New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers

This game meant more to me then just a devils rangers game. A friend was able to hook me up with passes to meet many of the players. It was an awesome experience. Unfortunately it was a disappointing loss; especially with the devils controlling most of the game. Sometimes players on the opposite team make extraordinary plays. If it wasn't for lundqvist's play was pretty solid.

I was able to meet many of the players, Elias, Parise, Clarkson, Mottau, Pandolfo, Martin and a few others. All the players were really nice. It was a fun experience for someone who has been a fan since I could walk.

Patty's Day!

Two years in a row Patrick Elias has made this Irish holiday his day on the Ice. With a goal an assist last night he now has scored the past two years on St. Patty's Day. Last year he scored which propelled him past John MacLean as the all-time point scorer for the New Jersey Devils. Patirck Elias had an awesome game. He contributed strongly to the Devils fore check last as he assisted zubrus's breakaway goal. Elias stole the puck at Pittsburgh's blue and spun around and pass the puck off his backhand to Zubrus who was breaking through the center lane. It opened up the devils' scoring as they proceeded to score one more in the first and totaling 4 unanswered goals.

A huge welcome back to Paul Martin. We have missed you greatly, o and thanks for the goal. It will take some time until Martin is 100% however, scoring late in the first eases the questions and concerns. He took chances last night when the opportunity was available. In the second period Martin made some moves and transitioned into a temporary forward. This is a huge part of his game and an additional weapon to the Devils arsenal.

This team is coming together and playing strong as a group. Areas that need improvement are working themselves out. Last night the devils scored 2 in the second and did not let up a goal. It is a big moment for the team. As of late, the devils have been outscored in the second. Also their penalty kill has remained strong. The Penguins went 0-for-21 on the power play in the six games against the Devils this season. [reference Fire and Ice Blog: http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/]The devils defense also stayed strong against a high powered offense. Crosby over 6 games only had 1 goal and malkin none. The devils outscored the stanley cup champions 22-5.

Also over the past few games their defense has found the back of the net. It is important, as I've stated earlier in the season, that the Defense be involved in the offense. It makes this devils team extremely hard to play against if a goal can be scored by anyone.

Goodluck in Toronto!

-Ross

New Jersey Devils take down New York "Rangas"

Last night was the first showing of a Team eager to snap out of a shaky "month" of hockey and gear up for a run at the cup. Langenbrunner mentioned prior to the game that this is a team that wants to play as a team and together. With guys like Kovalchuck and Parise they can win a game or two but without a team effort they won't keep it consistent.

Last night's 6-3 win over the New York Rangers was proof of a team effort. 6 different players scored for New Jersey including a Defenseman. One thing I noticed was team unity. The New jersey devils did not waste any moment of yesterday's game. Every break in play, commercial or otherwise, the players on the ice huddled and talked about each play, every break down and what to do next. I haven't seen that type of team chemistry all season. I hope the them continues this. It shows strong leadership from some of the players and the coaching staff.

The team has amazing talent and an amazing coach. One of the best [coaches] in the game today. There are a lot of emotional games finishing the season; hopefully this team stays focused and we will see a strong ending to this season.

-R

What a relief!!!!

The devils have come out strong in the past few games even the one against the rangers. The Devils could not catch any breaks, and Lundqvist stole the game. The new jersey devils finally finished a game. They came out firing in the first only to come away with a 1-1 tie. Part of the second period the devils looked a little timid and afraid of making a mistake. But the team pulled through and everyone the devils needed to score did. Five different players scored and all the key players that have been and needed to break their droughts. Parise, Zajac, Elias, Kolvachuck and Langenbrunner all tallied a goal and an assist.

It was a game that the team can now go into Carolina tonight a little relaxed. Hopefully they will bring the emotion of last nights win into tonights game and create a 2 game winning streak before the olympic break. It would be great for the team to finish this part of the season on a high-note.

Langenbrunner played a solid game. The captain came through and refused to give in.

Let's Go Devils!

Ross

New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers

Tonight's game has some nice additions to this long rivarly. The Rangers and the devils have not been playing their best games right now but this game could have some intensity.

Look for the devils to come out strong. They needed a brake and last night was it. Hopefully last night relaxed the team a little bit. They need to just play and not think to much. Look for Zubrus, Kovlachuck and Elias to put up some numbers. Kovlachuck will draw some attention and hopefully open up the ice for other guys to take the puck to the net.

Go Devils!

-Ross

Miracle Comeback!

The devils didn't play a full 100%, however it only took them 3:01 to play with 100% heart last night to come back from a 3-1 deficit. Ilya Kovlachuck helped out a lot last night especially on the game tieing goal.

The devils stayed back and watched too much last night. They came into the game with some excitement and scored early. But then they sat back. Kovlachuck is an amazing player but he isn't God. The team has to let him work in as any other and not a superstar. Just his presence will pull attention away from guys like zajac, parise, elias and langenbruner. We saw that work last night on the powerplay. The toronto foward expected a shot and closed up his body to block Ilya's shot. Ilya, being a smart player, saw the lane open and passed it right back to mchamond.

Lets use this finish and bring the energy into tonights game against the rangers.

Devils 4-3 over Toronto.

-Ross

Ilya a Devil?

Sounds like a wonderful thing for new jersey. Last time the devils went for a high priced sniper it helped, in 2000 with alexander mogilny. But the question now is who did the devils give up.

Martin- who would be a hard-one to loose, might be one that the devils have given up. Atlanta who is not that great could use a strong defenseman. The devils have had some unexpected young players really step up. Keeping their salary cap low, replacing Martin permanently with Fraser. He is young and has done a good job on D, he is much larger then Martin and has a little more of an agressive game to help protect MArty.
With depth in lowell for defense loosing martin would not be hurt the devils as much as some might think.


Berfors- Someone who has played up and down and one of the future of this team, might no longer be looked to for offense. Although he has done very well he is not the much younger then Kovalchuck. You won't loose to many years as far as the team is concerned.

Clarkson?- This is a big iffy, its in question cause of his injury but he is in his final year of his contract. Does that play into factor?

A line like Zubrus, Elias and Kovalchuck might produce some awesome numbers.

Zubrus has been one of the devils, if not the most effective player since his return. If he is placed on a line with scorers, he will get points, as we have seen with Zach and Travis.


In a short time we will know who the devils dealt to get this pick up

-Ross