Time: 31 December, 2009 at 8:30 PM ET
League: NHL – United States of America

Last 10 matches: New Jersey 8-2-0; Chicago 7-3-0.
This is the first meeting between New Jersey and Chicago. The Devils and Hawks split two games last March, including a win on March 17 that made Martin Brodeur the winningest goaltender in NHL history, and a 3-2 overtime win for the Hawks 10 days later. The Devils added some grit Monday, as David Clarkson returned to the lineup after missing 13 games with a broken bone in his right ankle. Clarkson showed little tentativeness, displaying his trademark physical play while grabbing a fighting major. New Jersey may be without defenseman Bryce Salvador, however, who was out Wednesday against the Penguins with a lower-body injury. The Hawks are mostly healthy with the exception of Dave Bolland, who is out until at least February following back surgery.
If Chicago thinks its catching New Jersey at the right time the Devils will be arriving in Chicago early Thursday morning after hosting the Penguins Wednesday night the Hawks might be surprised. While teams are expected sluggish on the second half of a back-to-back, the Devils are actually 6-0-0 this season when faced with a quick turnaround.
Beyond two of the top teams in the League, this matchup will also pit two of the NHL’s brightest young wingers against eachother. Kane’s recent streak is well documented, but his a consistent force, leading the Hawks in scoring this year with 44 points. In New Jersey, Parise leads New Jersey with 42 points, and recently snapped a surprising 12-game goal-less streak with two scores against Atlanta on Monday, but his drought is misleading. During that stretch Parise still dished out 10 assists. Summary of the match will be on site soon..

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