11 games with a goal, 10 wins (90.9%).

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It is Friday morning, I have approximately three hours before I take the train to Newark. As I’m sipping my tea in my pj’s, staring at my to-do list that includes things like ‘replace rubber stopper thingy in toilet’ and ’send birthday card to brother’ and ‘take out trash,’ all I can think about is the hockey game this evening.

The Devs are in the midst of a season-high seven game winning streak, no doubt signaling very positive things to come. They are winning on the road, they are scoring on special teams, and they continue to build on the steady foundation of defense and patience that Coach Sutter has continued from his ultimately successful predecessors.

Some thoughts before the puck drops:

• A win tonight means the highest monthly point total of the season, 20 for January. NJ compiled 19 points in the standings in December.
• After Thursday’s 4-3 win in Boston, the Devs are 11-3 in overtime this year, and continue to be regulation-loss free when having a lead going into the third period (23-0-1).
• Brian Gionta has not scored since the last Gio Tracker update, but he has assisted on several key goals during the streak. Consider it additional support to my thesis.
• New Jersey is 13-10 this season in back-to-back games (played on consecutive nights). Friday is the back end of the 12th occurrence this season. The  Devs are 7-5 in first games, 6-5 in second games, and has won both contests three times, the last being Jan. 16-17 at Columbus and at the Islanders. Those two games are part of the current winning streak.
• Pens instigator Eric Godard dropped gloves with Rangers pest Colton Orr three seconds into last night’s contest. It seemed to spark Pittsburgh (tonight’s opponent for the Devils). Will Godard try to instigate Clarkson or Rupp in a similar effort tonight? The Penguins are desperate for points to keep them in the playoff hunt.
• jjsmuggler on an ESPN board description of a Toronto defenseman, “(He) could play the whole game with eggs in his pants and not break any!” Thank goodness New Jersey won’t allow their defensemen to be namby pambys - physical presence is just as big of a component to the game as crisp passing and shot blocking; most of the time it goes unnoticed, but when it isn’t there your team just doesn’t have a chance.

A New Jersey victory tonight would ensure a wider margin ahead of the Rangers in the Atlantic Division, as well maintain the Devils number two slot in the Eastern Conference. To think this team was fighting for eighth place in November…

Until game time, I will have my hands submersed in a toilet tank. Could that be considered occupational/physical therapy for writer’s cramp?

Later, hockey fans.

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Keep your head up, Pando.

Jay Pandolfo is a scratch, a healthy one, for tonight’s game. This is the second tilt in a row where the man who has spent all 12 of his NHL seasons with the New Jersey Devils has taken a seat in favor of new-signee Brendan Shanahan and the younger, more physically intimidating Mike Rupp.

Pandolfo’s days of playing on scoring lines have been over for quite a while, but his skill on the penalty kill and his no-fear physicality were of significant importance to the Devils despite his lack of offensive output. He fits the Devils’ mold. Or, since they’re playing the Canadiens again tonight, I should say he fits the Devils’ mould. The team has let vets who no longer fit in exchange for younger players and smaller contracts. But Shanahan only fits one of those categories.

I still believe Pando has a spot on this team, in the locker room and in the quest for a fourth cup. His diminished role is sad for long time fans, but as Ben Folds once said, “I’m sorry, Mr. Jones, It’s time.”

…

Okay, Scott Stevens is here in Lou’s box. I think I would disintergrate if Stevens even looked at me. I shudder knowing i’m in the same building as him. He’s intimidating even in a suit.

The Canadiens travel well. They bring crazy-loyal fans in from all over. Last time they were here, a fan in a Max Pacioretty found his way into the press box, and began to yell loudly (probably about how crappy the seats are, but I digress). Pacioretty had been called up that day, and already someone was in a number 67 sweater, proudly drunk and roaring. Crazy loyal.

If I’m Scott Stevens, I’m patrolling the concourse during the intermissions, trying to make Montreal fans crap their French pants. But that’s just me.

***

The favorite watercooler discussion at the game is what’s going to happen before the trade deadline. Yes, there’s almost two months to go before the deadline, but you know Lou’s already scheming for the last cog in this playoff machine.

Here’s some things Lou may considering:

Age- By adding Shanny, the team’s average age bumped up to almost 31 years old. The goalies average 33 years between the three of them, and and the defensemen are 28.75 years old. The forwards range in age from Shanny at 40 to Zajacat 23. Could Lou be looking to add some young depth, especially since there are…

Three Goalies- Once Brodeurreturns in March, there will be three healthy goalies on the roster. All have proven to be successful (both Weekes and Brodeur are Cup-winners), and Marty will retain his rightful position of King of the Castle if his surgically repaired arm holds up. Both Weekes and Clemmensen are in the final years of their contracts (2 years and 1 year, respectively), and Clemmer may have played his way into trade value. Surely, neither Weekes nor Clemmensen are willing to be sent back down to Lowell, nor do they deserve to be. The Devils are not a team that keeps three goalies, so changes will be made.

Pattern- Lou’s generally looked for a defenseman at the trade deadline to bolster the roster. The current group is lacking a star, but works well as a group. Could New Jersey be looking to add a big-name defenseman to complete the team? And if they do, it is another game of who leaves?

Contracts- John Madden is in the final year of his contract. He’s in a similar situation as Pandolfo, losing scoring power but still an asset to the team. He may be trade bait, although no one around the Prudential Center is willing to admit that.

The Devils will be watching what the other teams in the Atlantic Division will be doing as the trade deadline nears. Pittsburgh just exchanged back up goalies, possibly clearing cap room for a blockbuster deal. And never count the Rangers out.

***

The Devils are honoring Brian Rolston for appearing in his 1,000th NHL game. Very cool. It’s great that Rolston achieved this with New Jersey, his original team. A crystal, a framed jersey and a painting. Very nice.

***

The Devils are starting their fourth line so Shanny can be announced to the home crowd. Nice touch. And things are getting chippy, early.

I’m not going to do a running blog tonight, partially because the last game I did it for was so dreadful. Until the intermission, enjoy the popcorn folks.

***

New Feature to “The Devils Made Me Do It”: The Gio Tracker

No, I’m not talking about the mini-SUV of the ’90s that came in shades of teal and magenta.

I’ve found a correlation between Devils wins and goals by Brian Gionta. In the 11 games that Gionta has scored in, the Devils have won 10 … and 10 straight. On the 6-game road trip the Devils just completed, Gionta scored at Vancouver, a 6-5 win.

So for the rest of the season, The Gio Tracker will follow the percentage of games won when Brian Gionta scores. Through 1/21/09: NJ winning percentage of 90.9%.

Gio Tracker

Once I learn how to edit WMA files, I promise clips will be shorter!

***

Alright, end of one. Devils up 1-0. I was curious to see if New Jersey would treat this as a letdown game: coming off of a successful road trip and the last game before the All-Star Break, they could have easily phoned it in. The only ones who seem to phone it in tonight are the fans - you could hear everything going on on the ice even from the nose-bleed press box.

Lets see if the faithful red can breathe some life into this place in the second.

***

Turns out it takes goals to rev up the crowd. Whoda Thunk? Zajac and Oduya had very nice goals, as well as some major hits from Clarkson. Clarkie has a two-game scoring streak, and has scored in 3 of the last 6 games. Between that and the Arizona Cardinals being in the Super Bowl, I’m pretty sure the Aztecs were right and the world is coming to an end shortly.

A 3-1 lead going into the third period  is like handing the Devils a victory. Now that I’ve said that, there’s a good chance that they’ll blow the lead. We shall see.

***

T-Minus about 45 minutes until I get to interview Brendan Shanahan for the first time. To say that I’m pumped is an understatement. This is one of those moments where supressing the fan inside of the reporter is going to be extremely difficult.

***

It’s pretty apparent that the NHL was serious in its desire to cut back fighting. Shanny, Clarkie and Holik have all had legit opportunities to defend the home ice but the refs have jumped in every time. It feels very unnatural to not let players that have been jawing all game to not get after one another. Not a good move by the NHL in my opinion.

***

The Devils have gone into defend mode. Not many scoring opportunities, a lot of line changes and almost a dump-and-chase strategy. Boring, but effective. With a 4-1 lead (Parise scored an unassisted goal, his 28th of the season), keeping the attack on would be gratuitous. Entertaining, but gratuitous.

***

With 6:40 and a 4-2 lead, I’m signing off. Check out www.nysportsday.com and www.nysportscene.com for the game article. I’ll have more from my interviews with Shanny and the guys posted this week. Next game I’ll be covering is Fri., Jan. 30 against the Penguins. Should be a good one.

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So Lou pulled the trigger and signed Brendan Shanahan (well, in thought if not on paper quite yet), just as the team was shipping out for a long road trip.

While Shanny and his three Cups are a welcome addition, the timing of the announcement seems unusual to me.

I’ve had a few days on the couch and some solid high-fever thinking time to start wondering what kind of message you send your locker room by signing Shanny right before a long road trip.

How about “Play well enough on this trip and we won’t send you to Lowell to make room on the roster for him,” or “I had to sign a guy who’s turning 40 in two weeks and hasn’t played all season to help our power play - how does that sound?’

Another thought is the two teams ahead of the Devils in the standings passed on him this season. New York (R) didn’t want him, Philly couldn’t afford him. I would hope their loss truly becomes New Jersey’s gain.

Whatever the message, hopefully Shanahan’s return to the Dirty Jerz can light the fire of a team that has been snuffed out here at the midway point.

The Devs are 2-1 so far on their road trip, squeaking out an ugly 5-3 win over Vancouver last night. The Canucks know a thing or two about losing a star goalie - Roberto Luongo has been out of the line up for almost as long as Marty, the result being a 9-12-3 stretch for Vancouver.

New Jersey has three more road games before coming home on Jan. 21. Thursday, they take on Columbus, Friday, the Islanders and Tuesday, the Devils visit Nashville. 

Montreal comes back to the Rock on the 21st. Last time, the Habs had fans fill half of the Prudential Center (or Centre, depending on which side of the border you’re reading this from).  Watch for a potential seventh “road” game at home, especially with the Dev’s poor Wednesday attendance record.

This is the rough part of the season. The best teams slog through January and February with winning records and minimal injuries. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s catching quite a glare off of Lord Stanley’s trophy.

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Welcome to The Devils Made Me Do It, a new blog about your New Jersey Devils. The goal of this blog is to supplement the game stories on www.nysportscene.com with inside info, special interviews, features and the occasional opinion from yours truly.

If you’re wondering what makes me so special as to write a blog about the Devs, basically, they’ve trusted me with a laminated press pass, and I intend to use it to its full advantage.

Tonight’s edition of The Devils Made Me Do It comes straight from the Prudential Center press box during the 1/8/09 game against the Atlanta Thrashers.

A few notes from tonight’s game:

At 5:28, Brian Rolston shoved away an Atlanta defender at the blue line and took the puck in all alone on Kari Lehtonen in goal. Lehtonen made a fabulous kick save on the left side of the net. Rolston has taken some flack for not scoring as many goals as his salary may warrant (injured or no), but this was a quality opportunity shut down by an even better save. You win some, you lose some.

Somewhere around 9 min. into the first period, and the best word to describe both teams is discombobulated. It’s ugly. Not like we didn’t expect it.

10:52: Clarkson gets into a scrum behind the opposition’s net. We shall see if this pumps up the team like most of his tussles do.

11:28: Clarkie’s tussle has inspired .. a full on fight at center ice with Chris Thorburn. Clarkie has landed some wallops on Thorburn, but Thorburn seems to have the jersey advantage.  I’ve just been informed that www.hockeyfights.com will replay and allow voting on hockey fights. I was not aware of this, but now I have a great new way to kill time and “research” for this blog. Already a successful venture.

By the way, I’m still really ticked off about that awful band taking the name “five for fighting.” It really almost ruins the mood of a good hockey fight. Almost. At least all they’ve done in the past three years is record that terrible Sears Christmas Wish commerical song.

13:50: Devils are on their first power play. To say the power play is abysmal might be offensive to the deep, dark abysses around the world. The Deils power play is terrible. And it is not showing any signs of improvement this evening,  It’s almost embarassing. Hopefully, the Devs don’t need special tems scoring tonight.

Tonight’s top Devils performer so far: The Jersey Devil Mascot. He’s been working it in the stands the whole first period, trying to get all 26 attending fans to cheer. I’m expecting him to suit up at forward like that Washington P.R. guy did in goal a few weeks ago. Really. If he can complete a tape-to-tape pass, I’d sign him in an instant if I’m Lou.

And as the puck drifts lazily down the ice, the first period ends. Thank goodness. This truly feels like a throw-away-game. Which it shouldn’t be. Any time you can earn two points, there should be some sort of fire under the tucas.

We will return shortly to “As the Zamboni Turns”…

 I hope, for the sake of the paying customers, that the second period is more entertaining. The Thrashers out-shot NJ 9-6 in the first. That could be the least telling stat. The Devils could have had plenty of other shots-on-goal, except they refused to complete a pass. Like David Klingler-style refusing to complete a pass.

I was just informed by Mike Smith from Center Ice that Zach Parise has not gone 3 games in a row without scoring a goal this season. I would hope tonight does not break that streak.

3:03 into the second, Atlanta just scored a goal. Clemmensen, who has just not looked good the past few nights, stopped a shot, but couldn’t keep track of it and it passed through his legs and in as he fell back into the net. 

7:22: Atlanta scored a power play goal off a Clarkie penalty. And I missed it (I can’t really say I’m disappointed). Has the Clemmensen mojo worn out? Asking a fan in the stands, I would believe the answer would be yes. For reference sake, Ilya Kovalchuk scored the goal.

8:4: Joseph Crabb of Atlanta just blew past the Devils’ defense, and the Clemmer made a decent save. There is hope.

9:30: The Devils’ team priest just walked past and said, “I’ve never seen them play this bad before.” That should tell you just about everything about tonight’s game. I’ve sure picked a winner of a game to start blogging about.

10:11: Mike Rupp just had a great scoring chance on is backhand. It was probably the best scoring chance the Devils have had since the beginning of the period. If Mike Rupp and the fourth line (hey, that’s a catchy band name) have your best scoring opportunity, your offense may be in trouble.

14:00: Boos rain down from all sides as Jim Slater took a beautiful centerpass from Thorburn, put the puck on the front of his stick and put it past Clemmensen. 3-0 Atlanta in the second. This would be a more accpetable score for a Braves or Falcons game, not a Thrashers game.

Brent Sutter is messing with the lines, as well he should. Parise, Rolston and Gionta were just out there together.  Elias, Zubus and Zajac formed another line. Missing out on all the fun is Captain Jamie Langenbrunner. Oh wait, he’s on the Medicaid Line with Pandolfo and Madden. Being banashed to an outer moon, Star Wars-style. This could be the “we have no hope left of scoring” line. Ugh. We are witnessing an Old Timers Game in the middle of a real game.

Mercifully, the second period had ended. The weird thing is, even though New Jersey is three goals down with only a period left, this game is still winnable.

If someone would just step up, like they had when the team had the string of injuries, no contest. I sort of want to hear what Coach Sutter has to say, but I definitely don’t think it would be reprintable.

Again, we take a short break , sponsored by these fine businesses.

Now in the third period, Kevin Weekes has replaced Scott Clemmensen in goal, and a rousing cheer comes from the 26 fans still in attendance. Wait, someone left because beer sales stopped - 25 fans still in attendance.

2:09 Weekes just let in the fourth Atlanta goal to Marty Reasoner. In honor of the Devils mailing in of this game, I will now abbreviate from here on out. Someone wake me if New Jersey does something exciting.

Langenbr. just hit the post on a power play shot.  By far the most exciting play of the game. The power play is effective, in that shots are being put on goal and the offense is being productive. But no goals so far. This is a four minute power play. If the Devils don’t score, I may dump my coffee over the ledge onto a poor, unsuspecting fan just for entertainment value. But then there would be only 24 fans left in atten. Or 24 dry fans, and one coffee-drenched fan.

And the Devils find a way to not score on a four-minute long penalty. This could be the ugliest game ever.

7:03: A full scale brawl after the whistle has quashed my need to dump my coffee for entertainment value. Mike Rupp landed some pretty serious blows to Eric Boulton’s back. Thank goodness for instigators. Not that I’m condoning violence… okay, I am. But we’ll package it as competativeness.

Have Mike Smith and I jinxed  Parise? We shall see. With 11:13 left to go, New Jersey now has a 5-on-3 advantage. Parise just had a decent shot from the right circle. It might’ve gone in had he one-timed it off the pass, but the hesitation allowed Lehtonen to catch up. But what do I know- I sit up here in my well-constructed press tower and criticize these guys who work really hard throughout an 82-game season…

Scratch that humble pie moment. Elias just picked up a two minute tripping penalty, creating a 4-on-4 instead of a man advantage for the Devils. I reinstate my right to criticize. And Bobby Holik is now heading to the penalty box. Fantastic. Three more people left - 22 fans left (no one drenched with coffee, though).

If anyone is still reading this, Kudos to you. I’m still writing merely for my own entertainment.

Weekes just made two saves, the first two since he let a goal in during his first three minutes of ice time.  Weekes is a really, really nice guy. He’s won a Cup. He does not deserve this absolute garbage time.

I’m going to wrap this up now, with 5:51 left to go, because even if the Devils score, it really won’t be worth the typing.

Check back later this week for updates and (hopefully) soundbites from the players while the team hits the road for almost 2-weeks.

Thanks for checking out all the cynicysm here at The Devils Made Me Do It.

Morning After Update:

Here at The Devils Made Me Do It, a little hindsight is always appreciated. I wondered as I made my way home if I was too harsh for a first blog effort. And then I recalled just how awful that game was, and how Brent Sutter said he felt sorry for those who paid to see it.

The only thing I feel bad about is that I want to be an ambassador for the sport. I want to praise its high moments and elevate the every day details that make hockey great. The problem is, the Devils-Thrashers game was just too bad to praise at all. I mean, when the team priest says it’s the worst he’s ever seen, you know it’s bad.

Indeed, Zach Parise’s stretch of scoring at least every two games has ended. I hope my press pass is not revoked for bringing up that statistic while the game was going on. Thanks again to my press box pal, Mike Smith from Center Ice, for relaying that amongst other tid bits of interesting info.

The Devils are on a six-game road trip until January 21. Between now and then, I will be posting game updates as well as some of the quotes I got Thursday night that didn’t make it into the www.nysportscene.com game story.

Until the next post, skate on friends.

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