Talk » some of Elliotts chances. He will

LOS ANGELES -- A central theme in the opening weeks of the NHL season has been the rash of significant injuries that have sidelined marquee players. Its no different for the New Jersey Devils and the Los Angeles Kings when they meet on Saturday afternoon at Staples Center.The Devils (9-4-3) continue their Life Without Taylor saga on the third stop in their five-game road trip. New Jersey lost their most explosive offense threat, left winger Taylor Hall to a left knee injury suffered in its 4-2 win over Buffalo last Saturday and his absence will reinforce the Devils reliance on their tight-checking defensive style that ranks them second in the NHL in goals against average.While its no surprise that starting goaltender Corey Schneider has posted quality numbers in net (7-4-2 record, 2.21 goals-against average, .926 save percentage), the work of backup Keith Kincaid has been as strong (2-0-1 record, 1.66 GAA, .944 save percentage). With the tandems performance between the pipes, the Devils are off to a surprising start despite being tied for last in the Metropolitan Division in goals scored.Also impacting the offense is the absence of Mike Cammalleri who is dealing with an undisclosed personal issue and hasnt played since November 8.Without two of their best offensive weapons, its no surprise the Devils have played a defensive game on the four-game road trip. They beat Dallas 2-1 in overtime on Tuesday and dropped a 3-2 decision to the Anaheim Ducks Thursday but Coach John Hynes refuses to use the absences as an excuse for the loss.The guys we had on the ice can score and are good players, Hynes said after the loss. After we went up 2-0 we got a little bit soft. We could have been harder on the puck in certain areas.Coach John Hynes has been pleased with the teams overall play as he tries to get a more consistent effort from his power-play unit that went 0-for-3 against Anaheim and failed to convert its last 24 chances over seven games.Thats a fair assessment, Hynes said. Theres parts of it that are really good and there are times when the power play is doing a lot of good things. But its not consistent enough and I think to score you have to be more consistent. You can say you hope one goes in but were not in the hope business. We have to be more consistent in certain areas.The Kings (8-9-1) are trying to stay in the mix for playoff contention while dealing with multiple injuries that are a major reason for its sub-.500 record through 18 games. Every facet of the roster has been impacted, and serious injuries to goaltender Jonathan Quick, left winger Marian Gaborik and defenseman Brayden McNabb have forced coach Darryl Sutter to lean heavily on role players to pick up the slack.The better news for Los Angeles is that another of the walking wounded, center Anze Kopitar is hopeful to return to the lineup against on Saturday after a three-game absence as his injured wrist continues to improve.With pivotal players out its up to the Kings depth players like Devin Setoguchi to provide support. Setoguchi scored his third goal of the season in Thursdays 4-2 win over Edmonton and realizes it is incumbent upon to produce if the Kings are going to break out of their inconsistent play.We have to find a way to be more consistent, its tough. Every team on any given night has a legitimate chance to win, Setoguchi said. We just have to find a consistent way to put together 60-minutes and stick to our game plan.With the Pacific Division appearing to be far weaker than in previous seasons, coach Darryl Sutter knows that every point will be valuable in a division race that could go down to Game 82. He admits that the injuries has weakened his team significantly and is hoping their continued solid play at home will carry them.We arent the same team that we were, Sutter said We have one of the best home records in the National Hockey League and were in a fight for the division.Buy NMD NZ . The 28-year-old from Calgary matched his career best after missing just one shot in his two rounds of shooting in the mens 10-kilometre sprint competition. Smith finished in 23 minutes 15. Superstar Womens NZ . Louis Blues absence from top spot in the TSN. http://www.nmdshoesnz.com/adidas-nmd-r1-cheap-nz.html . -- In a span of seven Washington Redskins offensive plays, Justin Tuck sacked Robert Griffin III four times. Superstar NZ Sale . The Clippers were angry about blowing a big lead; the Kings didnt like being in that kind of hole and nearly digging themselves out only to lose. Stan Smith Shoes NZ .Y. - Nelson Mandela will be honoured by the New York Yankees with a plaque in Monument Park.NFL Nation reporters answer the biggest fantasy questions -- provided by ESPN fantasy football analyst?Mike Clay?--?across the league for Week 3. Questions and answers for the Texans and Patriots, who play Thursday night, will be added after the game.?NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West AFC East | AFC North| AFC South | AFC WestNFC EASTDallas CowboysEzekiel Elliott has 41 carries but surprisingly only three targets this season. Why is he not catching many passes, and will this change?Its not an Elliott thing. Its a running back thing so far. They have just seven catches as a group. Dak Prescott is working a lot with slot receivers in Cole Beasley and Jason Witten. The Cowboys like Lance Dunbar, who has three catches, in two-minute work, so that has limited some of Elliotts chances. He will get his share of catches. Two years ago DeMarco Murray had 57, but hee never came off the field.dddddddddddd Last season Darren McFadden had 40. Elliott should be closer to McFadden by the time the season ends, but remember this: The Cowboys havent had a running back with a touchdown catch since 2013. -- Todd ArcherNew York GiantsHaving matched his career high with 14 carries, Shane Vereen was clearly the next man up when Rashad Jennings went down in Week 2. Do the Giants now view him as a capable every-down back?Hell be their primary back if Jennings is limited or out. Every-down back? Probably not. The Giants trust Vereen to play in any and all situations, but theyre unlikely to ride him in a feature role. Orleans Darkwa would enter the mix if Jennings is unable to play or be effective. -- Jordan Raanan ' ' '