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Devils, Maple Leafs clash in New Jersey

Apr 6, 2011 - 3:02 PM (Sports Network) - The Devils and Maple Leafs both made impressive late runs to the playoffs this season that came up short. The clubs will meet for the last time this season as New Jersey hosts Toronto for this evening's test at Prudential Center.

While New Jersey's postseason chances ended Saturday after a loss to Montreal, Toronto's playoff dreams concluded just last night when Buffalo defeated Tampa Bay.

The Maple Leafs also lost on Tuesday, dropping a shootout decision to the visiting Washington Capitals to fall seven points behind the Sabres. Toronto is also six in back of the eighth-seeded New York Rangers with just two games to play.

Toronto's loss to the Capitals was the club's second in seven games (6-1-1) and the Maple Leafs still have a 14-5-5 record over their last 24 contests.

But, the Maple Leafs couldn't pull out a victory on Tuesday, as Mike Knuble netted the winner in the fourth round of the shootout to give Washington a 3-2 victory. The win clinched the Southeast Division title for the Capitals.

Nikolai Kulemin and Joffrey Lupul scored for the Maple Leafs, while James Reimer stopped 39 shots.

"What they'll have to show for it is the whole run and something to build on for next year ... we pretty much have handled our own business over the last month or six weeks ... in the last two weeks you've got to give credit to Buffalo and the Rangers for getting the job done," Toronto head coach Ron Wilson said.

It's unclear if Reimer will start in net on back-to-back nights. The rookie has been the biggest factor in Toronto's late run, posting a 20-8-5 record since joining the NHL club earlier this year.

The Maple Leafs are playing their final road game of the season tonight and will close their campaign Saturday at home against the rival Canadiens. Toronto has a 19-18-3 record as the host this season.

Meanwhile, New Jersey, which turned in an amazing 23-3-2 stretch from Jan. 9- March 15, has lost two straight and seven of its last 10 (3-6-1).

The Devils were dealt a 4-2 loss Tuesday night in Pittsburgh. Pascal Dupuis had two goals while Jordan Staal notched a goal and an assist to lift the Penguins to victory.

Brian Rolston and David Steckel both lit the lamp for the Devils, while Johan Hedberg let in all four goals on 27 shots in the loss.

Martin Brodeur is expected to start tonight in net. The 38-year-old has a 19-17-7 career record against Toronto, but he is 0-2-0 with a 3.75 goals- against average versus the Leafs this season.

This is New Jersey's penultimate home game of the season. The Devils, who are 20-16-3 as the host this year, will visit the Rangers on Saturday before closing the season the following day against visiting Boston.

The Maple Leafs have won two out of three meetings with the Devils this season and Toronto has taken seven of the last 11 encounters between the clubs overall. The Maple Leafs have also won three of the last five matchups in the Garden State.