Devils at Flyers
THE STORY: After making 11 consecutive starts, Ilya Bryzgalov received a rare night off as the Philadelphia Flyers dropped a 4-1 decision to the New Jersey Devils on Sunday. The NHL's First Star of the Week, Bryzgalov is expected to return between the pipes for Tuesday's return match against the visiting Devils. The teams are tied for fifth in the Eastern Conference and third in the Atlantic Division, although Philadelphia has a game in hand.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG Plus 2 (Devils), TCN (Flyers)
ABOUT THE DEVILS (40-24-5): Speaking of goaltenders, Martin Brodeur continues to defy the hands of time. The future Hall of Famer posted his 650th career victory - and secured his 15th 25-win season - when he stopped 18 shots Sunday. "It means a lot," Brodeur said of winning ways. "It means we've been winning a lot of games. But, for me, this is my 25th win of the season and that's usually my first goal I put for myself when I start the season is to try to achieve that 25th win as quick as possible and try to move on from there."
ABOUT THE FLYERS (39-22-7): It's a good thing that Bryzgalov is riding a shutout streak of 136 minutes, 13 seconds, considering that Philadelphia's offense borders on non-existent itself. Claude Giroux matched a career high with his 25th goal Sunday, ending the Flyers' scoreless streak of 106:43 dating back to Thursday's 5-0 victory over the Florida Panthers. The All-Star has fared well versus New Jersey, collecting four goals and three assists in five games this season.
OVERTIME:
1. Ilya Kovalchuk's sizzling play has keyed New Jersey's four-game winning streak. The Russian, who secured the league's second star, has five goals and four assists during that stretch. Kovalchuk scored his 30th goal of the season and 399th career Sunday.
2. After dropping a listless 3-0 decision in its season opener to Philadelphia, New Jersey has won three of the last four meetings.
3. Devils captain Zach Parise has a goal and five assists during his four-game point streak.