Scouting the Enemy: New Jersey Devils

by FrankD on Apr 1, 2009 12:00 PM EDT in News

Logo_new_jersey_devils_medium

Record:47-25-4

Leading scorers: Zach Parise (42G, 47A), Patrick Elias (31G, 47A)

The Devils had a chance to pick up a win and keep the Rangers' playoff hopes pinned down on Monday night. Instead they decided to play like a team that's comfortable with a playoff berth and were shutout 3-0.

John from In Lou We Trust made an interesting statement after that game:

New Jersey doesn't need a break tomorrow, they need to get on their exercise bikes and ride. Right now. We deserve better. And we hope to see much better against Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

Naturally I was quick to admit I'd rather the Devils allowed the slump to carry at least one more game. After all, what's a division rival good for if they won't let us make the playoffs?

Furthermore John stated that the Devils got what they deserved for allowing themselves to be outplayed by the Rangers. If you caught any of the game on Versus it'd be hard to argue that point.

However it's with an arched eyebrow that I address this game. You may remember the last meeting on January 30 at the Prudential Center in Jersey. I sure do because I was four rows back on Fleury's glove side when the game winner slipped past him in overtime. Devils won 4-3 after coming back from a 3-1 deficit.

Of course any Pens fan knows that was a different time. A different era. Pittsburgh went 0-for-3 on the PP (admittedly not much has changed there) and mustered up a grand total of 15 shots, two of which came in the third.

If the Dan Bylsma-era isn't enough to improve your hopes than let the Devils' recent streak of five straight losses (OK, one OT loss) brighten the mood.

Marty Brodeur may be back, but his team is on the verge of backing into the playoffs.

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I can’t wait, I was on vacation for the past week and didn’t get to see the third period of the Calgary game and missed the Rangers game. The stupid hotel charged $13.99 a day for the internet so I had nothing. Although I did get to see the box score of the Rags game. finally, I get to watch hockey again.

by PensFan024 on Apr 1, 2009 1:11 PM EDT reply actions

Welcome back. To recap the third period against the Flames: MAF was perfect and Matt Cooke missed an empty net two or three times.

The Rangers game you missed Avery on his back practically the entire time. Gill leveled him with a solid shot in front of the net and Kennedy dropped mitts with him in the first.

And btw – Jeez, $13.99 a day for the Internet? Where did you stay?

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Apr 1, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions

I was in Vegas at the Stratosphere. It must be a west coast thing cause my wife had to pay over $10 a day for internet access in Scottsdale a few weeks ago also and that was the first I had ever heard of charging for it. I woke up too late to bet on the Pens game. Stupid 10:00 am starts. So instead I lost $10 on PITT.

by PensFan024 on Apr 1, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

I stayed there about four years ago. It wasn’t hockey season though. In fact it was July, 110 degrees and I had a ruptured ear drum from flying with an ear infection. Nothing worse than waking up on the Vegas runway with blood dripping out of your ear.

Whatever though. I learned how to play craps and banked over $300. Beginner’s luck – if you look past the 10% hearing loss in my left ear.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Apr 1, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions

i know its april fools today but i’m not lying when i say that Zach Parise is out tonight according to center ice. hopefully without their leading scorer the devils will continue their downward spiral.

P.S. frank you gave me a heart attack when i saw your april fools article. So haha funny man you got me

by lambofgad on Apr 1, 2009 3:18 PM EDT reply actions