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!