Sabres Prevent Any Devils' Winning Streak

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.