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Tonight, against the Flyers in Philadelphia, the New Jersey Devils have the chance to secure their tenth road victory in a row, an impressive feat that would edge the side closer to the NHL record for consecutive road victories of 12 games, set by Detroit in early 2006. The Devils are currently sitting at the top of the Atlantic Division and don't seem particularly concerned with breaking records.

All eyes will be on this game tonight but the Devils are, according to Jamie Langenbrunner, paying little attention to the streak, instead focusing upon the confidence which has resulted from their numerous victories. They have won their previous eight games overall, overcoming injury problems (particularly in defense) along the way and incorporating several new faces successfully in the process.

One of the words that keep recurring when the Devils are asked about their current form is "easy". It's not that securing the victories themselves is necessarily easy; New Jersey aren't becoming complacent. Rather, it is used to describe the manner in which they play on the ice; when each player performs to the best of their ability game in, game out, it makes life far simpler for the team as a whole. Take Martin Brodeur, who needs just one shutout to equal Terry Sawchuk's league record of 103, as a case in point: his 2.16 GAA (which improves to a 1.70 GAA on the road) and winning record when he has started games so far this season gives the players in front of him a real psychological boost.

Unfortunately for the Devils, they are unlikely to find it even remotely easy to get past the Flyers tonight. New Jersey will be well aware of the challenge awaiting them; they succumbed to a 5-2 defeat at home to the Flyers last month. Brodeur, for all the improvements made to his game since he last faced Philadelphia, certainly won't be looking forward to coming up against them again. The Devils have also been defeated in three of their previous four trips to the home of the Flyers.

It is tempting to put faith in confidence and streaks (bearing in mind Philadelphia lost at the weekend to Buffalo, a defeat that brought a sudden end to their winning streak) and back the Devils for this one. There is certainly awesome value to be found in doing so, with New Jersey available to back in our Regular Time Match Odds market at +190 and +122 in our Money Line (Inc. OT) market.

The Flyers' attack, which has been one of the best in the NHL this season but looked ineffective and lethargic at the weekend, may be in for a shock against a defense that has given up six goals overall in their previous five road games and plays with a patience and assurance that has become an extremely important foundation for the Devils' own attacking players to build on.