The Devils of New Jersey

Devils Officially Back on Track With 4th Straight Win

2008-11-24T17:19:00.004-05:00

The Devils made a statement Sunday night; they can win even without Martin Brodeur. After losing four straight games, they have now won four straight with a 7-3 victory over the Lightening. They improved their record to 11-7-2.

Kevin Weekes and Scott Clemmensen are really starting to show they can lead the Devils to victories while Brodeur is out. Clemmensen allowed 3 goals while making 26 saves against the Lightening. The Devils GAA is 2.75 during the winning streak.

The Devils offense is truly the difference in their last four games. They have averaged 5 goals per game during their current winning streak. Dainius Zubrus scored four goals against the Lightening. Patrick Elias also had four assists for the Devils.

The Devils will look to climb higher up in the standings when they face the Florida Panthers Wednesday night.

Next Game Prediction: Devils 3 Panthers 1

Weekes earns 100th win, Devils win third striaght

2008-11-23T15:45:00.007-05:00

The Devils are starting to look like themselves again. They have bounced back by winning three-straight games with a 5-2 victory over the Islanders Friday night. Kevin Weekes started in goal for the Devils, making 25 saves. It was the 100th victory of his career.

The Devils are beginning to do what they need to do to win; solid defense with timely scoring. Clemmensen and Weekes are starting to pick up the slack even more with Marty's injury. The Devils offense, which has been a problem most of the season but especially after Marty got hurt, is also starting to show up.

For once the Devils took advantage of their powerplay opportunities, going 2-5. They also stopped the Islanders, who went 0-3. Brian Gionta even added a shorthanded goal.

The Devils are starting to slowly climb up the Eastern Conference standings. They are currently tied for 7th place. They are 2 points behind Carolina, with a game in-hand.

The Devils will face a Tampa Bay Lightening team, who currently fired their head coach Barry Melrose. I'm actually pretty disappointed. I liked the Devils watching the Devils beat his team. I never liked him as a commentator. I felt like whenever he spoke of the Devils he never gave them the credit they deserved. Although it usually just made him look foolish anyway. Not really too surprised he failed as a coach.

Next Game Prediction: Devils 3 Lightening 2

Devils, Clemmensen Win Second Straight

2008-11-21T18:35:00.010-05:00

AP Photo/Bill Kostroun (ESPN.com)

The Devils are starting to look like the team of old. Solid goaltending and defense helped to lead the Devils to a 3-1 victory of the Florida Panthers Thursday night. It was the second straight for Marty replacement Scott Clemmensen. Clemmensen had 22 saves in the game.

The Devils controleThe Devils are starting to look like the team of old. Solid goaltending and defense helped to lead the Devils to a 3-1 victory of the Florida Panthers Thursday night. It was the second straight for Marty replacement Scott Clemmensen. Clemmensen had 22 saves in the game.

The Devils controlled the first period, doubling the shots the Panthers took. However, neither team was able to capitalize on their chances. The first period ended stalemated at 0.

The second period was not as successful shot-wise for the Devils. They were out-shot 10-1 in the period. Patrick Elias made sure that one counted though. He connected on the Devils only shot of the period, giving them a 1-0 lead. Clemmensen continued to shut the Panthers down, giving the Devils the lead heading to the third.

The third was the most evenly played period of the game. Although the Devils only managed 6 more shots, they again made them count. Paul Martin scored his first goal of the season to give the Devils a 2-0 lead. About a minute later Brian Gionta padded the Devils lead even more with his fourth of the year. Florida tried to get back into the game with a powerplay goal a few minutes later, but the Devils shut the door.

This was a large victory for the Devils. On a night when they were held to 19 shots, they made the most of their opportunities. They need to start stringing together some wins if they plan on climbing farther up the very competitive Eastern Conference. The Devils play the final game of their home-stand Friday night against the Islanders.

The Devils will go on a 5-game road trip, before coming home for three games in early December. It’s crucial for the Devils to do well during this road trip, because their home-stand will not be easy. The Rangers, Penguins, and Sabres will be the teams they play, who are first, fourth, and seventh in the Eastern conference respectively.

Note:

Seems to be a reoccurring note: Devils allow opponent to go 1-2 on powerplay, while going 0-2 on their own.

Next Game Prediction: Devils 2 Islanders 1 (OT)

Offensive Onslaught Helps Devils Snap Skid

2008-11-16T14:40:00.004-05:00

The Devils have been struggling to score goals during their losing streak. They solved that Saturday night, getting 5 goals in regulation, while getting some revenge against the Caps with a shootout win.

The game went back and forth; neither team really keeping momentum for very long. The Devils didn't waste any time, striking first just a minute into the opening period. The Caps came storming back with two more goals in the period, one again on the powerplay, taking a 2-1 lead into the intermission.

The second period brought more back and forth action. The Devils tied the game on Jamie Langenbrunner’s fourth of the year. Patrick Elias gave the Devils the lead again with his powerplay goal. The Capitals tied the game up once again on Viktor Kozlov’s goal. The teams would head to the third deadlocked at three a piece.

The third period was no different than those prior. Elias scored his second of the game to give the Devils the lead for the third time, 4-3. However, just two minutes later Washington tied the game once again. Brian Gionta’s goal seemed like it would hold up to be the game-winner for a while. The Capitals pulled their goalie, and after confusion in front of the net, Alex Ovechkin buried the puck as time expired to send the game to overtime.

A scoreless overtime meant the game would be decided in a shootout. The Devils really needed this win, after giving up four different leads and having lost four straight. Zach Parise did what he’s done all season long; be clutch. His backhand to forehand move caught Theodore completely off-guard, giving the Devils a 1-0 lead in the shootout. That would be all they needed. Scott Clemmensen shut the door on all three Capital shooters, ensuring the Devils of their first win in a while.

Notes:

Devils got their offense, but almost lost because of their defense.
Penalty kill units give up another powerplay goal.
The Devils powerplay is third worst in the NHL, while their penalty kill is second worst.

Where's the Offense? Devils Lose 4th Straight

2008-11-14T21:29:00.007-05:00

Struggling doesn't seem to be a strong enough word to describe the Devils right now. They lost for the fourth straight game, falling to Washington 3-1 tonight. That 5-1 start seems so far away right now.

Despite out-shooting the Capitals in the first two periods, the Devils found themselves trailing 2-0 as well. Washington started the scoring off in the first period with a powerplay goal by Brooks Laich. The Devils played discipline hockey, only taking one penalty. Yet again their shorthanded game suffered, allowing a goal in the one opportunity for Washington.

The second period looked similar to the first; the Devils putting more pressure on the Capitals’ goalie Jose Theodore. He continued to shutdown them down, while his teammates doubled the lead, making it 2-0.

Scott Clemmensen did not allow any more goals to Washington in the third, giving the Devils a chance to creep closer. Patrick Elias cut the lead in half with his fifth goal of the season about halfway through the period. The Devils pulled their goalie in a last ditch effort, but Alex Ovechkin put in an empty-netter to seal the deal.

The Devils are a team based on defense. As long as I've followed the Devils they have been a defensive-minded team. The loss of Martin Brodeur would seem to indicate the need for more offensive production. However, the Devils seem to be scoring less now than they did when they had Marty. Dropping their fourth straight, they fall to a very disappointing 7-7-2.

The Devils will go home for a rematch tomorrow. The Devils are now 0-5 in games that are played back-to-back. If the Devils cannot score goals, it is going to be a long season, probably ending in disappointment.

Notes:

Devils need to start scoring.
Devils need to pick up the offense.
Devils need to stop opposing teams’ powerplays.

Rangers Dominate Devils, Again

2008-11-13T20:55:00.003-05:00

The Rangers defeated the Devils last night. Wow, does this sound familiar? After a good start, the Devils fell apart in the second period, allowing four goals. New York took the win by a final score of 5-2, giving the Devils their third straight regulation loss.

The first period looked promising for the Devils. Travis Zajac scored the first goal of the game to give the Devils a 1-0 lead. They out-shot the Rangers 13-5. This pressure on New York did not last long.

The second period reminded me a lot last years seasonal match-ups, during which the Rangers scored far more often than the Devils. Four different Ranger players scored within about eight minutes of each other in the second period. They did not look back.

Having a 4-1 lead going into the third period is not too shabby. The Devils tried to narrow the gap. Jamie Langenbrunner scored for the Devils, cutting the lead to just two goals. However, Nikolai Zherdev scored his second goal of the game a few minutes later. The score would end this way.

Again the Devils could not score on their powerplay and could not stop their opponents. New Jersey went 0-4, while the Rangers went 2-6.

It's starting to get old. The New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers are archrivals; though you would have a tough time telling the Rangers this. A rivalry entails teams being competitive with each other. Following a sweep of the Rangers in the first round of the playoffs a few years back, the Devils cannot find a way to defeat them. The Rangers have been completely dominate. It has continued into year. The Rangers have defeated the Devils in both games so far this season.

Injuries or not, the Devils cannot afford to fall too far behind in the standings if they plan on making the playoffs. With a record of 7-6-2, they are currently tied the Toronto Maple Leafs for the eighth and final playoff spot. Obviously, its along way to go before season’s end, but they need to find a way to win while they try to get healthier.

Notes:

Devils hold a 2-5-2 record since starting off 5-1.
Scott Clemmensen saw some action in the net, allowing only one goal on 17 shots.
The Devils look to rebound against the Capitals, with games on back-to-back nights. The Devils are 0-4 when playing on back-to-back nights

Lack of Offense Halts Devils again in Lose to Oilers

2008-11-09T23:02:00.003-05:00

Without Martin Brodeur for the next three to four months, the Devils expected a slight decrease in goaltending. However, it is not their defense that's struggling; its their offense. Zach Parise scored the lone-goal for the Devils for the second straight night, as the fall to the Edmonton Oilers 2-1. Scott Clemenson made 26 saves, but didn't receive any help from the offense, taking the loss.

The first period ended after being pretty evenly matched. Edmonton had a slight edge in goals, but neither team could break-through. The period ended scoreless.

The second period brought some more action from both sides. However, despite the Devils out-shooting Edmonton 20-11, the Oilers are the ones that found the back of the net. Sheldon Souray and Ales Hemsky scored for the Oilers, to give them a 2-0 lead. The Devils were not able to connect, being shut-down by goalie Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers. They took this lead into the third period.

Zach Parise continued to be the Devils savior for scoring, cashing in on his 11th of the year just three minutes into the game to try and get the Devils rolling. However, despite out-shooting the Oilers for the second straight period, they Devils were not able to tie the game. They got 38 shots on goal, but were only able to capitalize on one. They need to find a way to find the back of the net.

The number of injuries the Devils are facing is starting to get ridiculous. Brian Gionta and Bryce Salvador, both of whom left the game in the second period of Saturday's game, were scratched from tonight's game as well. No team ever wants to make excuses for losing, but at this point the Devils have lost so many players it seems like a completely different team than the one that started the season 5-1. The Devils are 2-4-2 since their great start. Granted they have lost a lot of close games, they still are not doing enough to win. They need to find a way to win these close games that the team has always been so accustomed to winning. If they can stay in the playoff race during the next few months, hopefully when they become healthy again they can make a move. They can only hope to not fall too far behind before they have a chance to make a comeback.

Notes:

Devils powerplay continues to struggle, going 0-2.
Devils penalty kill continues to struggle, allowing another powerplay goal in only three chances.
Devils will face rival NY Rangers Wednesday, who they've had trouble with defeating lately.

Detriot Too Much for New Jersey

2008-11-08T23:58:00.001-05:00

The Red Wings stifled the Devils on this Saturday night, defeating them 3-1. Marian Hossa struck twice for Detroit.

Hossa started the scoring only three and a half minutes into the game. Detroit kept up the pressure all period, but could not capitalize on a five-on-three powerplay opportunity. The Wings took the 1-0 lead into the second period.

Zach Parise helped the Devils get back on track with his team-leading tenth goal of the year. He deflected a shot past Detroit’s Chris Osgood. The Devils seemed to gain some momentum in the second, out-shooting Detroit by four. The Devils had been out-shot by four in the first period. However, Hossa scored his second goal of the game to give the Red Wings the lead once again. Osgood came up huge, moving swiftly across the net mouth and stopping a shot by Patrick Elias with the blade of his stick. He quickly fell on the puck before it crossed the goal-line. Detroit ended the period just as they ended the previous, with a one-goal lead.

Detroit stalled any chance the Devils had to get back in the game, when Kirk Maltby connected for his first goal of the year. The Devils trailed 3-1 and were not able to mount any comeback.

Kevin Weekes started for the Devils for the third straight game. He made 28 saves in the loss, but made some big saves at times. Osgood stopped 24 of the 25 shots he faced, some larger than others. The Rangers also lost by a score of 3-1 tonight, allowing the Devils not to fall behind them any further. However, Pittsburgh defeated the Islanders, moving past the Devils for second in the division.

Notes:

Teams combined to go 0-7 on the powerplay.
Paul Martin was scratched once again from the lineup.
Devils get little rest, facing the Edmonton Oilers tomorrow night at 7:30.

No Marty, No Problem against Tampa Bay

2008-11-05T21:59:00.009-05:00

Even after all the injuries the Devils are dealing with they keep pushing forward. Jamie Langenbrunner and Patrick Elias scored in a shootout to help the Devils prevail over the Tampa Bay Lightening 4-3 Wednesday night. Kevin Weekes replaced Martin Brodeur, only allowing one goal during the shootout.

AP Photo/Bill Kostroun (ESPN.com)

The Lightening started the scoring with about three and a half minutes remaining in the first. The first period was evenly matched, with both sides' scoring opportunities shut down by solid goaltending. The only blemish for the Devils was allowing a point-blank shot for Jussi Jokinen, resulting in the goal. Tampa Bay took the 1-0 lead into the second period.

The second period brought about some more action. Again it took most of the period to see any scoring. David Clarkson's wrist shot past Tampa goalie Mike Smith knotted the game up at one. It took only about two more minutes for the Devils to take the lead on a powerplay goal by Patrick Elias. The Devils would enter the third with a 2-1 edge.

The third period picked up right where the second left off. The Devils continued to struggle on the penalty kill, allowing Tampa Bay to tie the game on a powerplay goal by Jokinen. The Devils would answer. John Madden poked the puck free from Smith’s glove while trying to cover it. Jay Pandolfo picked up the loose puck in front of the net and buried it top shelf to give New Jersey the lead once again. After a penalty by Sheldon Brookbank gave the Lightening another powerplay opportunity, Martin St. Louis poked home a rebound to tie the game up at three with only about three minutes remaining in the game. Brookbank cleared the puck accidentally over the glass, resulting in the delay of game penalty. The Devils put forth quite a fury at the end regulation. However, the game remained deadlocked and would need extra time to decide the outcome.

Overtime brought some action on both sides of the ice, but neither team could capitalize. The game was decided in a shootout. Vincent Lecavalier gave the Lightening the early advantage, taking a wrist shot that made it past Weekes. Zach Parise made a beautiful move that left Smith frozen. His backhand shot rang off the crossbar though. Following Weekes’ save on Jokinen, Elias made a nifty move to tie the shootout at one. Weekes’ came up big again, stopping Vaclav Prospals shot to give Jamie Langenbrunner a chance to win it for the Devils. He did just that. Langenbrunner made a similar move to Elias’s goal, and gave the Devils a 4-3 victory.

This was a large win for the Devils. A game after finding out the news that they will be without Martin Brodeur, arguably the best goaltender of all-time, for three to four months, this win brought some confidence in Weekes. The Devils stand at 7-3-2; a very respectable record considering the number of injuries they have suffered to key players. The Devils are still without Brian Rolston, Bobby Holik, and Andy Greene. Add Brodeur and Paul Martin, who has missed the last two games with upper body soreness, to the list.

Notes:

Devils went 1-2 on the powerplay.
Devils shorthanded play continues to struggle, allowing Tampa Bay to go 2-3 on the powerplay.
Weekes won his first game with the Devils since 2007.

Breaking News: Brodeur Out 3-4 Months

2008-11-04T14:26:00.004-05:00

Martin Brodeur, who missed Monday night's game due to a bruised elbow suffered in the Devils previous game, will have surgery on his left elbow Thursday. This will cause Brodeur to miss the next three to four months. This news is heart-breaking to all New Jersey Devils fans. Brodeur is currently eight wins away from the all-time wins record held by Patrick Roy. He is also only five shutouts away from Terry Sawchuck's record. This devastating news comes after a 2-0 loss the Devils sufficed last night.

The Devils will count on Kevin Weekes, who allowed two goals on thirty shots last night taking the loss. Weekes has had limited playing time this season, but has a 2.00 GAA and a .933 save percentage in two games. He had a 2.97 GAA last season, along with a .894 save percentage in nine games. Scott Clemmensen, who was called up for last night's game, will be the Devils' back-up while Brodeur is out. The Devils are currently second place in the Atlantic Division.

Sabres Prevent Any Devils' Winning Streak

2008-11-04T14:05:00.004-05:00

With Martin Brodeur out with a bruised elbow, Kevin Weekes stepped in to fill his pretty big shoes (or skates for that matter). Weekes played a good game, allowing only two goals on thirty shots. It was not enough, however, as the Ryan Miller of the Sabres shut-out the Devils for the 2-0 victory.

The first period was dominated by the Sabres. Dominated may not be a strong enough word. The Sabres out-shot the Devils 20-3 in the period. The Devils were plagued by five penalties though, including a five-on-three opportunity. It took the Sabres just about the whole period to get anything out of it. They needed a powerplay to score their first goal of the game, with about thirty seconds remaining, and take a 1-0 lead. Jason Pominville was credited with the goal.

The Devils picked it up in the second and third. However, they could not convert on four powerplay chances in the second. They still trailed 1-0 going to the third. The Devils continued to pressure the Sabres. Three more powerplays, including some five-on-three time, were not enough. Even with the Devils looking to control the game, the Sabres got some breathing room after Patrick Kaleta gave them a 2-0. The game would end that same score. The Devils had a flourish at the end after pulling their goalie for the extra attacker, but were unable to break past Miller.

The Devils drop to 6-3-2 on the season, but still hold second place in the Atlantic Division. Losing Brodeur for the game certainly did not help the Devils, but their lack of offensive execution was more to blame for the loss.

Notes:

Devils were 0-7 on the powerplay.
Scott Clemmensen was called up for the game.
Devils were shutout for the first time this season.

Devils Rout, Brodeur Out

2008-11-02T18:18:00.011-05:00

The Devils ended a three-game losing streak, crushing the Atlanta Thrashers 6-1. It cost them Martin Brodeur though, who left in the second period with a bruised elbow.

The Devils got the game started fourteen minutes in with a goal by rookie Nicklas Bergfors. It was his first NHL point in his debut. The Devils took the 1-0 lead into the locker room. They were just preparing for an onslaught in the second.

AP Photo/Rich Schultz (ESPN.com)

The Devils started off the period strong, scoring 2 goals in the first four minutes of the second period. Patrick Elias tallied for his third goal of the season, while Zach Parise received his eighth. The game took a turn for the worse for the Devils following this though. Martin Brodeur had to leave the game after making a save on Todd White. Kevin Weekes took over in goal for the Devils. They did not let this scare slow them down. Brian Gionta lit the lamp a few minutes after Brodeur had to leave. They capped off the second period scoring in the final minute with goals by Jay Pandolfo and another by Zach Parise. The Devils took a 6-0 lead into the third period.

The third period did not see as much action as the second. The Thrashers scored their only goal of the game six and a half minutes into the period. The game would end that same score. Kevin Weekes finished with fourteen saves.

Injuries are really started to plague the Devils. Brodeur will miss Monday's game against the Buffalo Sabres. Also, Brian Rolston, Bobby Holik, Andy Greene, and Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond are all on injured reserve. The Devils keep chugging on. They hold a 6-2-2 record. They will be little room for error against the Sabres, who are currently 7-2-2.

Notes:

Devils powerplay goes 1-5
5-goal second period highest this season.
Zach Parise scored a goal for the sixth straight game.

Devils Falter, Fall to Maple Leafs in Shootout

2008-10-30T14:29:00.005-04:00

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).

Flyers Take OT Thriller, Win Back-to-Back Over New Jersey

2008-10-25T18:14:00.013-04:00

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 Fall to Flyers

2008-10-25T15:31:00.013-04:00

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.

Devil Domination: Marty blanks Avery, Stars

2008-10-22T21:37:00.029-04:00

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.

Preview

2008-10-22T10:30:00.004-04:00

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

2008-10-22T09:50:00.001-04:00

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)