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Devils-Predators Preview

Nov 18, 2009 - 9:20 PM By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA STATS Senior Writer

New Jersey (14-5-0) at Nashville (10-8-1), 8:00 p.m. EDT

The New Jersey Devils knew they weren't going to win all of their road games this season. They have a nearly unblemished record at Nashville, though.

Coming off their first loss away from the Prudential Center, the Devils look to continue their road success against the Predators on Thursday night.

New Jersey (14-5-0) fell one win shy of tying the NHL record of 10 road wins to start a season, losing 3-2 to Philadelphia on Monday night. The Devils, who had won eight straight overall, opened a three-game trip that ends Saturday night against Dallas.

"You never want to lose, but we knew that we weren't going to go 41-0 on the road," left wing Zach Parise said. "But 9-0 is pretty good, so we will just try to start it up again in Nashville."

The Devils have been outstanding on the road versus the Predators (10-8-1), going 6-1-0. New Jersey won 3-1 at the Sommet Center on Jan. 19 in the teams' only meeting last season.

Nashville was held to one goal for the fourth time at home versus New Jersey. The Devils had allowed two goals or fewer in eight straight games before facing the Flyers.

Martin Brodeur made 32 saves at Philadelphia in his first loss in seven games. He is 4-1-0 with a 2.17 goals-against average in five games at Nashville.

Devils left wing Zach Parise, who had a goal in last season's matchup with the Predators, has scored in five straight games. He has four assists during that span.

Patrik Elias had an assist on Parise's goal against Philadelphia and finished with two. Those were his first points of the season after missing 14 of the first 15 games while recovering from groin surgery.

Despite Elias' injury, New Jersey didn't have a spot for Brendan Shanahan on its top three lines and the two sides mutually parted unexpectedly before the season opener. Shanahan, selected by the Devils with the No. 2 pick in the 1987 draft, announced his retirement Tuesday.

Shanahan played his first four seasons with New Jersey and returned late last season, scoring six goals in 34 games and adding a goal and two assists in the Devils' first-round, seven-game playoff loss to Carolina.

Nashville has been benefiting from a relatively set lineup. The Predators are as healthy as they've been all season, and have won three straight and seven of nine.

Nashville's latest victory was particularly impressive, 4-3 over NHL points leader San Jose on Thursday night.

Pekka Rinne, who stopped 29 shots and improved to 7-4-0, said the win was a confidence boost for the Predators entering their matchup with the Devils.

"We know we can play against anybody in this league," he said.

Rinne faced New Jersey for the first time last season, making 32 saves.

Predators defenseman Ryan Suter had an assist in that contest. He had two assists against the Sharks after being held off the scoresheet in seven straight games.