G42 New Jersey Devils vs. Montreal Canadiens: Defend home ice

The Devils have not gotten great results at home this season. They have a chance to turn it around against one of the weaker teams in the East.

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By Neil Villapiano (@TheNVPShow)

Here are a few notes to get you set for tonight's game:

Ride Daws’ hot glove

Nico Daws has given the Devils something they haven't had all season: stability between the pipes. Daws has posted a 3-2-0 record, a 2.63 GAA and a .922 SV% in just five games played this season.

Simply put, his solid play has given the team a chance each night and the confidence to boot. Lindy Ruff, based on his decisions, has really liked what he's seen from the young netminder.

In the last two games that Daws has suited up in, he stopped 68 of 71 shots he has faced. He put on a performance in the 36-save showcase he put on in the Devils' upset 4-1 in Florida vs the Panthers over the weekend.

Ruff needs to continue to ride the hot glove of Daws while the team gets healthy and gets back into a playoff position. The time for caution is up. The Devils need to put the best team out there as much as possible and get the team rolling.

Give Holtz more ice

Alexander Holtz continues to get better and more comfortable with each passing game. Despite his success and growing confidence, Ruff, for whatever reason, has not rewarded him with more ice time.

In his last three games, Holtz's time on ice has read 10:44, 13:59, and 10:09 respectively. To put things into perspective, he’s one of eight players with double-digit goals – and leads the team in scoring efficiency – yet has been given less playing time than Nate Bastian.

With the team depleted on offense, it’s hard to justify benching the young goal-scorer when they need his support.

Holtz has shown that he has grown as a player.  Per NaturalStatTrick, Holtz produced 0.67 points per 60 minutes last season. Through 41 games this year, he has increased his outputs to a team-leading 2.62 points per 60 minutes.

He is a much more aggressive and confident player who believes in his abilities. He needs more time to produce the way he's capable of, which includes 5-on-5 and special teams. Let Holtz cook.

Defend home ice