Michael Ryder will be a healthy scratch for the second straight game Friday versus the Penguins, Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Ryder will be a healthy scratch for the second straight game Friday versus the Penguins, Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Analysis:

The returns of Tuomu Ruutu and Jaromir Jagr from illnesses have forced the Devils to drop a forward from their lineup since the All-Star break, and Ryder has been the casualty on both occasions. The Devils like the tenacity Jordin Tootoo brings to the fourth line on a nightly basis, so it wouldn't be surprising if Ryder remains a press-box regular until an injury opens up another opportunity for the winger.