The Devils newest acquisition, Ilya Kovalchuk, went four games without scoring a goal after being traded from the Atlanta Thrashers almost two weeks ago.
Tonight was his coming out party.
Kovalchuk scored the game winning goal in the third period, and the Devils defeated the Predators, 5-2.
Kovalchuk’s first goal as a Devil at 8:24 broke a 3-3 tie in the third period. Patrick Elias carried the puck up the side boards, bringing the defense with him. He sent a backhanded pass to streaking Kovalchuk, who carried the puck to the slot. Kovalchuk sent a wrist shot past the outstretched glove of Predators goalie Pekka Rinne for the goal.
After he scored, some Devils fans decided to throw their hats on the ice to celebrate the goal. Kovalchuk was named the first star of the game, and recorded two points and finished the game with a +3 rating.
The Devils began the scoring at 9:49 in the first period. Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner carried the puck into the Predator’s zone, where he skated around two Predators defenseman. He went into the slot and held the puck just below the goal line, drawing Rinne out of the goal. Langenbrunner then passed the puck to Travis Zajac, who tapped the puck into the empty net for his 19th goal of the season.
Zajac’s 19 goals is the second-highest goal output of his career. His career high is 20 goals, which he achieved last season.
After tying the game in the first period, the Predators took the lead 46 seconds into the second period. Predators right-winger Jordin Tootoo carried the puck over the blue line and used Devils defenseman Andy Greene to screen goalie Martin Brodeur. Tootoo let go a wrist shot from the point that beat Brodeur for his fourth goal of the season.
But the Devils responded with a goal of their own 1:14 later. Elias carried the puck over the blue line and blasted a slap shot from the point. The puck beat Rinne high for the game-tying goal. It’s Elias’ 11th of the season.
Then Kovalchuk took over.
After scoring the game-winner, Kovalchuk assisted on Parise’s powerplay goal at 13:08 in the third period. With Predators defenseman Dan Hamhuis in the box for tripping, Kovalchuk carried the puck down the side boards. He attempted to pass the puck to the front of the net, but the puck deflected off the skate of Predator’s defenseman Shea Webber. Parise picked up the loose puck in the slot and put a wrist shot past Rinne to give the Devils a two goal lead.
The victory was the Devils fifth in their last 16 games. The team plays the Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow in their final game before the Olympic break.
Game Notes:
The Devils powerplay is anemic as of late, going 3-28 over their last five contests (the team was 1-for-5 tonight). One of those missed chances was a two-man advantage, which the Devils are only 2-for-17 this season...Despite their second period goal, the Devils have still been outscored, 12-2, in the second period of their last six games...Kovalchuk's goal drought of six games (two with Atlanta, four with the Devils) was the second longest of his career. He had a nine-game scoreless streak with Atlanta in 2008.
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Langenbrunner's empty-net goal at 19:18 gave the Devils a three goal lead over the Predators, 5-2, tonight at the Prudential Center.
Langenbrunner caused a turnover at the blue line and easily flicked the puck into the empty net for his 15th goal of the season.
Parise's powerplay goal at 13:08 increased the Devils lead over the Predators, 4-2.
With Dan Hamhuis in the box for tripping, Kovalchuk carried the puck down the side boards. He tried to pass the puck to the front, but it deflected off of defenseman Shea Weber's skate. The puck slid into the slot, where Parise put a wrist shot past Rinne for his 27th goal of the season.
That was the first powerplay tally of the night for the Devils. They were 0-for-4 with the man advantage to that point.
Kovalchuk's goal at 8:24 of the period broke the tie.
Elias carried the puck up the side boards and sent a backhanded pass to a wide-open, streaking Kovalchuk. The Devils left-winger skated to the slot and sent a wrist shot past the outstretched glove of Rinne for his first goal as a Devil.
After he scored the goal, some fans decided to throw their hats on the ice to celebrate the goal.
This game would not be close if not for the play of Rinne. The Predators goalie has made some incredible saves tonight, and, even though the Devils missed a few opportunities, Rinne has had to stand on his head to keep his team in the game.
Devils coach Jacques Lemaire once again shifted his lines tonight. Patrick Elias is now centering a line with Kovalchuk and Langenbrunner. Dainius Zubrus moved up to the first line and is playing right wing with Parise and Zajac.
Kovalchuk almost had his first goal as a Devil with 22 seconds left in the second period. With the Devils in the zone, Elias carried the puck behind the goal line. He sent a pass to the front, but Kovalchuk couldn't put the puck past Rinne.
The Predators led the period in shots, 10-9. The Devils lead in total shots, 22-16.
Patrick Elias' goal at 2:30 in the second period tied the game, 2-2.
Elias received the puck at the blue line and took a slapshot from the point that beat Rinne high for his 11th goal of the season.
Jordin Tootoo's goal 46 seconds into the second period put the Predators ahead, 2-1.
The goal was a bad one by Brodeur. Tootoo skated in over the blue line and used a Devils defenseman to screen Brodeur high. He snuck the puck low on Brodeur for his fourth goal of the season.
The Devils have now been outscored, 12-1, in the second period in their last six games.
The Devils outshot the Predators, 13-6, in the first period.
Patrick Elias had a chance to give the Devils a lead late in the first. With 20 seconds left in the period, Elias found a way to slip behind the Predators defense. He received the puck at the blue line and moved in on a breakaway and carried the puck to the slot. He let go a wrist shot low, but Rinne blocked the puck with his pads for the stop.
Cal O'Reilly's powerplay goal at 18:30 of the first period tied the game.
Dan Hamhuis began the play at the point. Hamhuis sent a pass to Colin Wilson in the left circle, and he found O'Reilly in the slot with a perfect pass. O'Reilly's shot beat Brodeur high glove side, where it bounced off the crossbar and in for the goal.
It's O'Reilly's second goal of the season.
Parise had a golden opportunity to give the Devils a two-goal lead during a 5-on-3 powerplay chance. Langenbrunner sent the puck from the point to Parise in the right circle. Parise had an open net, but put the puck through the crease.
The Devils also seemed to be trying to get Ilya Kovalchuk set up for some shots during that powerplay. They moved the puck well, but it seemed they were trying to force it to him.
Travis Zajac's starting the scoring at 9:49 of the first period.
Jamie Langenbrunner carried the puck into the Predators zone, where he skated around three defensemen. He went into the slot and held the puck just below the goal line, bringing goalie Pekka Rinne out of the net. Langenbrunner sent a pass from behind the net to Zajac in front, who tapped the puck into the empty net for his 19th goal of the season.
The Devils are forcing the action of play early. They've placed a lot of pressure on the Predators forwards, causing several turnovers on the forecheck. They've also been driving to the net and getting off quick shots. At just over eight minutes into the first, the Devils lead the shot total, 7-1.
Tonight's game is the final home game for the Devils before the Olympic break. The team will play in Carolina tomorrow night, and their next home game will be March 10 against the Rangers.
Zach Parise will dress and play in tonight's game. The Devils left-winger missed the game Wednesday night against the Flyers with a stiff neck.
The Devils two recent call ups, Matt Corrente and Cory Murphy, will dress and play in tonight's game. Andrew Peters and Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond (placed on injured reserve today with an undisclosed injury) are the scratches tonight.
Here are the lineups from pre-game warmups (according to Tom Gulitti, Bergen Record reporter)
Zach Parise - Travis Zajac - Jamie Langenbrunner
Ilya Kovalchuk - Dainius Zubrus - Patrick Elias
Brian Rolston - Rob Niedermayer - Vladmir Zharkov
Rod Pelley - Dean McAmmond - Matt Corrente
Bryce Salvador - Andy Greene
Colin White - Mike Mottau
Mark Fraser - Cory Murphy
Martin Brodeur
Seems like every season that there is a large snow storm to hit NJ the day of a Devils game, it's a guarantee that the announcers that night will mention the famous game between the Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils back in 1987. 334 fans braved the weather and 20+ inches of snow to watch the Devils beat the Flames 7-5.Can you imagine a rink with only 334 fans watching the game? The stadium seemed empty last night and there were of 5,000 that showed up.
AGAIN!!?? The Devils had yet another 2 goal lead on the Flyers and yet again blew it and lost the game 3-2. Luckily, they managed to squeeze out a point in this game before allowing the Flyers to win in OT. With the point, the Devils stay 1 point ahead of Pittsburgh for the division lead but that's really secondary at this point. I, like most fans are unhappy, frustrated and upset with this team at the moment. As I said the other day, I am looking forward to the Olympic Break because I am hoping it gives the Devils some time to regroup, well the ones not making the trip to Vancouver.
So news came down about 10 mins before the game that Parise was out with an upper body injury. It came out after the game that it wasn't anything serious and Parise expects to be in the game on Friday night. Searching the Internet it seems Team USA isn't worried about Parise at all, so I guess I shouldn't be either. Bryce Salvador left the game with a little over 5 minutes remaining in the first period after getting clipped with a high stick near the eye. Lemaire made it sound like he didn’t think Salvador’s injury was something that will keep him out for long.
The Devils got on the board early, 45 seconds in to be exact as Zajac took what looked to be a routine shot but trickled through the legs of Leighton and slowly crossed the goal line. Rob Niedermayer made it 2-0 at 8:01 when he threw a spinaround backhand in front from the bottom of the right circle that went off Leighton’s left pad and then deflected in off defenseman Kimmo Timonen’s left leg. Ex-Devil Arron Ahsam answered right back and cut the lead in half. Scott Hartnell nearly tied the game with a power play goal that had to be reviewed. I personally think it was over the line but there were no specific camera angles to prove it. Jeff Carter, who's been a Devils killer this week, tied the game at 2 in the second with a perfectly place wrist shot from the left side. Simone Gagne won the game in OT with a wrist shot from the slot as, who else, Jeff Carter created a screen in front of Marty.
The Devils were 0-3 on the powerplay and never looked very comfortable being on it. I felt throughout the game the Devils seemed to have this "get Ilya the puck at all costs" mentality and it isn't working. He's not scoring so he's getting frustrated. He's not scoring so the fans are getting frustrated. Actually, when we talk about offense and having the puck, I thought both teams were horrible at it. Passing once again proves to be a problem for the Devils.
I also think the Devils got beaten physically. I look at the Devils and think this team is really soft. Maybe that will change when Clarkson comes back and with Salvador out last night, that only increased the Devils softness. Good on Elias for hitting Gagne after the whistle. The Devils need to do more of that, stir things up a bit. I mean Carter has killed them this week and no one really put a body on him.
As always, here are the highlights if you missed the game:
The Matchup: TheNew Jersey Devils (36-20-2) at the Philadelphia Flyers (29-25-3). This is the fifth of six meetings this season and the second time they meet this week.
The Last Devils Games, The Last Flyers Game and The Last Devils/Flyers Game: The Devils seemed to be in control of this game early but as recent performances have taught us, don't count on the Devils getting through the second period without giving up at least two goals. That's exactly what they did and then let up a disgusting goal in the third to give the Flyers a 3-2 victory. Devils had 7 power play oppurtunities and only scored on the first one. Did you know the Devils have 37 PP goals in 199 Power Play oppurtunities? Horrible!!
Tonight's Game: Put together an effort that lasts the entire 60 mins. I shouldn't have to write that but I can't remember the last time I walked away from a game and thought NJ played every minute of every shift. If the Devils find themselves up a few goals, don't sit back on the lead. Put together a solid effort in the second period and stop letting teams score multiple goals in short time periods. The important thing to avoid are those drops in intensity that seem to be destroying our momentum.
The Flyers are the most penalized team in the league so you are going to be getting some chances on the PP. I thought the Devils struggled on setting up in the zone while on the PP and did too much chasing of the puck. Hopefully that changes tonight. They have a tremendous QB for the PP now and we need to find him some scoring lanes.
As for Kovalchuk, tonight's the night. Everything I've read, this guy wants to contribute to this team and he will. I am sure he's frustrated by not scoring and gripping the stick to tightly. I have a feeling he'll relax a bit tonight and find some twine.
As for the lines, I thought the Devils had some good things going at times the othernight but Salmela isn't going to be able to dress for the Devils.
Zach Parise - Travis Zajac - Jamie Langenbrunner
Ilya Kovalchuk - Dainius Zubrus - Patrik Elias
Jay Pandolfo - Rob Niedermayer - Brian Rolston
Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond - Dean McAmmond - Vladimir Zharkov
Andy Greene - Bryce Salvador
Colin White - Mike Mottau
Rob Davison - Mark Fraser
Martin Brodeur
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It doesn't take a genius to figure out that the protective gear guys are wearing today go above and beyond that. It’s a double-edged sword because the equipment can protect the players but now the way it's designed can cause serious injuries to players and is doing so at an alarming rate. The plastic used in this equipment is extremely hard. Go search Google Images for "hockey shoulder pads" and go see what the pads that players are wearing today look like. It honestly looks like Armor.Just to clarify, I am not talking about the shin guards that are being worn because to block a 90 mph puck, a player has to have that type of protection. Plus, we aren't checking guys with our legs. It's the upper body equipment that I am speaking of.
The NHL has gone to some lengths to try and regulate they equipment being used. Look up Section 3, Rule 12.3 and you will find: All elbow pads which do not have a soft protective outer covering of sponge rubber or similar material at least one-half inch (1/2'') thick shall be considered dangerous equipment. Too bad this isn't enough to actually keep guys from getting injured.
Look at the Jeff Carter / Annsi Salmela hit from last night's Flyers/Devils game. I have a problem with how the hit was delivered as Carter came from behind Salmela but honestly believe that if the equipment Carter was wearing was a made differently, injury may have been avoided on this play.
If everybody wore the old school shoulder pads of our hockey forefathers, yes there might be a few more shoulder injuries, but on a positive note, there would also be less concussions. Is it likely that hockey players will go back to the hockey shoulder pads of old? Probably not but with the technology that exists in todays world, I am sure somebody can manufacture equipment that is light in weight and protects the player just as well without risking the safety of the guy taking the hit.
Sure, you could make an argument that hockey players should realize that they do have a responsibility to try and check opposing players without making direct contact with the head. But it is also important to realize that this is an extremely fast game and all hockey players are different sizes and completely eliminating hits to the head is next to impossible. This is why I believe this issue rests more of the guys making the equipment than the guys wearing the equipment.
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I think at this point, I am certainly looking forward to the Olympic break. I am hoping that for most of the Devils, this will be a chance to go home, take a breather and come back more focused on the tasks at hand. I don't get this team lately. We've brought an extremely talented snipper named Ilya Kovalchuk to the Devils and so far, it hasn't made an ounce of difference. I don't blame him, I can't blame him. Have you seen him play? Have you seen what he's capable of? Kovy had 24 mins of ice time and 9 shots on goal last night, other than actually scoring a goal, which will come, believe me they will come, what more can you ask him to do?I actually thought this game was going to be different. The Devils got on the board first with a Zack Parise Powerplay goal that made Pronger look dumb. The Devils kept the pressure on and eventually got a second goal on the board when Anssi Salmela drove hard to the net. On that play, Jeff Carter put a shoulder hit on Salmela sending him to the ice very hard. He would end up leaving the ice on a stretcher but was later to be said up and walking. (I'll get more into that hit in a later post).
Once that happened, the Devils seemed to sit back. I'm not sure if it was the fact of being up 2-0 that made the Devils feel they could stop playing or maybe it was being down 1 D-man that really changed this game. Whatever it was, the Flyers took control of this game.
I'm sick of these game where the opposition scores and then seems to immediately score again. It happened in MSG on Saturday night and it happened again last night. In fact this is the fourth game in a row where the Devils gave up multiple goals in the second period. It looked as if the Devils might survive the injury and the second period up 2-0 but then James van Reimsdyk fired a nice shot past Marty. A few mins later, Pronger gathered a rebound and found Hartnell in the neutral zone with perfect pass. Mottau got himself committed to Hartnell and didn't pick up Carter sneaking into the zone and stayed in the middle of the ice allowing Hartnell to easily feed Carter who had a wide open net to fire it into. Didn't hurt that he's a right handed shot flying up the left side of the ice.
On the third and final goal, Mottau left his feet which allowed Timonen to setup behind the net. Mottau did get up but was beaten easily by Timonen pass which found Richards parked in front of the net...ALL ALONE.
There were a lot of breakdowns in this game. The Powerplay was awful even though they scored one. The Devils had so much trouble getting anything setup and how many times did Kovalchuk want to slap a one-timer and the pass to him was off?
This game was extremely frustrating and guess what, we get to do it all over again tomorrow night. no comments
I think at this point, I am certainly looking forward to the Olympic break. I am hoping that for most of the Devils, this will be a chance to go home, take a breather and come back more focused on the tasks at hand. I don't get this team lately. We've brought an extremely talented snipper named Ilya Kovalchuk to the Devils and so far, it hasn't made an ounce of difference. I don't blame him, I can't blame him. Have you seen him play? Have you seen what he's capable of? Kovy had 24 mins of ice time and 9 shots on goal last night, other than actually scoring a goal, which will come, believe me they will come, what more can you ask him to do?
I actually thought this game was going to be different. The Devils got on the board first with a Zack Parise Powerplay goal that made Pronger look dumb. The Devils kept the pressure on and eventually got a second goal on the board when Anssi Salmela drove hard to the net. On that play, Jeff Carter put a shoulder hit on Salmela sending him to the ice very hard. He would end up leaving the ice on a stretcher but was later to be said up and walking. (I'll get more into that hit in a later post).
Once that happened, the Devils seemed to sit back. I'm not sure if it was the fact of being up 2-0 that made the Devils feel they could stop playing or maybe it was being down 1 D-man that really changed this game. Whatever it was, the Flyers took control of this game.
I'm sick of these game where the opposition scores and then seems to immediately score again. It happened in MSG on Saturday night and it happened again last night. In fact this is the fourth game in a row where the Devils gave up multiple goals in the second period. It looked as if the Devils might survive the injury and the second period up 2-0 but then James van Reimsdyk fired a nice shot past Marty. A few mins later, Pronger gathered a rebound and found Hartnell in the neutral zone with perfect pass. Mottau got himself committed to Hartnell and didn't pick up Carter sneaking into the zone and stayed in the middle of the ice allowing Hartnell to easily feed Carter who had a wide open net to fire it into. Didn't hurt that he's a right handed shot flying up the left side of the ice.
On the third and final goal, Mottau left his feet which allowed Timonen to setup behind the net. Mottau did get up but was beaten easily by Timonen pass which found Richards parked in front of the net...ALL ALONE.
There were a lot of breakdowns in this game. The Powerplay was awful even though they scored one. The Devils had so much trouble getting anything setup and how many times did Kovalchuk want to slap a one-timer and the pass to him was off?
This game was extremely frustrating and guess what, we get to do it all over again tomorrow night. As always, if you missed the game, here are the highlights.
