Isles lineup for tonight vs. Devils

Here's the 20 for tonight's game in Newark:

Forwards

Blake Comeau-Marty Reasoner-Nino Niederreiter

Jay Pandolfo-Josh Bailey-PA Parenteau

Matt Martin-Ryan Strome-Tim Wallace

Trevor Gillies-Trevor Frischmon-Micheal Haley

Defensemen

Mark Streit-Steve Staios

Aaron Ness-Mark Eaton

Matt Donovan-Mike Mottau

Goaltenders

Rick DiPietro, Kevin Poulin

Comeau and Reasoner were a tandem in Calgary, and Comeau is still trying to find a place to fit in among the forwards. Same with Bailey, who has skated with Parenteau in practice this week. Martin and Pandolfo are candidates for a fourth-line LW spot, and what they do on the PK and at even strength may determine whether Pandolfo gets a contract offer.

On defense, Staios and Streit is a pair to watch -- even though Staios is a tryout, he's a legitimate contender for the right side spot with Streit at even strength. And Ness has been the best rookie D-man in camp; another strong performance and he could make for some difficult decisions, especially if Milan Jurcina (groin) is out for a bit.

DiPietro is next man up in the goaltender carousel; figure on Evgeni Nabokov and Al Montoya on Saturday in Bridgeport. If DiPietro has another strong night tonight, can't see anyone but him starting in goal on Oct. 8 against the Panthers. He's had the right preparation and the right attitude to earn the No. 1 spot to open the season.

Back with some more from the Prudential Center this evening.