saturday night as well. Dallas was looking to at least get one win in their three-game road series, but came up short by losing 5-2 to the Canucks; allowing three goals in the third period crushed Dallas. 

The last time the two met was way back in Game 1 of the season. The Stars went into Newark, NJ and the two teams seemed evenly matched, as regulation ended 3-3.

Then a typical Devils defensive error led to an overtime, game-winning goal by Loui Eriksson and the Stars topped the Devils, 4-3. 

Look for the Devils to play tough on former captain Jamie Langenbrunner, as he was traded earlier this year from New Jersey to Dallas. 

Tonight, the Devils cannot take history lightly. Having lost four straight games in Dallas, they need to stay as level-headed and consistent on the puck as they have for the last seven games.

Jacques LeMaire's game plan has differentiated, but has been seen as flawless in recent games.

Look for Ilya Kovalchuk to extend his streak of 10 games with a point and to be on target again, as teams seemed to leave him unchallenged. Brodeur is a possibility on the pipes, although Hedburg has been spectacular.

If all goes like it has in the past 10 games, the Devils will win.