The Devils, who defeated the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 on Tuesday to start a five-game trip, are 7-3-0 in their past 10 games. New Jersey last won three in a row from Dec. 29-Jan. 2. Goalie Cory Schneider will make consecutive starts for the Devils for the first time since Oct. 12 and 14. San Jose, which has lost five straight in regulation, begins a six-game homestand. The Sharks were outscored 18-9 on the road trip, including a 2-1 loss at the Devils on Feb. 20.
Players to watch
Devils forward Jesper Bratt has five points (three goals, two assists) in his past four games. Sharks forward Timo Meier has nine points (four goals, five assists) in his past 10 games.
They said it
"If you look at last game, he was very solid and made the big plays when he needed to. And he earned it with his play to go in again." -- Devils coach Alain Nasreddine on starting Cory Schneider "That was a long road trip with a lot of emotions surrounding the team. … but we've got to change our expectations that we expect to win this game tonight. It's not good enough to go out compete and say we've got a lot of young guys in the lineup." -- Sharks coach Bob Boughner
Kane missed the morning skate but will play, Boughner said. … Prout, a defenseman, is practicing with the team, and is day to day.
Stat pack
Schneider is 4-7-2 with a 3.33 goals-against average in 13 games against San Jose. … Labanc need two assists for 100 in the NHL. … New Jersey has points in 11 of its past 14 games (8-3-3).
