Devils try to close the gap versus Atlantic Division-leading Pens

Hockey Betting Lines

03/12/2010 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - A key battle for the Atlantic Division crown is on tap tonight in Newark as the Pittsburgh Penguins visit the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center.

The Penguins lead the Atlantic with 85 points, while New Jersey -- the defending division champs -- are four points behind.

Pittsburgh and the Devils will complete the regular-season series next week, meeting for the final time Wednesday in New Jersey. The Devils have taken all four encounters with the defending Stanley Cup champions this year and have outscored the Pens by a 14-2 margin in those tests.

The Devils have six wins in the last eight meetings with Pittsburgh overall and have taken three of the last four clashes in Newark.

New Jersey has struggled lately, going 4-7-1 over its last 12 outings. The Devils were able to snap a two-game slide with Wednesday's home win over the rival New York Rangers.

Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner was one of six different goal-scorers who led New Jersey to the 6-3 win over the Rangers. Langenbrunner, Brian Rolston, Travis Zajac and Rob Niedermayer each had a goal and an assist for New Jersey, while Zach Parise and Bryce Salvador also lit the lamp.

Dainius Zubrus, Andy Greene and Mike Mottau each collected two helpers for the Devils, who returned from a 1-3-0 road trip to play their first home game since a 5-2 triumph over Nashville on February 12.

"It was a good test for us. We needed to get a win in a tough battle," said Langenbrunner, who reached the 600-point mark with an assist on Salvador's goal in the first period,

Martin Brodeur made 16 saves on 19 shots to earn the win -- his 36th this season.

The Devils are 21-9-1 as the host this year and have won three of their last four at the Rock.

Meanwhile, the Penguins had a four-game winning streak halted Thursday in Carolina, dropping an overtime decision to the Hurricanes. Brian Pothier scored on a one-timer 23 seconds into the extra session to lift the hosts at RBC Center.

"I think that the team we played tonight has proven all year long that they are not going to stop playing. They are going to work regardless of the standings," said Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma.

Jordan Staal, Bill Guerin and Matt Cooke provided the offense for Pittsburgh, which picked up at least a point in its ninth straight game (5-0-4). Sidney Crosby added an assist to push his point streak to six games.

Brent Johnson allowed four goals on 21 shots to take the loss. Regular starter Marc-Andre Fleury is expected to be back between the pipes tonight.

The Penguins are making the second stop on a five-game road trip tonight. Pittsburgh is 19-12-2 as the guest this year, tying the club with Washington for the most road wins in the Eastern Conference.

Eric Godard is questionable tonight for the Pens with a groin injury, while fellow forward Tyler Kennedy is expected to miss his second straight test with the same issue.

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Marlins could start season without No. 2 starter Johnson

JUPITER, Fla. -- The Foorida Marlins are preparing for the likelihood that right-hander
Josh Johnson won't be ready when the season starts April 2.

Grapefruit League action starts Wednesday, but Johnson, penciled in as the No. 2 starter, hasn't even thrown off a mound at full speed since September. He's experienced some soreness in his right forearm.

MySportsbook.com have the Marlins listed with baseball betting lines at +800 to win the NL East this season .

''You guys know the math. If he's not on the hill then he becomes an opening day roster issue,'' manager Fredi Gonzalez said Saturday. ''We're borderline now.''

Johnson, who finished 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 2007, was supposed to throw on flat ground Saturday. That was canceled when he woke up with pain.

He played catch on Wednesday with no pain but felt discomfort in a throwing session on Thursday. He's expected to try again Sunday.

''Like we always said from the very beginning, we're going to take it easy on him,'' Gonzalez said. ''He didn't feel right, so we shut him down. We're going to take it back to step one and see where we're at.''

Among the candidates to take Johnson's spot in the rotation are left-hander Chris George and right-handers Yusmeiro Petit and Jose Garcia.

Right-hander Sergio Mitre, who missed most of last season with arm and shoulder problems, also is behind.

With Johnson's status doubtful, Gonzalez said right-hander Ricky Nolasco will stay in the rotation and no longer will be considered a candidate for closer.

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