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Devils-Lightning Preview

Oct 30, 2009 - 6:13 PM By ALAN FERGUSON STATS Writer

New Jersey (7-4-0) at Tampa Bay (4-3-3), 3:00 p.m. EDT

Martin Brodeur was recovering from surgery during the New Jersey Devils' second-longest road winning streak in team history, a seven-game run last season.

Brodeur has played a big part in the Devils' six straight road wins to open 2009-10, but he could face a tough challenge Saturday afternoon against a Tampa Bay Lightning team that hasn't suffered a regulation loss at home.

Brodeur spent most of last season mending from his first major injury, a torn biceps muscle in his left elbow. Despite his 50-game absence, the Devils reached the playoffs for the 12th straight season and reeled off seven consecutive road victories from Jan. 13-Feb. 6.

This season, the future Hall of Fame goaltender has been dominant on visiting ice with a 5-0-0 record and a 1.95 goals-against average. He took his first break this season Thursday night, when Yann Danis stopped 31 shots in a 2-1 victory in Boston.

Zach Parise and Jamie Langenbrunner each extended their point streaks to six games with assists on Dainius Zubrus' winning goal with 1:26 left. Parise leads New Jersey in goals (six) and points (14) after topping the club with 45 goals and 49 assists in 2008-09.

"No idea how we find ways to win, just find a way that is good," coach Jacques Lemaire said.

While the Devils (7-4-0) have dropped four of five at home, the Lightning (4-3-3) have thrived on their own ice with a 4-0-2 mark, scoring 23 of their 29 goals there.

That includes three five-goal performances, two on a four-game homestand that ends Saturday.

Steven Stamkos scored two goals, extending his streak to four games, and added an assist in Thursday night's 5-2 win over Ottawa. Stamkos has scored six of his team-leading nine goals over the last four games and five during the 2-0-1 homestand.

"I'm feeling really confident on the ice," said the 2008 No. 1 overall draft pick, who had 23 goals as a rookie. "Feeling better than it was last year. I want to be out there touching the puck and making some plays. It's working so far and I just want to keep it up."

Mike Smith kept the Senators off the scoreboard until less than 10 minutes remained, and Martin St. Louis extended his franchise-record, season-opening point streak to 10 games with an assist.

St. Louis, who has 11 assists, and Stamkos are tied for the team lead with 14 points.

Stamkos scored his first two goals of the season and St. Louis had two assists in the home opener against the Devils on Oct. 8. However, Brodeur outdueled Smith in a 4-3 shootout victory.

Brodeur has a 2.03 GAA in 52 appearances against the Lightning and has a chance for his first six-game win streak versus them.

The all-time wins leader (563) remains one shutout shy of tying Terry Sawchuk's NHL record of 103. He has five against Tampa Bay but none since Jan. 26, 2007.

Since losing 10 of 14 to Tampa Bay, New Jersey has won eight straight dating to Oct. 31, 2007, with five of those victories coming in overtime or a shootout. The Devils are searching for their fifth win in a row at the St. Pete Times Forum.

New Jersey won a franchise-record 10 straight on the road from Feb. 27-April 7, 2001.