Devils Scorch Lightning as Zubrus Lights Lamp Four Times

The Devils seemed to follow the game plan from my last post to a "T" as they scorched the Lightning from start to finish for a 7-3 victory. Zubrus scored four times and the line of Elias-Zubrus-Gionta combined four 5 goals and 4 assists on the afternoon. They now have accounted for 12 goals and 13 assists over the last five games. And it is becoming clearer that Sutter and the coaching staff would make a huge mistake by breaking up this tandem when Rolston returns as the chemistry of this line is something the Devils have been searching for since Arnott and Sykora were shipped off.

Also, I said that Salmela was about to break out and he did with two assists in the game. The second one was a great individual play at the blueline on a delayed penalty that led to Parise scoring his 13 goal of the year. And the defense as a whole continued to add points as they accounted for 5 assists on the game and except for a short time in the second period played a stellar defensive game by shutting down the Lighting stars.

The Devils can make it five in a row with a win on Wednesday at Florida and we could see the likes of Holik, Madden, Rolston, Mottau back in the line-up by sometime next week.

Notes:
- Jon DiSalvatore was named AHL player of week with 2G-5A . He has been the best forward for the Lowell Devils all year and may be the next to be recalled if any injuries occur again.
- Gionta has now scored in four straight games.
- Parise broke his five game goal scoring drought with his goal against Tampa.