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
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Weekes earns 100th win, Devils win third striaght
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
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
Friday, November 21, 2008
Devils, Clemmensen Win Second Straight
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)
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Offensive Onslaught Helps Devils Snap Skid
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.
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.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Where's the Offense? Devils Lose 4th Straight
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.
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.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Rangers Dominate Devils, Again
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
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
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Lack of Offense Halts Devils again in Lose to Oilers
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.
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.
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