If the Devils were hoping for inspiration from the fight, it didn't work.

Whatever it is, the Devils can only hope they begin the new year in better shape than they are ending the old one.

The Devils are hoping to move into an 18,000-seat, $310 million arena in downtown Newark in 2007.

Normally, the location of a victory celebration is announced a few hours after the victory; the Devils hope to finalize plans today.

The Devils are hoping for a different result tonight.

Berg is out until next season, but the Devils hope Andreychuk can come back sometime in the playoffs.

The Devils, meanwhile, plan no changes in goal, and hope to retain the spirit that carried them to the surprisingly strong victory.

The Devils had hoped that the return of defenseman Colin White's muscular presence would make a difference.

The Devils were also hoping to move four games over .500 for the first time since Nov. 10.

The Devils hope they won't repeat what followed that start, which was four consecutive losses.