Did You Know?

No team has ever won the Stanley Cup after winning two seven-game series to start the playoffs.

Devils To Take Rangers In Conference Finals

There could be no better story for the Eastern Conference Finals than reigniting the explosive rivalry between the Devils and Rangers. The regular season meetings brought fights off the opening puck-drop. And when I say "fights", I do not just mean two or three. I mean FIVE fights overall opened two of contests this year. These teams flat-out HATE each other and have for years.

While the Rangers have battled and outlasted the Capitals in seven games to advance to the Conference Finals, the Devils have had a five day break since knocking-out the Flyers in five games. The Devils' last game was a very rough one, which forced Marek Zidlicky and Anton Volchenkov to sit out one practice. The two d-men will be ready to go Monday, however. The Rangers have had much less rest, but their fans could not be more rested and ready to go to Madison Square Garden for game 1.

The Devils won last series with their discipline and their forecheck, without question. Their ability to stay within their own game, and let the Flyers' negatively impact their game with aggression, dictated the series. There is no doubt the New Jersey forecheck surpassed anything they could have asked for. Their puck-side attack is insanely effective in forcing turnovers, as they sometimes crash three players at the puck carrier. Hopefully the devils will react similarly and not get out of their play style. I do not expect fights off the opening face-offs, but it will be a very physical series indeed. Should be a dandy! Go Devs!

Did You Know?

Martin Brodeur holds the NHL all-time records for most wins (656) and most losses (371).

ALSO

Bryce Salvador led the team in +/- with 18, despite scoring only 9 points in all 82 regular season games.

Did You Know?

This years Devils' team is the first team to bring the Devils to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2003, a year in which the Devils went all the way and hoisted the Stanley Cup.

Devils Advance to Eastern Conference Finals

For the Philadelphia Flyers, today brings two things. One being shaving cream, and the other a razor. All of their playoff beards can be shaved off, thanks to the Devils winning four straight games against them. Unfortunately, there is one Flyer who will not participate in this for a reason different from the other players who did not grow beards. Goon, Zac Rinaldo, who was only involved in last night's loss because the Flyers' superstar was smart enough to get suspended, does not play much nor belong on the ice. Thankfully, Peter Laviolette, coach of the Flyers, did not play him enough for him to grow his playoff beard. THE OUT OF CONTROL CROWD AT FLYERS GAMES IS A PERFECT FIT FOR RINALDO.

For the Devils, today brings a feeling of satisfaction, excitement, and soreness. It was a very rough game on Tuesday night. They fought hard, out-played Philadelphia, and forced the Flyers into many mistakes by forechecking the living daylights out of the Flyers. While by no means did the Devils have a mistake-free, 100% perfect series, they played their with more passion, speed, and offensive pressure than the Flyers. And that is all you can ask for when it is all you need to win the series 4-1.

Martin Brodeur has been everything the Devils could ask of him. Even though the Devils have scored at least three goals in each of their last seven games, Brodeur has been very steady. Specializing in the third period, Brodeur has put up a .920 save percentage and a 2.05 goals against average in the 2011-2012 playoffs.



Ilya Kovalchuk has helped the Devils directly and indirectly. When he plays, he ignites the fire in the offense and power-play. When he missed game 3, the team picked up their game to make up for his loss. The Devils have just as good of a chance at winning the Stanley Cup as anyone at this point. It will be fun to see the games coming up, especially if they are against the Rangers.

The Streak Continues!

The Devils have now scored 3+ goals in each of their past 6 games.

Devils On Brink of Ending Flyers' Season

HAPPY 40th MARTY!

On the night of Martin Brodeur's 40th birthday, not only did the Los angeles Kings defeat of the St. Louis Blues, bringing them to the Western Conference Finals, but the Devils inched one win closer to the Eastern Conference Finals. With a 1-1 series score between Philadelphia and New Jersey, the teams traveled the small distance to Newark, NJ from Philadelphia, PA. The distance may be small on a map, but could not have been larger in the heated Eastern Conference Semi-Final series. The Devils took both games at home with authority, giving themselves control of the series and forcing the Flyers' backs to the walls.

In game four at the Prudential Center in Newark, the Flyers seemed as though they had set the pace of the game early once again. The Devils, just like every other early scare this series, did not back down. The 2-0 Philly lead late in the first period was met with two goals from Jersey. Both teams had scored both of their goals within three minutes apart from their last. At the end of one period, the crowd was satisfied once again, and the game was even at two goals a piece.

The Devils' Forecheck came alive and was at it's best in the second period. New Jersey's forecheck, led by Zach Parise, had given them a controlling pace of the game, more offensive pressure, and a leading 32-12 in shots after two periods of play. In doing so, Devils' Dainius Zubrus scored with under four minutes to play in the period. As the twenty minutes winded down, Flyers' superstar Claude Giroux took a penalty for an illegal hit to the head of Zubrus. Not only did that induce a penalty, but after the game he received a one-game ban by NHL Senior Vice President of Player Safety, Brendan Shanahan. The Devils led 3-2 after two.


The Third period was comfortable for Devils' fans for the most part, but for a time the Devils were playing back and giving too much room for the Flyers' offense to work. That has been a Devils' killer this year. Sitting back has been more deadly than helpful for the team in the 2011-2012 season. Although, with that being said, New Jersey did a great job staying out of the penalty box during the second and third periods, with no visits. With 45 seconds left in the game, it was only suiting for the Devils that Dainius Zubrus netted the empty netter, crushing Giroux's and the Flyers' hopes of tying the series at two games.

The Devils fired a blistering 43 shots, unmatched by the Flyers' 22. All Brodeur needed to do was play his game. Allowing only two goals, Brodeur once again put the Devils in a good position to win the game, where they did 4-2. The Devils have been FIRE ON ICE!

Devils Trivia Question of the Day

Can you name the NHL player who wore the #17 for New Jersey prior to Ilya Kovalchuk's reign?

(answer will be in comments)

Did You Know?

Did you know that the Devils have scored at least 3 goals in each of their last 5 games in this years playoffs?

Devils "Host" Flyers in Philadelphia During Game 2 Win

When rookie Matt Read of the the Flyers scored of a rebound just 2:53 into game 2, the skies were suddenly seeming to get more cloudy for the Devils. However, that would be no hint on the rest of the game. The Devils were relentless. Firing a total of 34 shots on net, they managed to outplay the Flyers in Philadelphia's very orange environment at The Wells Fargo Center. The Devils were surprisingly quiet on the scoreboard however, while Philly net-minder, Ilya Bryzgalov, was coming up big for the Flyers. The Devils finally found the net in the third, which only brought even more passion to their game. Because of Ilya Kovalchuk's injury, the Devils returned their 2011, 4th overall pick to the lineup, Adam Larsson. Larsson is a big-bodied 19 year old, weighing in at 200lbs and a towering 6'3" stature. Larsson came through scoring that first goal with a strong wrister. Him scoring it could not have been more ideal for the team. Next came Clarkson's goal to take the lead as he followed up on Zach Parise's rebound. The rest was history from there. Travis Zajac pocketed his 8th playoff point 9 playoff games this year, putting in the Devils's third goal. With around 3 minutes left on the game clock, New Jersey was up by two goals. In a desperate attempt, during the power play, the flyers pulled their goalie to create a 6-on-4 advantage. Bryce Salvador had not scored in two years. He finally scored with the empty net on Tuesday, but by no means was it an easy goal. He was trying to clear the puck out of the defensive zone from the right face-off circle by Brodeur. The clear was lobbed over the players, took a few bounces up-and-down, and found its place in the back of Philly's busy net! THE DEVILS HAD STUCK THE DAGGER IN THE ORANGE HEARTS ONCE AGAIN TO WIN 4-1! The two teams come to The Prudential Center in Newark, NJ for game 3 (Thursday) and game 4 (Sunday). Hopefully the Devils will be able to take complete control of the series by the time these games are through. GO DEVILS!

First Round Series Summary & Game 1 @ Flyers

The Devils have not exactly had a piece of cake in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs. A challenging, long series against Florida brought them sneaking into the second round. It took more than 21 periods (7 games) of hockey, when games 6 and 7 combined for 3 extra overtime periods. Adam Henrique scored through the five-hole of Jose Theodore at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida, extending the Devils' season. The Calder Trophy finalist has been gold in his first year.


During these playoff games, surprisingly, the fourth-liners; Stephen Gionta, Ryan Carter, and Steve Bernier have been the most productive line for Jersey. Defenseman, Peter Harrold, has been a very consistently strong player for the team ever since he was called up. Now, due to an Ilya Kovalchuk injury, he has been transferred to forward on the fourth line. Steve Bernier was moved up to the third line.


The first game of the series against the Flyers was fun to watch... only for about half of regulation time. The Devils' familiarly strong 2012 playoff game start took place yet again in the game against Philly. They took a first period 1-0 lead just 3:16 into the game. Zach Parise had struck once again! The rest of the game was, for the most part, controlled by Philadelphia. The two rivals finished the second period tied at 2, but that was a gasp of fresh-air for the Devils. The team rocking the red and black was backed up into their own end for a good part of the third period, where each team scored one goal. The Devils trailed 3-2 during the period until Petr Sykora netted his breakaway chance through the "humangous big" five-hole of Mr. Universe himself, Ilya Bryzgalov. The game was headed to overtime! Soon into a Philly-dominated overtime period, Flyers' forward Danny Briere had scored. But wait, with the crowd erupting with cheers, all of a sudden the mood slowed down. The goal was under review. With replays showing Briere clearly kicking the puck in the net, the Philly crowd continued to see the play with their hearts, and not their eyes. When the referee announced the outcome, which was no-goal on the play, the crowd was erupting with everything but cheers. However, pretty soon after, Danny Briere took a slapper from the center of the point. This time with his stick and not his foot. One more five-hole goal was put in with that shot through a crowd of players, and that was the overtime goal that counted. Briere's goal was legal this time, and the Flyers were given a 1-0 series lead.

With Playoffs In Sight, Devils Look To Rebound

Tuesday night, New Jersey will be looking for a better-looking scoreboard than the previous Sunday. They had lost 5-2 against a streaking Pittsburgh Penguins team, while welcoming back Travis Zajac to the lineup. Zajac received one assist, but a shake-up in lines could not give the Devils the win they were looking for. Tuesday, March 27, the Chicago Blackhawks come to town for their only regular season meeting with Jersey. Chicago has plenty of momentum, winning five straight games. Both teams have 42 wins, however Chicago has two more points. Each team is sitting in the sixth spot in the playoff race. It should be interesting to see what lines coach, Peter Deboer, puts out there for the Devils. Also, it would be nice if the Devils can get Zajac back in his old form of a first line center. Blackhawks captain, Jonathan Toews, is out with a concussion. It will be a very hard fought inter-conference game tonight at the Prudential center.

Devils Trivia Question of the Day

Ilya Kovalchuk recently scored his 400th career goal. How many assists did he have at the 400 goal mark?


A: 376
B: 329
C: 287
D: 411

Struggling Maple Leafs @ Devils 3/23/12 PREVIEW

New Jersey Devils enjoy
a win together

Toronto is hot lately! Hot with anger! The recently embarrassed Maple Leafs team has allowed 13 goals in two games, scoring just 2 of their own. Toronto lost 8-0 against the Boston Bruins, and 5-2 to the lousy New York Islanders. New Jersey is looking to keep the fire lit after their 1-0 shut-out of the Ottawa Senators, led by Ilya Kovalchuk and Johan Hedberg. Prior to the game against the Senators, the Devils played two tough games against division rivals and Eastern Conference power-houses, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers. Both of them losses; one by two goals, and the other by 3 goals. Toronto has dogged 72 slow points, opposed to Jersey's 89. 


The goalie match-up is a wonder. The leafs have had troubles all year between goalies Jonas Gustavsson and James Reimer, as they have both been extremely streaky. On New Jersey's side, I think the Devils might treat Johan Hedberg the way they did last time he shut-out a good team, which in my opinion is not proper, but by going back to starter and legend Martin Brodeur. Either way, the Devils give themselves a good position to win the game.

Travis Zajac Celebrates

New Jersey has missed last years' first-line center for the large majority of the season. Center, Travis Zajac, returned very briefly this season, but his nagging achilles injury has kept him out of play once again. Apparently, there is a small chance he could return Friday, which would be a possible, nice help to the Devils as they near the playoffs. Ilya Kovalchuk received his 400th career goal against Ottawa, which was the game-winner in the shut-out. Kovalchuk has been hot all season, leaving no room for criticism.

Mark Fayne is approached by
Adam Henrique after a goal

Toronto has gone through a coaching change, goalie injuries, and a rough season after a solid beginning. However, they have had some rays of sunlight in Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. Both were selected as all-stars.


All signs are pointing favorable to the Devils in this game, but if you ask any player or coach in the NHL, they will tell you there is no easy win in the Nation Hockey League.

Brodeur Out-Lasts Giguere for a Devils Victory

Not much happened last night, as both goaltenders received a shut-out. The 0-0 starting score was the regulation/OT ending score as well. Martin Brodeur has been on his game recently, which has really helped the Devils. The Avalanche went with a rematch of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals goalie match-up. They started Jean-Sebastian Giguere. In 2003, Giguere won the Stanley Cup Playoffs MVP, but Brodeur won a different trophy. That trophy known as the Stanley Cup. Brodeur has not won it since then, but is pulling for another. The match-up between these goaltenders was nothing short of impressive. Giguere stopped 33 shots and Brodeur denied 28. 

Brodeur plays the
puck by his crease

The shootout in this game was awesome, but for New Jersey fans. Kovalchuk, who has been successful 10 out 12 attempts, began the shootout as always for Jersey. He skated up with speed like he usually does. Most times he goes with speed, it is to freeze the goalie, then he rips a wrister by them. This time, he faked the wrister, deked left and brought it right. The goalie dropped to the ice and he was able to lift it over the leg pad. The second shooter, Milan Hejduk, the captain of the Avs, rang it off the right post and wide. Next up was Zach Parise, the better captain. Parise pulled a magnificent deke with a leg kick. He brought it left, then right, then left again and around Giguere's leg. All pressure was put on Avalanche forward Peter Mueller. It was a make or break situation, a must score. He skated up at a regular pace, and faked Brodeur out. Brodeur, leaning his body to his right, had to stick out his left leg to the left side of his body and stopped Mueller. DEVILS WIN! DEVILS WIN!

Hockey Trivia Question of the Day

In the 2004 NHL entry draft, Alexander Ovechkin was selected 1st overall by Washington. What Pittsburgh Penguin was drafted 2nd overall?

Avs @ Devils Tonight

Henrik Tallinder pushes Matt Duchene

On November 30, 2011, the Devils travelled to The Pepsi Center in Colorado to take on the Avalanche in their first of two meetings this year. Tonight, the Avalanche will take the flight over here and hope to repeat the last game's score. Last November, the Avalanche put out the Devils' fire. Colorado put up a massive six goals to one on the Devils. 


There are many hot topics to watch in this game. One would be the two Calder Trophy favorites facing off against each other in Gabriel Landeskog and Adam Henrique. Another would be both goalies looking pretty good lately, that is if Brodeur and Varlamov both start. Thirdly, Kovalchuk is one goal away from the milestone of 400 goals. And a last is Colorado Avalanche's star, Matt Duchene, is a high probability to returning to their line-up tonight. He has been injured and out for most of the season. His current injury is his ankle. 


Colorado is currently holding the last playoff spot in the Western Conference, but three teams are tied together who are all one win behind the Avs. The Devils have five more points than the Avalanche, and are in the sixth seed currently in the East. The two teams do not see each other very often at all, and all Western conference games are tough for teams from the East. Let's hope for the best!

Devils Trivia Question of the Day

How many consecutive seasons has Ilya Kovalchuk scored 30 or more goals?

Flyers Slow Down Devils 3-0

Zach Parise tries to screen Ilya Bryzgalov

Big game for Bryz...unfortunately. The Devils could not get anything past the goaltender from Russia. His return to the lineup last night, Tuesday, the 13th of March, was key for the Flyers. In coming back in a big game, and having a third-straight shut-out, it gives the Flyers a blazing hot goalie at the perfect time of the year. Brodeur did not do badly, however. He made nine more saves than Bryzgalov, only letting two by on 28 shots faced. The third Flyers goal was an empty net goal on an interesting decision by Devs' Coach Peter Deboer. The Flyers came out victorious, Tuesday night in Philadelphia, and they won the battle untouched.

There were no tallies put on the board in the first period, just two penalties taken by Philly. The New Jersey power-play was unproductive. Very early in the first, Flyers' agitator and point-producer, Scott Hartnell rang a slapper off the pipe. It was very nearly a 1-0 game right out of the gates. Brodeur also made very big saves which kept the game even for the duration of the period.

Ilya Bryzgalov skates onto the ice

The Flyers put the pressure level on high in the middle period. They took 13 shots on goal. Half-way through the period, rookie Sean Couturier scored his 12th of the season for the orange and black Flyers team. Defenseman Braydon Coburn received the lone assist and his 15th of the year. Shortly after, Ilya Kovalchuk took a slashing penalty to add to the Devils two penalties already in the period. The game went into the third as a 1-0 game in favor of the Flyers.


Jakub Voracek put a damper on the Devils' hopes, scoring within three minutes of the start of the third period. The 2-0 game was forcing the Devils to get a responding goal quickly. Special teams were on the ice a large amount in the period, as the two teams combined for seven penalties. When the game was 4-on-4 play, there was around 5 minutes remaining on the game clock. And then came a very ambitious, aggressive move by Peter Deboer. He pulled Marty Brodeur out of the net to give the Devils a one-man advantage. Immediately the Flyers scored and created a devastating 3-0 lead. The game was pretty much hopeless for Jersey and the fans after that, and that, indeed, is how it ended. The Devils next game is at home against the Colorado Avalanche on the Thursday, March 15th.

Devils @ Flyers 3/13/12 PREVIEW

It is the battle of the five seeds tonight, as the Devils are looking to fly by the Flyers once again. The Devils took charge two nights ago at the Prudential Center against Philadelphia. The Flyers could not come back from a three goal deficit in the third period. Martin Brodeur did not need to make many saves, but he made enough. Sergei Bobrovsky was just a straight up mistake by Flyers' coach, Peter Laviolette. I can almost guarantee, excluding an injury, that starter Ilya Bryzgalov will be between the pipes tonight. The victory both teams are seeking would be huge for both teams. Jersey is riding a four game win-streak. Philly is hoping Bryzgalov can continue to be solid, because the main ingredient to a team producing in the playoffs is a hot goaltender. If Bryzgalov can come up big tonight in a big-time game, it would be a great momentum booster for him, which equals bad news for the Devils and others. With all that being stated, the Devils are looking to not only win for themselves, but slow down Bryzgalov, Mr. Universe.

Martin Brodeur spits water during a commercial break

Who to watch on the Devils:

ILYA KOVALCHUK is on a tear! Nine points in his last four games, eight points in five games against Philadelphia, and three points two nights ago against Philly.

The Devils' POWER-PLAY has scored in three consecutive games with a total of four goals. It is a wonder why the unit has not gone beast-mode the whole year, seeing the players they have on it.

PATRIK ELIAS has five points in five games against Philadelphia this year, but a -4 +/- rating.

Who to watch on the Flyers:

The JAROMIR JAGR/CLAUDE GIROUX duo has been producing many goals lately. They 

combined for the team's lone goal against New Jersey Sunday night.

Definitely not BRAYDEN SCHENN. He has been knocked out by Kovalchuk in a fight and he has no points in three games against Jersey, despite a fairly good season. 

Welcome to the NHL, Brayden Schenn

Devils Trivia Question of the Day

How many Vezina Trophies does Martin Brodeur own?

Koval-chuk the puck by Bobrovsky, Devils win 4-1

Adam Henrique skates with Brayden Schenn
on his back

It was a "Sunday Funday" for New Jersey. The ever so scrutinized Ilya Kovalchuk should have changed the minds of all Devils fans this year. Fans had focused on his $100,000,000 salary last year compared to his production, and he was even booed at times. It was really just a matter of time until he got his confidence back and began to be comfortable in his new hometown. Sunday, Kovalchuk was the story of the game, once again, with three points including a beautiful, no-look assist to Anton Volchenkov. His play is explosive, exciting, thrilling, and can change the game at any time.


The Flyers rested their red hot goalie, Ilya Bryzgalov, otherwise known as Mr. Universe from HBO's 24/7 series. Back-up Sergei Bobrovsky got the nod.


The game was the usual Devils-Flyers flow of hockey. Philadelphia has a history of being rough, in which has picked them up the nickname Broad Street Bullies. They out-hit the Devils 36-17 on the game. Although, the Devils had a total of 10 takeaways compared to the Flyers' lonely one takeaway.

Kovalchuk celebrates goal with Volchenkov

Very Late in the first period, Braydon Coburn of Philly, took a slashing, minor penalty. The Devils' power-play has been hot lately, and chased Coburn out of the penalty box early with a goal from Patrik Elias. Assisted by David Clarkson and Ilya Kovalchuk, the Devils left the period with momentum and a 1-0 lead. 


No goals were scored in the second, preparing the third period to be a dandy.

Claude Giroux celebrates goal

The third period was underway at "The Rock" and the Flyers were jumpy. 16 seconds into the last period and 80 point-getter, Claude Giroux, brought the game even again. Jaromir Jagr had posession of the puck from center ice all the way to the Devils' red-line. One pass to team-star Giroux, in front, and the game was tied. Very soon after, Captain Parise battled very hard on the boards, which is nothing but the regular, and chipped a lob pass which banked off the boards and was taken by Kovalchuk. Ilya had a 2-on-1 with defenseman Anton Volchenkov. Bobrovsky came to the top of the crease expecting a shot from Kovalchuk, along with everyone in the building, I assume. Volchenkov is anything but a goal scorer, but despite that, Kovy dished the puck to Volchenkov who tapped it into the net. 2-1 Devils! Later, Adam Henrique had a sudden breakaway which was legged-out by Bobrovsky. Henrique stayed on the puck and gave it to Marek Zidlicky. Zidlicky had his shot blocked, ending up with the puck on circling Ilya Kovalchuk's stick. Kovy shelved the puck and scored the teams third goal of the night. Even after that, the Devils added one more tally to make it 4-1. When Zach Parise gets the puck in front of the net, his determination takes over as he battles ferociously for the goal. The Devs' fourth goal was scored in that fashion.


In the end of the night, the two teams were tied with 85 points, standing in 5th in the Eastern Conference. Devils are getting hot!

Devils Deflate Islanders!

Above: Johan Hedberg waters down his face
Right: Anders Nilsson in action

Most 0-0 games would be described as boring, but Saturday's contest between the Devils and Islanders was a gripping stalemate for over two periods. The two goalies stealing the show were Islanders' Anders Nilsson and Devils' Johan Hedberg. Since both goalies are back-ups, shouldn't there be more goals? Not so fast. Johan Hedberg is 15-7-2 this year. Anders Nilsson has four games played this year, but includes a very impressive shut-out against New Jersey on his resume. Underestimating either goalie is a mistake, plain and simple. It was very surprising to see the Islanders keep up with the Devils the way they did, but New York has competed with the Devs for most of their meetings on the season.


Just like in Hedberg's last start, a shut-out against Washington, he made a huge save early in the first period. On Saturday, Islanders forward, Matt Moulson, was given the puck in front of the net. No Devils player was near him to push him off the puck or take it away. "Moose" Hedberg made a very important save there with his blocker, denying Moulson of a game-changer as it turns out. New Jersey had many opportunities as well, including a Kovalchuk shot that rang off the post

Marek Zidlicky celebrates with teammates
 after scoring the game winner

The third period was where the magic happened. To begin the scoring, Islanders star, John Tavares, got a pass from behind the net where teammate P.A. Parenteau controlled the puck. The all-star, Tavares, placed the puck exactly in the top, left corner of the net. The scoreboard read 1-0 in favor of the home team. It began to look as though Nilsson would be shutting-out the Devils one more time. He was not cracking at all and making everything look easy. Unfortunately for Nilsson, however, David Clarkson disagreed with the last statement. He came around the net and quickly turned and unleashed a goal! The shot hit Nilsson in the arm, trickled down his sleeve, and found it's home in the back of the net. The game was even at 1-1 with only 1:39 remaining on the game clock after the goal. Eight seconds later, there was a whole new feel to the game. Even more so than after the Devils tied the game. Islanders' P.A. Parenteau took an untimely penalty for New York on a boarding call. The Devils' newest acquistion, defenseman Marek Zidlicky, made his presence known. Zidlicky took a slapper from the point. The shot was untouched, and hit the net behind Nilsson, crushing the Islanders, crushing Nilsson, and giving New Jersey two points. Points 82/83 puts the Devils one game behind long-time nemesis, Philadelphia. The Devils play the Flyers on Sunday night, where they look to share the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference. The Flyers have been on a roll, as goalie Ilya Bryzgalov has showed signs of returning to his Phoenix Coyotes form. Hopefully they can ride the wave past Philly!

Hockey Trivia Question of the Day

When a goalie plays the puck in the corner behind the red line, outside of the trapezoid behind the net, what is the name of the penalty?

Devils Trivia Question of the Day

Which three years did the Devils win the Stanley Cup Trophy?

Devils Trivia Question of the Day

What number does Devils superstar Ilya Kovalchuk wear on his Team Russia jersey?

Kovaltrick Lifts Devils By Islanders

Ilya Kovalchuk Celebrates His Third Goal

As Devils' television announcer Steve Cangialosi put it, sometimes Ilya Kovalchuk is worth the price of admission himself. Steve could not be more accurate, as Kovalchuk became Kovaltrick Thursday night with a beautiful hat-trick. The game was highly unbalanced and was a great rebound for New Jersey from the last contest against the New York Islanders. In the teams' last meeting before Thursday night, as I have discussed, the Islanders used their back-up net-minder, even with starter Evgeni Nabokov playing well recently. However, the Islanders have gone back to the status quo in net, bringing Nabokov back between the pipes. Turns out it was probably a mistake in hind-sight, as the Devils blew out the veteran goalie and his team.

Martin Brodeur Flashing The
Leather One More Time

The first period was just the beginning of the trick-ery. Kovalchuk played his own rebound at the side of the net, even after nailing the post on a one-timer. Although he connected with the iron post, he stuck with the play and put the puck in the 4' x 6' opening. Being assisted by line-mates Zach Parise and Adam Henrique, the Devs' first line had got it going on Thursday. Two penalties in the period were split by the two squads, yet there were no resulting goals.


"Zidlicky for Kovalchuk, SCORRRRREESSSSSS!!!! Second of the game for Kovalchuk and it's two-nothing!!" Those proud words of Steve Cangialosi rang the ears of all television viewers in the middle period. Sparking happiness in all Devils fans and frustration in Islanders faithfuls, Cangialosi described Kovy's power-play goal. It was answered a little more than half of a period later by Islanders' Andrew MacDonald, who scored the lone-goal of the night for New York. The rest was dictated by GM Lou Lamoriello's New Jersey Devils.

Kovaltrick Zooms By
An Islanders Player

First star of the game, Ilya Kovalchuk, clinched the name of Kovaltrick in the third period. He scored his third and got his hat-trick goal. Ilya scored a goal per period, and two of which were from his infamous one-timer slap-shots. In fact, as I wrote earlier, the first goal that hit the post by Kovaltrick was from a slapper one-timer. If that was netted, they would have all been goals of that matter. The Devils scored two more goals from Elias and Clarkson, which were just added "daggers" in the hopes of the Islanders. Even though he has been unmentioned so far in this recap, goalie Martin Brodeur has continued to be consistent and played very well. New Jersey received points 80 and 81, putting them in the 6th spot of 8 playoff teams. Luckily, the Winnipeg Jets who are currently in and battling for the 8th spot, are 9 points behind the Jersey. In other words, I'm looking forward to the Stanley Cup Playoffs! Let's Go Devs!

Hockey Trivia Question of the Day

Zach Parise's father, J.P. Parise, played in the NHL as well. What team did he spend the majority of his NHL career playing for?


 HINT: The team has moved locations and go by a different, but similar name now!

Islanders @ Devils tonight at the Rock!

Former, long-time Devil Jay Pandolfo skates hard for the puck

The last meeting between the Islanders and Devils at the Nassau Coliseum was a 1-0 shut-out by Isles AHL call-up Anders Nilsson. The Devils beat themselves, along with the Islanders goalie, by spending way too much time in the penalty box. Against the Rangers, Jersey took four penalties, two of which from fights, and was a very acceptable number due to the physicality of the game. Martin Brodeur stood on his head in net, stopping very important shots. It would be great if he could continue his play tonight, as the well-rested Islanders have not played since their last contest with New Jersey. The Devils could be quite sore from a tough Rangers game on Tuesday. This game against the Islanders could be over in a hurry if Brodeur is not on top of things. It has seemed, this year, as if he loses confidence quickly if he allows a goal or two.


The Devils really need to keep working in these tough, end-of-season months. They are in the middle of the playoff bound teams, and do not have much slipping room. The Islanders are eight points out of the playoff race with sixteen games to go. Unless a team in the playoff projection has a collapse, I do not see them making it anywhere. Their goal other than making the playoffs? They would like to ruin division rival teams' chances. We will see how good they are at that in the coming games.

Defenseman Mark Fayne blasts a slap-shot

Devils Trivia Question of the Day

The New Jersey Devils were previously located in Colorado as the Colorado Rockies. Before the Colorado Rockies, where was the team from and what were they called?

Devils Show Up Rival Rangers! 3/6/12

Every meeting between the Devils and Rangers is highlighted on hockey calendars. Tuesday, like all other of these games, did not give a single reason to hush the hype. Every game is physical, skaters skate faster, and goalies are zoned-in. It is simply like watching playoff-style hockey. There have been two shut-outs in the combatted rivalry this season, with a total of only 3 goals combined! If that does not imply the intensity of these games, I do not have any other ways to convince you. 

The opening puck drops followed by a Devils score. Wait, what? That quickly? Well I guess a good explanation would have to be that number 17 guy the Devils have. Yea, he is pretty good. Ilya Kovalchuk, "that number 17 guy", is lightning quick. When he splits the defense of any team and is given a break-away, that team would have just as good of a chance if they pulled their goalie and attempted to bring on another defensemen to stop him. Most of the time the goalie does not move, and the puck is snapped behind him already. This is pretty much the story of the first goal in the Rangers visit to the Prudential Center. Just under one minute into the game, and the score reads: Kovalchuk-1 vs. Rangers-0. Unfortunately for the Rangers, also known as the Blueshirts, Brandon Dubinsky got punched in the nose in a fight with Devils third, but usually fourth, liner Ryan Carter. He did not return. The period ended with the Devils on top 1-0, and Martin Brodeur looking amazing.

Marty did not let up in the second period. The Blueshirts' forward, Derek Stepan, rifled a slap-shot by him from between the face-off circle hash marks, but Brodeur was not completely at fault. I am sure he wished he had saved it, but there was not much he could do about the shot. Brodeur was looking ages younger on Tuesday, making saves look easy and fluent. The Rangers controlled the first half of the second period, but were only able to produce one goal out of it. Approximately at the eight minute mark of the period, the Devils picked up their pace and the game was more balanced. However, still no more goals were scored in the second period.

If you could draw a picture to summarize the third period, it would look like this. There would be a red light above Blueshirts' goalie Henrik Lundqvist, the devils sticks in the air celebrating, and a sea of red in the crowd standing with their arms up. Why? Because New Jersey took a 1-1 tie game and created a blowout. Finishing the game 4-1, the Devils got goals from David Clarkson and Ryan Carter. The last goal was an empty net dagger from Patrik Elias. Brodeur played very well, making 25 saves on 26 shots.


It feels great as a fan to watch a game like that, but I am sure it feels that much better as a player. If only this could be a sign of what is to come. Tuesday's contest was the Devils first home game after a four game road trip. They take on the Islanders in each of their next two games. Brodeur has let in only a combined two goals in two games now, and hopefully these games against the Isles go better than the last.

Rangers/Devils in-game update

A tie game going into the third period. Marty is putting on a show! Who will score the winner? Comment with your answer.

Hockey Trivia Question of the Day

Who are the top three goal scorers on the Devils?


A: Elias, Parise, Clarkson
B: Parise, Clarkson, Kovalchuk
C. Parise, Kovalchuk, Elias
D: Henrique, Clarkson, Elias

Rangers @ Devils Rivalry Resumes on 3/6/12

The Devils continue their long-lasting rivalry between the Rangers on Tuesday. They were shut-out by Henrik Lundqvist in their last meeting at Madison Square Garden. Looking for revenge, and a few more shots than the 13 they had last meeting, the Devils finally play at the Prudential Center again after a four game road trip. It should be a very physical game as all of the games between these rivals play out to be. Fights are a very common occurrence between these two heated rivals, which comes hand-in-hand with the physical exertion they play with.

The Devils have been streaky as can be after the all-star break. It looked as though they would put on a show in the second half, but that was humbled on the road. The Rangers have, unfortunately for us Devils fans, been atop of the Eastern Conference standings for a rather long time period. The Devils and their fans witnessed with Martin Brodeur in his prime, winning four Vezina Trophies and three Stanley Cups, that a goalie can dictate the fate of the team. When Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist is good, although it gets me sick, he is flat out dominant. Even though he is playing less games this season than ever in a year, he is a major reason of their success. Yes, they have studs skating in front of him, but no team will get anywhere with a miserable goalie. However, with that being said, in no means am I hopeful of their success. GO DEVILS! BEAT THE RANGERS! LONG LIVE THE RED, WHITE, AND BLACK!

Devils Blanked By Isles On Sunday

Unexpected and surprising would best describe Sunday's game between the Devs and the Islanders at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. The Islanders gave goalie Evgenie Nabokov, the every-day starter, a break and started Anders Nilsson. Nilsson was an American Hockey League call-up after the Islanders have been plagued with injuries at net, losing Al Montoya and Rick Dipietro. That was the first unexpected event. To make it even more shocking, he shut-out the Devils and earned his first career win! On the opposing end of the ice, another shocker occurred. This one was not as out of the blue, but Devils' coach, Peter Deboer, went back to starting net-minder Martin Brodeur. Back-up goalie Johan Hedberg had just blanked the Capitals just two days prior, but I guess that was not enough to earn another start. 


Anders Nilsson, the story of this game, is shaped liked a monster. The 6'5" goalie had been rocked in his first NHL start. He allowed five goals in two periods against the Penguins on November 21st. If there was anything about that game that he carried over, it was unnoticeable. He was a gem on Sunday. 


Brodeur made just as many saves at Nilsson, 24. However, evidently the Islanders had one more shot and scored. Kyle Okposo, number 21 for New York, put a wrist-shot past and below the glove of Marty Brodeur for his 15th goal this year. Unfortunately, the second period goal was never responded by Jersey. And that was all she wrote.

A factor of the game for the Devils was their inability to stay out of the penalty box, otherwise known as the sin bin. New York drew six Jersey penalties, all two-minute minors. Even though the Islanders never scored on the power-play, it forced the Devils to be one man short for the overall duration of over half of a period. Who knows how many the Devils could have scored if they were even-strength with the Isles for that time-period. Special teams indirectly changed the game a good amount Sunday. They must work on staying out of the box, and focus on a tough matchup coming up. It should be a war against the Rangers on Tuesday.

Hockey Trivia Question of the Day

When a skater in their defensive zone shoots the puck out of play, over the glass, and untouched by the glass or an opponent player, what is the name of the penalty? Where would the following face-off be placed?


And what would happen if the puck goes into the benches, out of play, with the same qualifications listed above? Where would the following face-off be placed?

Devils Poll

Who is your favorite New Jersey Devils player?

Devils @ Islanders 3/4/12 PREVIEW

Sunday's divisional matchup between the New York Islanders and the New Jersey Devils will be a milestone for a specific Devil, and the finale to their four game road trip. Petr Sykora will participate in his 1,000th career game. The Isles playoff dreams have been taken away, and New Jersey is looking to get hot again. Coming off a huge win against Washington, Jersey will have to stay awake and not underestimate the Islanders. Fatigue, I assume, sets in when you have a four game road trip, but the Devils know there is no room for it.


Islanders goalie, Evgeni Nabokov, is 10-4-1 in his last 15 starts. Will he have what it takes to beat Jersey's team? Well I am just going to say that I think he will need some goal support. On the other side of the ice, it will be interesting to see who the Devils start in net. If I were to guess, I would go with Hedberg. Brodeur got his rest, but Hedberg's shut-out against Washington is worthy of another go at things.

Regarding the skaters, Islanders' forward Frans Nielson, who signed a contract extension this season, will be seeking his first point against the Devils this season along with many others on New York. The season series is split at one, but the two teams play three times in the span of a week, and then once more in early April. Neighboring the Islanders' bench will of course be head coach Peter Deboer's Devils and Calder Trophy favorite, Adam Henrique. Henrique has three points in two games against the Islanders this year and will have no plans of slowing down. Hopefully he can add to his totals! Keep it up Jersey!

Hedberg, Devils Shut Out Washington!

THE PICTURE SAYS IT ALL! Friday night's game between the Washington Capitals and the New Jersey Devils was not very close. The Devils were aching while in a slump, but that was no excuse apparently. Goalie Martin Brodeur got the much-needed rest, as reliable back-up Johan "Moose" Hedberg got the start between the pipes. Hedberg did anything but disappoint, stopping all 23 shots faced, giving the Devils just their fourth shut-out of the season.

The capitals came out strong in a hurry, looking as though their mission to win the game would be tough for Jersey to prevent. Alex Ovechkin was finishing all of his checks and playing very aggresively. Soon after the opening puck drop, "Moose" Hedberg robbed Caps' Troy Brouwer of a goal on a 2-on-1 one-timer across the crease. Hedberg's sprawling toe save was just a hint of what was yet to come. Approximately half-way through the first, Washington's Matt Hendricks committed a high-sticking penalty, putting the special teams units on the ice for the first time of the game. Not even half of the penalty had passed before captain Parise scored to give the Devils a 1-0 lead. Zach Parise had about 6 inches of room to shoot the puck due to the angle he was at on the red line. It was a bang-bang-bang goal for the Devils, coming first off Elias' stick at the point, to Clarkson's stick in front of the net, and then to Parise's goal scoring shot on the red line. The devils scored two more goals in the first; another from Zach Parise and one from Dainius Zubrus. Assists in the period went to Kovalchuk, Clarkson (2), Henrique, and Elias. 

The second period was not much different. The Devils put up two more tallies to bring it to 5-0. In doing so, the captain led the ship with another goal, his hat-trick goal, and also his team high 27th on the year. Patrik Elias picked up the other goal in the period on a shorthanded chance. Assists in the period went to Salvador, Henrique, and Zubrus. 

Nothing but consistency continued in the third period by "Moose" in net. It is always helpful to have a dependable back-up like him on your team. Hopefully this will be a spark for the Devils' and foreshadow many shut-outs to come. Of course it would be nice to see 5 goals put on the board and stop every shot every night, but as long as New Jersey is winning, I am sure the team and fans will be just as thrilled. It was a fun game to watch, not to mention a good sight to see 77 points next to the Devils in the standings!

Devils @ Capitals 3/2/12 PREVIEW

picture I took at Capitals @ Devils 11/11/11

Tonight will be the first meeting between these teams in 2012. The capitals, coming off a three game win-streak, go for number four at home tonight in front of expectedly yet another sell-out crowd. The Devils have hit a slump after starting strongly out the gates of the all-star break. On a four game losing streak, including being shut out by the ultimate rival, New York Rangers, New Jersey could not be more eager to leave Washington on top. The season-series is in favor of New Jersey, two wins to one. Neither team has won a game in their own building against these oppositions, although the Capitals have come out with at least one point in all of them. Because the Devils have won both of their games in shootouts, they have shared their point-winnings with Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals.

There are a few players to watch in this game. Of course, Ilya Kovalchuk and Alex Ovechkin would be the names I will mention. Kovalchuk is heading into this game recording 54 points in 49 games against the Caps. And then there is great-8, Alex Ovechkin, who seems to be coming alive on the scoring sheet lately. Ovi has four points on the current three game winning streak for Washington. The deciding factor in this game will be the special teams. Washington's power-play has been extremely useless recently. The Capitals power-play converted on two of their last thirty-two attempts, and the Devils penalty-kill is the second highest-rated in the league. Jersey's Zach Parise and Ilya Kovulchuk must bring the Devils power play alive, as they have an even worse season-long percentage on their power-play compared to Washington. I believe if the Devils can have a strong power-play tonight, against a 20th-ranked Washington penalty kill, they will have a good chance to win tonight and take the season series, three wins to one. Every game from here to the end of the year is vital. New Jersey must make 'em count!