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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