Canes face 'tougher challenge'

The Canes are 2-0 against the New Jersey Devils this season, but coach Paul Maurice says there is no false sense of security heading into tonight's game.

Both of the victories were in Raleigh, at the RBC Center. The Canes have lost their last two games and are 1-3-1 in the last five played in New Jersey, while the Devils are working on a franchise-best 11-game win streak on home ice.

"We never come into these games and underestimate that team," Maurice said after today's morning skate. "I think we have so much respect for them. We've played (two) pretty solid games. We've gotten great goaltending in those games. 

"And the other thing is we played them in our building. We play some real fine hockey there now. It's going to be a little tougher challenge in here tonight."

The Devils are coming off a 3-2 overtime loss Friday in Chicago to the Blackhawks. Martin Brodeur took the loss in goal for New Jersey and is expected to start again tonight at the Prudential Center, where he has won his last eight.

Brodeur missed both games against the Canes this season. He was recovering from his elbow injury when the Devils lost 3-2 on Jan. 6. He then sat out the 4-2 loss in Raleigh on March 18, a day after setting the NHL record for career goaltending wins, as backup Kevin Weekes got the start.

Brodeur is 8-1-1 with a 1.67 GAA in his last 10 starts against the Canes.

Maurice said the back-to-back should have little effect on the Devils "because they have the ability to shut a team down so completely defensively and they're able to win games in different manners. They can score goals, they've got some high-end shooters. But they also grind you right to a halt.

"I don't take any comfort in knowing they played last night. I think they'll be just as good tonight."

As for the Canes, they've won their last five games, climbing to fifth in the Eastern Conference. The approach tonight, on the road?

"We know we're not built to sit back," Maurice said. "We have to be moving forward and be aggressive. Even on defense we have to be aggressive.

"We'll attempt to play the same game we have for a few months now."