If ever the time were right for the Devils to give J.F. Damphousse another try in nets, this would seem to be it.

For tonight the Devils, who have allowed just one goal in four straight games in constructing a 3-0-1 mini-roll, are in Columbus to face the Blue Jackets, who have been shut out three straight times and haven’t scored at all in 195:21.

Martin Brodeur, of course, was in nets for each of the four games, just as he has been in nets for 26 of the Devils’ 27 matches. Damphousse, the 22-year-old, 1997 first-round draft choice, did play one game, performing quite credibly in a 2-0 loss in Tampa on Nov. 23.

Tonight may be his turn again.