The Devils looked to get back on track against Toronto Thursday night, but were stunned again, losing to the Maple Leafs 6-5 in a shootout. This is the Devils third straight loss, after starting the season 5-1.
The Devils looked like they had found their rhythm, taking a 2-0 lead. They received goals from David Clarkson and Dainius Zubrus. New Jersey was looking solid going into the second period with the 2-0 lead.
The second period was not as sweet for the Devils. They squandered the two goal lead in just a three minute and eighteen second time frame. The Maple Leafs scored three unanswered goals, including two on the powerplay, to take a 3-2 lead. Matt Stajan connected twice and Alexander Steen connected as well for Toronto. This quickly turned into a high-scoring, back and forth game in the second. Jamie Langenbrunner scored for the Devils about two minutes later to tie the game up at three a piece. The Devils were not done. Colin White's shot from the point made its way through to give the Devils back the lead 4-3. They would carry this lead into the third period.
The third period brought back some more of this back and forth scoring. Toronto's Jamal Mayers tied the game up at four nine minutes and fifteen seconds into the period. Toronto sustained its pressure, taking the lead once again about a minute later. The Devils would not say die. They struck for their fifth goal of the game about a minute later. Zach Parise recorded his fifth straight game with a goal. The game would need some extra time, as the third period ended deadlocked at five.
Overtime brought more excitement. The Devils, however, failed to score on their 4 on 3 powerplay opportunity in the overtime. The game would need a shootout to decide its winner. Still tied after the first third shooters had gone, Niklas Hagman scored the game-winning shootout goal for the Leafs.
The Devils look to rebound Saturday, when they face the Atlanta Thrashers. The Devils have lost three straight, including one in regulation, in overtime, and in a shootout.
Notes:
Toronto was 3-4 on the powerplay.
Devils allowed a season high 48 shots on goal.
Andy Greene of the Devils recorded a career high in assists and points (3).
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Flyers Take OT Thriller, Win Back-to-Back Over New Jersey
In a game full of fights, great saves, and nonstop action, the Flyers won their second straight game in back-to-back days over the 
Devils. Shortly after a stink bomb was apparently thrown onto the ice by a fan, Jeff Carter scored the game-winning overtime goal for the Flyers.
AP Photo/Tom Mihalek (ESPN.com)
The Devils got two powerplay chances back-to-back early in the first period, but were unable to connect. Martin Brodeur made a beautiful shorthanded breakaway save on Mike Richards. The Flyers struck first at 9:42 of the first on Mike Knuble’s goal. Knuble’s came around from behind the net, pushing the puck through Brodeur’s stick and legs. The game was heating up as Riley Cote and Mike Rupp took 5 minute penalties for fighting.
The second period gave the fans their money’s worth. Zach Parise tied the game just 27 seconds into the second period. Colin White took a shot from the point, and Parise nicely deflected the shot down past the Flyer’s Martin Biron. Scott Hartnell gave Phily their second lead of the game on a goal right after the Devils killed off a penalty. A shot went through Brodeur’s legs through the crease, and Hartnell was there on the doorstep to finish it. However, with less than two minutes remaining in the period, Brian Gionta scored his first goal of the season to tie the game at two a piece.
The game was taken up a level in the second when simultaneous fights between Arron Asham and Rupp, and Pierre-Luc Leblond and Cote, break out. Rupp and Asham were given game-misconducts for starting the fight after one was already underway (even though they literally happened at the exact same moment). The game’s intensity did not slow. Another fight broke out between Devil new-comer Sheldon Brookbank and Scott Hartnell. The period had a startling fifteen penalties, including the game-misconducts.
An intense third period did not bring any goals. Good opportunities for both sides, along with some spectacular saves, made for an exciting period that would end with both sides securing at least one point in the standings.
Overtime was just as thrilling. Biron made a diving poke check to save the game for the Flyers as Parise would have been alone in front with a chance to win it. Brodeur would not be shown up. Going down too early on a shot to the left of him, he stacked his pads and made the initial save. A rebound chance went over Brodeur’s pads, while he was still on his back, hit off the crossbar and looked as if it would drop down for the game-winning goal. Not so fast. Brodeur turned slightly and reached behind him to grab the puck before it crossed the goal-line. However, this was not enough as the Jeff Carter would score on a deflection not too long after.
The Devils lose their second straight game in as many nights to the Flyers, and drop to 5-2-1 on the season.
Notes:
Flyers have scored a goal in every second period this season.
Jamie Langenbrunner did not play due to a hip injury he suffered in Friday's game.
Four fight in the game tied for the most in a game this season in all the NHL.
Devils. Shortly after a stink bomb was apparently thrown onto the ice by a fan, Jeff Carter scored the game-winning overtime goal for the Flyers.AP Photo/Tom Mihalek (ESPN.com)
The Devils got two powerplay chances back-to-back early in the first period, but were unable to connect. Martin Brodeur made a beautiful shorthanded breakaway save on Mike Richards. The Flyers struck first at 9:42 of the first on Mike Knuble’s goal. Knuble’s came around from behind the net, pushing the puck through Brodeur’s stick and legs. The game was heating up as Riley Cote and Mike Rupp took 5 minute penalties for fighting.
The second period gave the fans their money’s worth. Zach Parise tied the game just 27 seconds into the second period. Colin White took a shot from the point, and Parise nicely deflected the shot down past the Flyer’s Martin Biron. Scott Hartnell gave Phily their second lead of the game on a goal right after the Devils killed off a penalty. A shot went through Brodeur’s legs through the crease, and Hartnell was there on the doorstep to finish it. However, with less than two minutes remaining in the period, Brian Gionta scored his first goal of the season to tie the game at two a piece.
The game was taken up a level in the second when simultaneous fights between Arron Asham and Rupp, and Pierre-Luc Leblond and Cote, break out. Rupp and Asham were given game-misconducts for starting the fight after one was already underway (even though they literally happened at the exact same moment). The game’s intensity did not slow. Another fight broke out between Devil new-comer Sheldon Brookbank and Scott Hartnell. The period had a startling fifteen penalties, including the game-misconducts.
An intense third period did not bring any goals. Good opportunities for both sides, along with some spectacular saves, made for an exciting period that would end with both sides securing at least one point in the standings.
Overtime was just as thrilling. Biron made a diving poke check to save the game for the Flyers as Parise would have been alone in front with a chance to win it. Brodeur would not be shown up. Going down too early on a shot to the left of him, he stacked his pads and made the initial save. A rebound chance went over Brodeur’s pads, while he was still on his back, hit off the crossbar and looked as if it would drop down for the game-winning goal. Not so fast. Brodeur turned slightly and reached behind him to grab the puck before it crossed the goal-line. However, this was not enough as the Jeff Carter would score on a deflection not too long after.
The Devils lose their second straight game in as many nights to the Flyers, and drop to 5-2-1 on the season.
Notes:
Flyers have scored a goal in every second period this season.
Jamie Langenbrunner did not play due to a hip injury he suffered in Friday's game.
Four fight in the game tied for the most in a game this season in all the NHL.
Devils Fall to Flyers
For a team that hadn't won a game all year, they didn't appear to be on a slide. The Flyers came out firing against the Devils Friday night, winning for the first time this season 6-3. I’m sure beating their archrivals felt pretty good as well. The game went back and forth throughout, but for once the Devils defense let them down.
The Devils opened up the scoring just 47 seconds in on Travis Zajac’s first goal of the year. However, it took Phily only about a minute later to tie the game on Jeff Carter’s fifth of the year from Martin Biron.
newjerseydevils.com
Biron would end with 23 saves on the night. The first period scoring didn’t end there. The Flyers took a 2-1 lead after Mike Knuble got it past Brodeur on a Philadelphia powerplay. Four minutes later the Devils took advantage of their own man-up opportunity with a goal by Dainius Zubrus, from Zach Parise and Patrick Elias. With about twenty seconds remaining in the first, Parise lit the lamp for his fifth of the season, giving the Devils a 3-2 lead heading into the locker room.
The second period belonged to the Flyers. Simon Gagne connected for his fifth of the year on the powerplay once again. The Devils need to find a way to stop teams while short-handed. Scott Hartnell would give the Flyers the lead for good with about three minutes remaining in the second.
Although being out-shot 14-7 in the third, the Flyers scored two more goals (one empty netter) to finish off the Devils for their first victory of the year. Even without superstar Daniel Briere, Philadelphia found a way to score and win against a very tough defensive-minded Devils team. Brodeur allowed 5 goals on 27 shots. He came into the game with a 1.30 G.A.A. and a .942 save percentage.
The Devils will get a rematch today at 4 at Philadelphia. They will try to rebound after letting up the most goals they have all season. They will also try to gain ground they lost on the Rangers last night, who were victorious against the Blue Jackets.
Notes:
Devils powerplay looked slightly better, going 1 for 3.
Jamie Langenbrunner left game in the second period.
Mike Richards had a career-high four assists for the Flyers.
The Devils opened up the scoring just 47 seconds in on Travis Zajac’s first goal of the year. However, it took Phily only about a minute later to tie the game on Jeff Carter’s fifth of the year from Martin Biron.newjerseydevils.com
Biron would end with 23 saves on the night. The first period scoring didn’t end there. The Flyers took a 2-1 lead after Mike Knuble got it past Brodeur on a Philadelphia powerplay. Four minutes later the Devils took advantage of their own man-up opportunity with a goal by Dainius Zubrus, from Zach Parise and Patrick Elias. With about twenty seconds remaining in the first, Parise lit the lamp for his fifth of the season, giving the Devils a 3-2 lead heading into the locker room.
The second period belonged to the Flyers. Simon Gagne connected for his fifth of the year on the powerplay once again. The Devils need to find a way to stop teams while short-handed. Scott Hartnell would give the Flyers the lead for good with about three minutes remaining in the second.
Although being out-shot 14-7 in the third, the Flyers scored two more goals (one empty netter) to finish off the Devils for their first victory of the year. Even without superstar Daniel Briere, Philadelphia found a way to score and win against a very tough defensive-minded Devils team. Brodeur allowed 5 goals on 27 shots. He came into the game with a 1.30 G.A.A. and a .942 save percentage.
The Devils will get a rematch today at 4 at Philadelphia. They will try to rebound after letting up the most goals they have all season. They will also try to gain ground they lost on the Rangers last night, who were victorious against the Blue Jackets.
Notes:
Devils powerplay looked slightly better, going 1 for 3.
Jamie Langenbrunner left game in the second period.
Mike Richards had a career-high four assists for the Flyers.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Devil Domination: Marty blanks Avery, Stars
Martin Brodeur and Sean Avery were reacquainted for first time since the Devils were eliminated from the playoffs last year by the Rangers; Marty got the last laugh this time. Brodeur and the Devils played their most dominating game of the season, shutting out the Dallas Stars 5-0 tonight at the Prudential Center. With this shutout win, Brodeur moves to within five shutouts of Terry Sawchuck for most all-time and eight shy of Patrick Roy for most wins all-time.
Ed Mulholland/US Presswire (ESPN.com)
Missing Brian Rolston and Bobby Holik did not seem to slow down the Devils. They jumped to an early 1-0 lead after Zach Parise set up Jamie Langenbrunner for his first goal of the season. Langenbrunner backhanded a shot that found a hole past Star’s goalie Marty Turco. A Devil’s team that has been having problems scoring this season only needed a minute and 59 seconds to strike first. The score would remain 1-0 going into the first intermission.
It wasn’t until nine minutes into the second period that the Devils lit the lamp again. John Madden scored his second goal of the year on a shot that made it by Turco. A minute later he got his third goal of the year and second of the game, putting back a rebound to give the Devils a 3-0 lead. Turco was pulled after giving up three goals on seventeen shots.
The most exciting battle, between Avery and Brodeur, went to Brodeur. With the Devils leading 3-0, Avery had a point-black shot that Brodeur kicked away to keep the game out of reach for the Stars. The Devils took the 3-0 lead into the third period and never looked back.
The Devils were not finished though. Parise scored his fourth goal of the year, from Andy Greene and Travis Zajac, on a rebound shot past backup goalie Tobias Stephan. It took David Clarkson another minute to find the back of the net with a slapshot from the blue line. The Devils offensive onslaught was their best of the season. Their defense wasn’t too shabby either. Devils only allowed 21 shots on goal; Brodeur got all of them.
The Devils powerplay came into the game struggling, going 1-11 in their last three games. Struggles continued tonight as they went 0-4. This broke a five game streak in which Dallas let up a powerplay goal. Luckily for New Jersey, they were able to also stop the Stars on four powerplay opportunities.
The Devils are now 5-1 on the season. This is their best start since 2002. They move ahead of idle Pittsburgh, and are only three points behind the first place Rangers. New Jersey has played three less games than New York. The Devils next game will be Friday night against long-time rival Philadelphia. This will be the first of back-to-back games on back-to-back nights against the still win-less Flyers.
Notes:
Devils have won 6 of last 8 meetings with the Stars.
Devils have only allowed 9 goals in their first 6 games.
Pierre-Luc Leblond got his first point in his NHL debut.
Ed Mulholland/US Presswire (ESPN.com)
Missing Brian Rolston and Bobby Holik did not seem to slow down the Devils. They jumped to an early 1-0 lead after Zach Parise set up Jamie Langenbrunner for his first goal of the season. Langenbrunner backhanded a shot that found a hole past Star’s goalie Marty Turco. A Devil’s team that has been having problems scoring this season only needed a minute and 59 seconds to strike first. The score would remain 1-0 going into the first intermission.
It wasn’t until nine minutes into the second period that the Devils lit the lamp again. John Madden scored his second goal of the year on a shot that made it by Turco. A minute later he got his third goal of the year and second of the game, putting back a rebound to give the Devils a 3-0 lead. Turco was pulled after giving up three goals on seventeen shots.
The most exciting battle, between Avery and Brodeur, went to Brodeur. With the Devils leading 3-0, Avery had a point-black shot that Brodeur kicked away to keep the game out of reach for the Stars. The Devils took the 3-0 lead into the third period and never looked back.
The Devils were not finished though. Parise scored his fourth goal of the year, from Andy Greene and Travis Zajac, on a rebound shot past backup goalie Tobias Stephan. It took David Clarkson another minute to find the back of the net with a slapshot from the blue line. The Devils offensive onslaught was their best of the season. Their defense wasn’t too shabby either. Devils only allowed 21 shots on goal; Brodeur got all of them.
The Devils powerplay came into the game struggling, going 1-11 in their last three games. Struggles continued tonight as they went 0-4. This broke a five game streak in which Dallas let up a powerplay goal. Luckily for New Jersey, they were able to also stop the Stars on four powerplay opportunities.
The Devils are now 5-1 on the season. This is their best start since 2002. They move ahead of idle Pittsburgh, and are only three points behind the first place Rangers. New Jersey has played three less games than New York. The Devils next game will be Friday night against long-time rival Philadelphia. This will be the first of back-to-back games on back-to-back nights against the still win-less Flyers.
Notes:
Devils have won 6 of last 8 meetings with the Stars.
Devils have only allowed 9 goals in their first 6 games.
Pierre-Luc Leblond got his first point in his NHL debut.
Preview
The NHL season is already underway, and the New Jersey Devils are off to a good start. The Devils are currently 4-1, with their only loss coming to rival NY Rangers. They are in third place in the Atlantic Division right now, but have played two less games than the second place Penguins, and four less games than the first place Rangers. The Devils have had a few days off, but resume play tonight at 7 against the Dallas Stars. The Stars, as most Devils' fans remember for losing to the Devils in the 2000 Stanley Cup Finals, are currently 2-3-1. Don't think this will be a boring game though. Dallas is one of only two teams to defeat the Rangers in regulation so far this season. Also, they picked up Sean Avery from the Rangers in the off season. Devils' fans remember Avery for his unsportsmanlike play during the playoffs last year against the Rangers. Waving his stick in front of Devils' goalie Brodeur's face during a power play for the Rangers, Avery got more attention for his act than just from players and fans. The NHL changed their "face-guarding" rule, which will not tolerate this sort of act without an unsportsmanlike penalty resulting. The Devils' will be shorthanded in this game though. The off season was a successful one for the Devils, bringing back Brian Rolston, from the 1995 Stanley Cup champion team, and also Bobby Holik, from the 1995 and 2000 Stanley Cup teams. However, both are now injured and will miss tonight's game. The game tonight will definitely be an exciting one though, as both teams continue to try and start off the 2008/09 season right. Post-game analysis coming later...
Welcome
My name is Matt Santucci. I am currently an accounting major as a sophomore at Syracuse University. I grew up around hockey, watching all of my cousins play. I also grew up liking the New Jersey Devils. I have been following the Devils closely since I was about ten years old. My first memory of them is when they won their second Stanley Cup in 2000 against the Dallas Stars. Ever since then I've been hooked. I even wrote a 10 page research paper on their history as a senior in high school. I created a PowerPoint tribute to go along with the paper as well. I will try and post both of these on my page at a later date. I love watching Devils games. I 
thought it would be a good idea to blog about them as part of a project I have to complete in my writing class. I decided I will give post-game analyses following each Devils game. I may throw in some other posts about the Devils' season throughout as well. Hope you all enjoy!
(that picture of me is very old haha)
thought it would be a good idea to blog about them as part of a project I have to complete in my writing class. I decided I will give post-game analyses following each Devils game. I may throw in some other posts about the Devils' season throughout as well. Hope you all enjoy!(that picture of me is very old haha)
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