Battle Of Hudson

So far this Devils season has defied belief – in more ways than one. On the plus side, the Devils continued to dominate the defending Stanley Cup champions this season, winning their fourth straight over the Pens at the Rock with a 2-0 shutout – Martin Brodeur‘s second shutout of Pittsburgh inside a week. New Jersey’s win put them in first place in the NHL once again, and the shutout nosed them below Chicago for the league’s lowest GAA. Coincidentally the Devils play the Blackhawks and old friend John Madden tomorrow night in a New Years’ Eve special.

Pretty much the only real negative of this season has been the injury bugaboo. Whatever virus afflicted my Mets last season now seems to have spread to the Devils. It’s even getting to the point where I’m questioning the medical staff a little. Normally the Devils don’t rush guys back after all, in fact they usually hold players out of the lineup for more than the stated injury time. However David Clarkson was a quick healer, coming back to the lineup on the low end of the 4-6 week timeframe for his injured right fibula.

Perhaps the Devils should have held Clarkson out just a little longer since in his second game back tonight, he re-injured that right leg and is now out for the immediate future, along with defenseman Bryce Salvador who won’t make the trip to Chicago after being injured Monday night. Paul Martin‘s odd faulty healing arm which is keeping him out another month only makes me shake my head more at the injury luck we’ve had so far.

Aside from the Devils’ hospital bill though, things are all warmth and sunshine around Newark these days. Well, aside from the actual weather which was at least milder than yesterday. Incredibly, the Devils have already won the season series against the defending champs, with just two games left to play – both of them at home after the Olympic hiatus. During these four games of domaination, the Devils have outscored Pittsburgh 14-2, shut down their vaunted power play all thirteen times they’ve been put on the PK and have gotten two consecutive 30+ save shutouts from Brodeur.

Although I figured tonight’s game against the Pens would be harder than the first three in Pittsburgh, I don’t think anyone could have guessed that Nicklas Bergfors‘ goal 1:48 into the game on the Devils’ first shot would stand up as the game-winner and the only goal that would beat either goaltender all night. At first glance it looked as if Brent Johnson just whiffed on a seemingly harmless shot from the boards by Bergfors on a bad angle, but it could have been tipped by defenseman Mark Eaton. I haven’t had a good look at a replay but whatever the case, Bergfors is fast becoming a Penguin-killer with four goals and three assists in four games this season. Andy Greene and Travis Zajac assisted on Bergfors’ thirteenth of the season, which gave the Devils a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

There would be a hint of drama early on when Zach Parise dared to check His Highness Sidney Crosby into the boards and a frustrated Crosby took a slash at Parise, which led to some words between the two star players. Not to mention a funny postgame interview with Stan Fischler where he intimated that Crosby’s been jealous of Parise since their first NHL game (one that Parise dominated at the CAA and led to chants of ‘Zach’s Better!’) and kidded Parise that he was better looking than the Pens’ captain. Zach politely agreed with the latter then just realized what he did and laughed the comment off.

I had my own drama early in the second period when I had to do something I never do, leave my seat during play as I was hacking myself to death due to mucus that hasn’t quite left yet since my earlier bout with the flu this month. Other than the fact I’ve been off IR for a couple weeks I’ve been fighting it all month between a sinus infection and red eye and a cough that likes to randomly show up when I’m at Devils games (once during the national anthem). When I returned I saw the Pens had piled up several shots on Brodeur already, but clearly by this time he was keeping the Devils in front.

Maybe I was too busy focusing on our increasingly vulnerable defense or my own issues but I didn’t notice Clarkson had left the ice until the sth who sits next to me asked about the Devils’ winger. Of course I didn’t notice Salvador’s injury Monday either, I really should start spending time counting the players on the ice every five minutes since that seems to be how long it takes for someone else to go down.

One of our earlier season injuries happened when Mike Rupp checked Jay Pandolfo into the boards in Pittsburgh, prompting his former teammates to cry foul. While I didn’t think the hit was that dirty, there was no defending Rupp on a slash of Brodeur midway through the second. On the one hand I wish we’d seen this agression more frequently when Rupp was here but on the other I really wouldn’t condone it anyway. Rupp and Brian Rolston wound up with matching minor penalties in the ensuing scrum, with Rupp being restrained by the ref from going after either Rolston or another Devil.

None of the histrionics could overshadow the game however, which evoked shades of Brodeur’s duel with Cam Ward in Game 5 of the playoffs last year. While it wasn’t quite that intense in terms of shots on net or game meaning, it certainly rated high for a regular season game. Clearly Brodeur was making all the saves needed but so was Johnson, who saved some of his best for the third period. Actually, his best friend the crossbar stopped Parise on a two-on-one but Johnson later robbed Zajac with the glove on what looked like a sure goal.

Seconds turned into minutes in the third, but the Devils wasted a golden opportunity to put the game away when back-to-back penalties by Chris Kunitz and Crosby gave the Devils a thirty-second two-man advantage and consecutive power plays. However, the Devils’ PP turned into the power kill tonight with too much passing and not enough hitting the net with shots. In fact, Johnny Oduya conceded a great chance when his lazy turnover led to Evgeni Malkin charging in on a two-on-one but Brodeur made another sharp save.

Finally the game came down to the last eighty-six seconds. Why eighty-six? Well, after the Devils amazingly had a 4-0 edge in power play chances for most of the game, the Penguins finally got one of their own at that point, and with the goaltender pulled it was a virtual six-on-four. Even now however, Brodeur would frustrate the Pens and give credit where it’s due – the maligned old man checking line did well when it mattered tonight, with Jay Pandolfo coming up with an important block that cleared the zone and Rob Niedermayer springing Jamie Langenbrunner for a breakaway on the empty net and the captain beat a dead-tired Malkin to score his ninth of the season and seal it with just twelve seconds remaining.

While I’ve been on record as showing concern for a checking line full of 35-year olds or having Colin White and Mike Mottau paired, at least for one night against an offensive powerhouse they all did the job. Backstopped by the all-time leader in shutouts of course. At least now every shutout at home is a record-breaker. Sure, Brodeur’s breaking his own record at this point instead of Terry Sawchuk‘s but hey, history is history.

Notes: With the Olympics drawing closer, some Devils already know they’re going. While Bergfors couldn’t quite attain eligibility for the Swedish team, teammate Oduya did make it. In the biggest formality possible Brodeur made the Canadian team. Also, not surprisingly Patrik Elias made the Czech team although his being named captain was a nice honor, especially for one of my faves. Hopefully this time around he’ll be able to enjoy the Olympic experience for more than a few minutes. Then again, seems that the most danger one has of being out of the lineup is to put on the red and white of the Devils.

BoNY Three Stars:

1. Martin Brodeur (32 saves, 105th career SO)
2. Nicklas Bergfors (goal, +1 and 4 SOG with 19:51 TOI)
3. Brent Johnson (31/32 saves)

Fire everyone! I don’t care anymore. Funny enough, I voiced my displeasure about this team on our fantasy hockey site, stating hard cold facts about why it sucks to be a Ranger fan. Read if you like. There’s no sense in rehashing. Though it was ironic that after a meal at the Play By Play with a buddy, I noticed Slats walking downstairs. Michael asked me why I didn’t say anything and I replied:

“I have nothing good to say.“

Sometimes, no words speak volumes. I don’t have much to say about tonight’s 6-0 disgrace to the Flyers. It speaks for itself. How bad was it? Aside from allowing them to do whatever they wanted (Gagne hat trick, Leighton SHO), the lack of effort was so putrid fans started filing out after the first. I decided I wanted to stay to see what would happen. So, when Chad Johnson was thrown to the wolves by Tort, I was already second guessing the move when Brandon Dubinsky made one of the laziest plays ever, allowing Gagne to come in and beat the poor kid just 23 seconds into his first NHL action on you guessed it. His first shot.

This was no time to put such an inexperienced goalie in there. Henrik Lundqvist was hardly at fault for what transpired in a three-goal Flyer first. Even if he probably could’ve had Danny Briere’s goal which made it 2-zip. The first one couldn’t have happened to a better guy with Blair Betts returning to MSG where he helped bring respectability back to our franchise. And there was the hard working fourth line PK guy putting home a backhand off a weird bounce which Marc Staal– abysmal all night- totally misplayed. Could care less that it came on the enemy as I cheered. That must’ve felt sweet.

It would be so easy to use every word imaginative to describe how dead our guys looked. Dubinsky and Staal were brutal. That’s supposed to be two of our better guys. Even the Great Gabby suffered. Avery did fight that punk Hartnell but whatever. This was so embarrassing, I headed downstairs after Gagne’s second that made it 5-0.

I briefly went into Borders where we’d met Theo Fleury a while back when things were tolerable. How could they not bother to show against a bitter rival following the Islander disappointment? I’ve seen this before. Every Ranger fan has as part of the worst decade in like ever. There were so many two bit scrubs on those rosters, it’s mind boggling. Did it actually happen? I don’t know how we put up with it. Guess we’re all suckers. No wonder we have gotten rid of so many games this year. You have to at least get some money back.

The lone highlight was talking with four Czechs who were in The Big Apple a third time, finally at their first Ranger game. Boy, you should’ve seen the looks as this disaster unfolded. I did interview one and will try to have it up at some point. Good stuff too. There also was some pretty gal too in front of me with her lame boyfriend. I bet it was her first game. She at least had beer. This team will drive ya to drink. It’s costing between 8.25 and 9.50. I at least had my 9.00 Heineken purchased after I bought the pregame meal.

When we got home basically as the game ended after Gagne completed his natural trick, it said everything. I can’t ever recall leaving that early. My brother wanted to go home after the first. There’s nothing else. I said on Twitter last night I was sick of this team and wanted to adopt another team the rest of the season. Of course, nobody in our conference.

I’m leaning towards Rangers West the Coyotes because of Prucha, who btw scored his eighth in last night’s shootout win won by Korpedo. Phoenix is the polar opposite of us because they put out maximum effort and are out to prove a point. It reminds me of us following the lockout when we were picked dead last and then Jagr guaranteed the playoffs. Renney also restored an identity. That us against the world mentality where everyone rallies can be quite a motivator. Look what’s happening in the Desert. Also, Dave Tippet’s a good coach and Shane Doan is the most overlooked star in the league. A Flyer fan told me he regretted trading Upshall for Carcillo. Haha. They really do play hard and it would be a great story if they got in.

Awwwwwwwwwwwwooooooooooo!!!!!! Werewolfs of London! Howwwwwwwwwlllllll!!!!!

If you haven’t watched the WJC, it’s not too late. The games are about to get better. USA plays Canada on New Year’s Eve at 8. So, both killed the comp again yesterday with the Americans handing poor Latvia a 12-1 beat down while the host Canadians hammered Slovakia 8-2 in Taylor Hall’s coming out party (hat trick).

Can anyone stop Canada? Their roster is like all All-Stars from Ryan Ellis to Jordan Eberle to Alex Pietrangelo to Nazem Kadri to Brayden Schenn to Patrice Cormier to Gabriel Bourque to Brandon McMillan to Colten Teubert to Jared Cowen to Brandon Kozun to Jake Allen. Did we mention Hall now is up to seven points? Yikes. And sadly, they didn’t select other potential top pick Taylor Sequin. Scary.

In USA’s predictable 11-goal rout, Ranger prospects Derek Stepan and Chris Kreider continued to turn heads with the American captain scoring twice and setting up two others while the Blueshirts’ 2009 No.1 pick netted a hat trick, finishing it off in style on a penalty shot (wrister shortside). Just how good are they? Let’s see how each does against the best tomorrow night in Saskatoon. Btw…Canada donned green jerseys in tribute to Sask and Robyn Regehr’s wife presented the Star Of The Game. Damn. She’s hot! Let’s just say the Calgary defenseman is a lucky man.

Who else starred yesterday? Jersey product Kyle Palmieri (Ana) had four assists. Danny Kristo (Mtl) had a pair of goals as did Jason Zucker. Jeremy Morin had a goal and assist while Jordan Schroeder (Van) tallied two helpers along with Jake Gardiner, Philip McRae, Brian Lashoff and John Ramage. Okay. You get the point.

In the one competitive game, a more experienced Sweden handled Russia 4-1. Magnus Paajarvi Svensson (Tor) netted a goal and two assists while Andre Petersson notched two markers including a rocket thru a screen that restored a two-goal lead after Islander property Kiril Petrov converted a breakaway (forehand, far side). Daniel Brodin took full advantage of a sloppy turnover, beating Igor Bobkov with 14 and a half left for the final margin. Despite Russia holding a slight edge in shots (37-32), the Swedes were the much better team, playing better defense while also attacking more effectively. Though they each were kept off the board, Devil products Mattias Tedenby and Jacob Josefson were superb cycling the puck well and generating chances. Especially the small but speedy Tedenby, who ironically donned No.9 reminding of another current Devil. So, plenty to like there.

Also standing out was defenseman Oliver-Ekman Larsson, whose superb outlets led to half the Swede output. The prettiest of which was Petersson’s second off a sweet one-touch drop pass from Svensson that was started by Larsson. The Russians had ample opportunities to tie after captain Nikita Filatov (CBJ) setup Petrov with the best coming off the stick of 17 year-old Yevgeni Kuznetsov, which Jacob Markstrom (Fla) calmly tucked away for one of his 36 saves. The Swede D played Filatov physical trying to take him out of the game. But he did get involved with the assist and also a couple of other chances, finishing with an assist, four SOG and plus-one.

Also impressing us were Vyacheslav Kulemin and Vladimir Tarashenko up front along with blueliners Maxim Chudinov and Dmitri Orlov. A shame that Evgeny Grachev isn’t getting to experience this great tournament, instead learning on the ropes at Hartford.

In the early game, the Czechs rolled over Austria 7-1 to get their first win. Vladimir Roth had four points (1-3-4) while Tomas Kubalik and Andrej Nestrasil each had a goal and two assists. Robert Kouzal added a goal and helper. Later today, Finland takes on Austria and the Swiss battle Latvia for a chance to pickup a victory. We’re keeping an eye on New Year’s with not only the USA/Canada clash but Swe/Fin and Cze/Rus with Switzerland taking on Slovakia and star Tomas Tatar (Det).

The competition should get better. So, if you want to catch some of the future, check it all out on NHL Network in The States.

It was precisely a moment like this that the Islanders got Rob Schremp for. Scoreless through two rounds of the shootout, the man a million tricks in his magic bag skated from the red line, making a zillion moves before curling and dragging to wire a perfect forehand beyond Steve Mason’s outstretched pads.Dwayne Roloson, who was quite busy making 41 saves, had to stop one more shooter. After staying with Rick Nash, he did the same forcing ex-Ranger Fedor Tyutin out of real estate and wide, giving the hosts the final home win of the decade in front of an excited Coliseum.

Islanders 2 Blue Jackets 1

It was the third win in four for the Isles, helping offset an unlucky 13th consecutive defeat to the Flyers.  Despite being outshot 42-25, Scott Gordon’s club came out with the ‘W’, improving to 16-18-7 for 39 points. At exactly the halfway point, they’re in a three-way tie for 10th just a point behind Atlanta and the Rangers for the final playoff spot while Montreal is seventh only two points up. Not bad position for a rebuilding club no one gave a chance. Unless you count Stan Fischler. Hey. We know him quite well and he always sees the glass half full. If you’re the eternal optimist, you can argue why not based on the fact prize rookie John Tavares was held off the score sheet again, scoring once over the past 10.

The poor stretch by the Isles hasn’t cost them due to how much parity there is. If JT91 and Kyle Okposo (assist) get untracked along with Mark Streit (0 G in last 21), why not? As long as Rollie keeps them in games, you never know. When asked to assess the first half, the durable 40 year-old netminder didn’t hesitate to say he feels they can aim higher than the eighth seed, going as far as five or six. It’s probably unrealistic but making the playoffs no longer is. And wouldn’t that be great to achieve? In an Olympic Year, there’s still a long way to go. When does Rick DiPietro return? He could be headed for another rehab stint in Bridgeport before the organization reassesses. As long as Roloson and Martin Biron play adequately, there’s no reason to rush DP back.

As for the game, they’ll take it. The Jackets were coming off a superb effort in a 1-0 OT shutout of Detroit after acquiring Milan Jurcina and Chris Clark from the Caps for Jason Chimera. Both new Jackets debuted, contributing to another solid effort like the one that snapped a nine-game skid. Despite controlling the first with an excellent attack that forced Roloson to make saves from in tight, they fell behind when Steve Mason lost sight of Okposo’s 40-footer with the puck caroming high in the air behind him where Josh Bailey finished off his eighth at 10:04. Originally, it was credited to Okposo but later changed to Bailey from Kyle and Andy Sutton, who’s played inspired this year.

Despite being doubled up in SOG (14-7), they led after one. The second was similar with the offensively challenged Jackets trying desperately to break the Roloson wall, eerily reminding us of the Rangers. Hey. We can’t score either and Rollie has played great against us. Ken Hitchcock’s club again registered 14 shots but still hadn’t beaten him. They led 28-15 but not on the scoreboard.

It didn’t deter them from coming hard where finally, they got the equalizer thanks to a bit of luck. Off a great Rick Nash keep at the left blueline, the puck trickled right to R.J. Umburger, who made a quick move around the net and sent an innocent looking backhand wrap towards the net that might’ve deflected off someone past a surprised Roloson. As legendary Jiggs McDonald stated on MSG-Plus, “Just like that, we’re tied.” Umberger’s ninth marker in the last 20 came from Nash and Tyutin, tying it 1-1 with 10:13 remaining.

Each club had power play opportunities to surge ahead but couldn’t cash it in, including a late Islander one with 1:42 left after Freddy Modin foolishly tossed the puck into the stands. How Team Sweden chose him over an irked Mikael Samuelsson is beyond us. Even if he did score the lone goal Monday, he’s not better than Sammy, who ripped his own country that also stuck Peter Forsberg on when he hasn’t played in a big game in forever.

The game went to OT where the BJ’s killed the remainder. In it, the Islanders got some good chances, forcing Mason to make five saves. That excluded a couple of posts including one from Tavares and another off the stick of Bailey late. It would go to the skill competition. Both goalies were strong with Mason and Roloson denying the first four shooters. That’s when Schremp stepped out and put on a great stickhandling display before beating Mason, who never had a chance. Roloson then denied Tyutin, who actually was 2-for-5 entering, to seal the win in front of hockey legend Gordie Howe, who was in the building a night after watching the Devils defeat Atlanta at The Rock. Perhaps he also was on hand for the new Danbury Whalers earlier yesterday.

In any event, he saw an Islander win. Will he also be at The Garden later tonight for Flyers/Rangers? Or are we not worthy?

3rd Star-Rob Schremp, NYI (SO winner, 2 hits, 3 takeaways, 9-3 draws in 19 shifts-16:26)
2nd Star-Dwayne Roloson, NYI (41 saves incl.28/28 thru 40, 3/3 in shootout)
1st Star-Josh Bailey, NYI (goal, 3 SOG, 2-2 draws, +1 in 15:39)

Sometimes, there are those games which define you. For this year’s Sabres, that came tonight versus the defending champs at HSBC. They fell behind three with the skilled Pens chasing probable USA starter Ryan Miller. However, it didn’t matter thanks to Drew Stafford and Patrick Lalime, who sparked a great emotional comeback for a 4-3 win, finishing off the 2009 with a bang.

This was quite a statement by Lindy Ruff’s club, who rebounded from a miserable first that saw them outshot 10-4, falling behind by two thanks to goals from Jordan Staal and Bill Guerin. Early in the second, it didn’t get any better when Chris Kunitz scored his sixth from Sidney Crosby and Pascal Dupuis only 88 seconds in putting Buffalo in a three-goal hole. At that point, Miller’s night was done. He permitted three on 11 shots as Lalime replaced him. Following an AHL stint, the veteran who once took the Sens within a game of the Cup Final has been better since, winning two of three starts while nearly backstopping the Sabres past the same Penguins 10 days ago in a 2-1 gimmick loss. Here was a chance for redemption but he needed some support and got it from Stafford.

A healthy scratch at St. Louis, the third-year winger responded by ending a 15-game goal drought, tallying twice in a 2:09 span to get Buffalo back in it. The first came via a momentum shifting penalty shot, which was delayed in itself, due to a lengthy Toronto review on whether he scored previously on Marc-Andre Fleury. While they took time deciding the puck wasn’t in, Stafford skated back and forth like a figure skater as comically described by legendary tandem Rick Jeanneret and Harry Neale. When the big moment finally came, he didn’t waste any time, quickly beating Fleury five-hole to put the Sabres on the board at 12:46. Apparently, teammate Chris Butler knew where he was going and informed bench reporter Rob Ray, who was only too pleased to tell the audience after the big goal.

Suddenly alive, the Sabres took the play to the Pens, drawing even closer when Stafford got his second consecutive goal from Clarke MacArthur and Tim Kennedy, cutting it to 3-2 with 5:05 left in the stanza. While Stafford was taking care of the offense, Lalime was keeping the Pens at bay turning aside all 18 shots in a more active second that saw the clubs combine for 34 shots (Pit-19, Buf-15).

Down just one, Buffalo came all the way back thanks to a great rush by Stafford which resulted in a goal. Taking a pass from MacArthur, he flew down the right wing skating around Pen defenders before wisely flipping a feed across which Paul Gaustad buried with a backhand, tying the score with 12:32 remaining. Following a couple of key Lalime saves, Craig Adams got nabbed for boarding in the offensive zone, handing the hosts a power play. It took only 50 seconds for them to capitalize when Jason Pominville came out into the slot and wired a shot top shelf for his 10th. Tim Connolly and rookie Tyler Myers netted assists.

Now ahead, the Sabres played tactically against a dangerous opponent who tried to turn it on. The Pens buzzed on one shift with two and a half left but couldn’t beat Lalime despite great pressure from Crosby and Co. Despite outshooting Buffalo 9-5 (38-24 overall), they didn’t get anymore glorious opportunities with perhaps the best a Kris Letang shot which sailed wide with over two minutes to go. With Fleury pulled for an extra and both Sid The Kid and Evgeny Malkin out searching for the equalizer, the Sabres stood up to them with Gaustad taking Staal off the ice for matching slashes with 26 ticks left. No play further illustrated this than Myers clean takeout of Geno during a puck battle behind his own net with over 10 secs remaining. The kind of physical play that garners attention. One of our good buddies over at Twitter BanginPanger agreed.:

BanginPanger

  

@BattleOfNewYork I’ve been critical of the fellatio of Myers, buttttttttt tonight, that was as good a game a Sabres d-man has played in ever

Pretty accurate assessment from a Panger fan. Who doesn’t love Pang? We even kinda worked with him back at Bristol when ESPN actually still cared. I was one of those stat researchers for Remote Production. Fun days! The real Panger is also on there and can be followed as well.

As for the game’s conclusion, one more Sabre clear off a faceoff was enough to finish off the best win of the season. When the buzzer sounded, a bunch of happy Sabres mobbed Lalime even kinda dancing and laughing. It meant plenty. I know the Pens have lost all three to the Devils in Pitt and try again in Newark tomorrow but this was a great victory for Buffalo because it shows that they mean business. Something even our Buffalo contingent can’t ignore. 😉 Statement made!

3rd Star-Jordan Staal, Pit (goal, 4 SOG, 8-9 draws, 4 PIM, +2 in 17:17)
2nd Star-Patrick Lalime, Buf (27 saves incl.18/18 in 2nd in relief)
1st Star-Drew Stafford, Buf (2 goals incl.PS snapping 15-gm goal drought, assist, team high 5 SOG, +2 in 15:05)

While Zach Parise‘s twelve-game goal drought heading into tonight was cause for observation (not concern), you just knew once he did get one it would open the floodgates. Sure enough, after he finally got on the board in the first period he wouldn’t wait long for his next goal, scoring what proved to be the winner early in the third period of a 3-2 Devils win over Atlanta.

Tonight’s lineup had a little bit of intrigue for David Clarkson‘s return meant someone would have to come out. Somewhat surprisingly, it was Vladimir Zharkov who would be scratched to make room for Clarkson despite the fact that the Devils kept him over defenseman Matt Corrente, leaving the team with only six healthy defensemen on the roster. I wasn’t as surprised to see Andrew Peters again in the lineup over Illka Pikkaranen, given Jacques Lemaire‘s concern over the Thrashers’ heavyweight Eric Boulton.

Unfortunately Peters’ insertion proved to be disasterous. During his thirteen seconds of icetime, he misfired on a clear, lost a fight with Boulton…and worst of all got a game misconduct for not tying his uniform down. That kind of snafu should get Peters banished to Trenton (not even Lowell!), I’m sorry but if he cannot perform the one role he was inserted for – and being ejected less than two minutes into the game saw to that – then he doesn’t deserve to wear a uniform at all. Especially given he’s a lousy hockey player to begin with.

Oh well, enough about a player who doesn’t deserve any more mention here – the game itself proved quite entertaining after that odd beginning. After his embarassing lack of a backcheck in Atlanta on the Devils’ winning goal, Ilya Kovalchuk tried to make amends the only way he knows how – with a howitzer of a one-timer that beat Martin Brodeur after 9:43 of the first, giving the Thrashers the lead. However, just 63 seconds later star would answer star as Parise scored his first of the night, off a nice pass from Nicklas Bergfors who threaded the needle with a backhander that found Parise in front for a one-on-one with Johan Hedberg and the Devils’ sniper put one home for his 16th of the season. Andy Greene also got an assist on Parise’s goal and had another terrific night overall, playing a team-leading 26:38.

Now tied at one, the fireworks would continue at 13:45 when Clarkson (obviously itching for a brawl after his long stint on the scratch list) pounded Atlanta’s Chris Thorburn – the highlight of an otherwise spotty return for #23, who played just over eleven minutes but was a -2. Soon after, the Devils would grab a lead they wouldn’t relinquish when Colin White contributed an unlikely goal from the point which appeared for a moment to be deflected by Parise, but instead the big defenseman would get his second goal of the season at 16:34 after assists from Bergfors and Travis Zajac.

After a shaky second period, the Devils started to gain momentum with a late penalty by Boris Valabik, which gave New Jersey a power play with fresh ice at the start of the third period. Parise and Patrik Elias took full advantage when Elias’s cross-ice pass found Zach for an easy tap-in goal fifty-nine seconds into the third. Jamie Langenbrunner also assisted on the goal, which gave the Devils a 3-1 lead. Despite the Devils’ defensive hiccups and Atlanta’s offensive talent that two-goal lead looked safe – until Marty Reasoner scored on a wrister from just inside the blueline that beat Brodeur clean at 7:28 on a goal that looked stoppable.

Now up one, there were of course some anxious moments late but they were kept to a minimum as the Devils allowed only twenty-six shots on net in the game and no more than nine in any period. Winning at home after their loss to the Caps on Saturday, the Devils showed the holiday rust was starting to come off – perhaps just in time for their fourth meeting of the season with the Penguins on Wednesday before what surely will be a sellout crowd at the Rock. Even tonight’s game nearly sold out as the post-holiday bump in attendance surely helped.

Notes: Just as the injury list was finally starting to thin out, Bryce Salvador left last night’s game in the middle of the second period with a ‘lower-body injury’ after a hit by Boulton along the boards which led to Salvador taking a penalty. I should have noticed something was off when Salvador left the penalty box halfway through to be replaced by Clarkson, something I’ve never seen before but figured it was an equipment issue.

BoNY Three Stars:

1. Zach Parise (two goals, +1 and 6 SOG with 20:24 TOI)
2. Nicklas Bergfors (two assists, +2)
3. Ilya Kovalchuk (goal, +1 and 5 SOG with 24:03 TOI)

The Devils are on a losing streak. Well, if you count one loss as such, which Jacques Lemaire probably does, then yes. Especially off a 4-1 disappointment post-Christmas to Ovechkin and the Caps. All kidding aside, the Devs are atop the Atlantic, trailing only Washington by one for most in the conference with the Blackhawks leading the way with 55. Two ahead of Jersey, San Jose and Pitt. In Good Company was a decent flick starring Dennis Quaid, Topher Grace and stunning Scarlett Johansson. That’s the team that plays in Newark tonight versus Kovalchuk and Hotlanta at the top of the hour.

Good news for New Jersey as they get David Clarkson back tonight. He missed a month due to a fractured right leg. Before the third-year right wing went down, he was having a breakout season with seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 23 games. That includes three power play goals, two deciders along with 39 penalty minutes from the gritty 25 year-old Toronto native. Clarkie is a solid player who adds a physical element to the Devils. The best part is he can play any role. Whether it’s second line or checking, the Randy McKay clone who was a huge lacrosse star brings great energy. Now, he returns to a club that boasts an impressive 26-9-1 mark into the final regular season meeting the third meeting versus an unpredictable Thrasher team that’s dropped seven of 11, including an ugly 5-4 home defeat to these Devs recently.

Atlanta can score goals as evidenced by Kovalchuk, Nik Antropov, Maxim Afinogenov and Rich Peverley along with dangerous rover Zach Bogosian. You can’t get into a run n’ gun with them. Something that the Devs kinda did falling behind 3-1 after one in which Hotlanta chased MB30. Figure Marty to be sharp coming off a subpar game in which he permitted an odd softie that deflected off Mike Mottau and his glove.

As for Clarkson, he replaces Russian rook Vladimir Zharkov (6 A in 13 GP) in the lineup with D Matt Corrente back down to Lowell. Lemaire had top freshman Nicklas Bergfors playing with Rob Niedermayer and Jay Pandolfo in an attempt to improve the young Swede’s defensive game. Perhaps Clarkson starts with Patrik Elias and resurgent Brian Rolston. Especially if ZZ Popp is back together based on yesterday’s practice. Whereever he plays, a good team just got better.

UPDATE: Looks like he’ll start on fourth line with Lemaire opting to keep Dean McAmmond between Elias and Rolston.

ZZ Popp
Elias-McAmmond-Rolston
Pandolfo-Niedermayer-Bergfors
Peters-Pelley-Clarkson

Salvador-Greene
White-Oduya
Fraser-Mottau

Brodeur
Danis

In case anyone’s watching NHL Network, the mighty Canadians are dominating the Swiss, leading 5-zip after two periods. We missed the first but caught plenty of a lopsided second that saw Canada score three straight in about 90 seconds (actually 2:36) against a Swiss team playing for the second consecutive day while the hosts were rested. Must be nice to be them.

Two of the three came on power plays with Nashville ’09 pick Ryan Ellis setting up both 20 seconds apart. First, Nazem Kadri (Tor-’09) finished off a great pass and then on a delayed penalty, Ellis’ left point shot was deflected home by Jordan Eberle (Edm-’08) on the doorstep. With the SOG discrepancy at 29-9, it was 5-zip thanks to Brandon McMillan (Ana-’08), who finished off his second on a play started by Islander No.1 pick Calvin de Haan with Eberle dishing across for a gimme. Speaking of the defenseman the Islanders traded up to get three different times (or 4), he looked good jumping up into the play and drawing a penalty. He did stay down for a bit before the trainer helped him but seemed fine. The Islanders are well represented at this WJC with an NHL leading seven players with many on the back end. That bodes well for a rebuilding club.

UPDATE: de Haan will not return due to precautionary reasons. Hopefully, it’s true.

As for Canada’s other two markers, both Alex Pietrangelo (Stl-’08) and McMillan tallied in the first. Braydon Schenn (LA-’09) and potential No.1 overall pick Taylor Hall each have helpers while Eberle paces Canada with three assists as the third begins. Devil ’08 second rounder Patrice Cormier, who captains the club, is also playing well. He centers a solid checking line and has drawn a penalty and nearly scored. In the blowout of Latvia, Cormier had two goals and two assists. In assessing him, he’s definitely a detail oriented player who can win draws and drives to the net. So, he should fit well in Jersey. At worst, he’ll be a third line center. Possible second line potential.

We’re headed down to watch the rout I mean third.

Updating that rumored trade, the Caps and Jackets have completed it. Washington trades defenseman Milan Jurcina and forward Chris Clark to Columbus for forward Jason Chimera. Looks like a good deal for the struggling BJ’s. Jurcina is a physical D with size and Clark adds character to a roster that’s dropped nine in a row. Chimera’s a decent guy who brings energy and is interchangeable. But he’s nothing special.

I’m really not getting this move from the Cap side. Unless Karl Azner is ready to be full-time, eh. I don’t get it. Their blueline just got worse. They also dealt away their captain. So, do they hand over the ‘C’ to Ovechkin? Who knows. Want to give full credit to Bob McKenzie, Elliotte Friedman and Puck Daddy’s Dmitry Chesnokov for nailing the player the Caps got. He said either Raffi Torres or Chimera. Good job buddy!

Per Jim Cerny on Twitter, Rangers forward Vinny Prospal had a scope done on his knee this morning and is expected out three weeks. This isn’t too surprising considering how much he’s slowed down since a great start. He hasn’t been as visible recently, playing more on the perimeter. The bad knee might explain why. It’s still a crucial loss for an offensively challenged team that depends heavily on the league’s leading finisher Marian Gaborik.

In 38 games, Prospal has posted eight goals, a club best 24 assists and 32 points, placing second in scoring to the Great Gabby’s 49 (26-23-49). The two have played a lot together, teaming up with rookie Michael Del Zotto to form the league’s seventh best power play (21.6 percent), including third most potent at home (26.4). Twelve of Prosp’s 32 points have come on it. He also has a shorthanded goal and two game-winners. Just how unbalanced is our scoring? Del Zotto’s 20 is next trailing the Big Ticket by 29 with Ryan Callahan (9-10-19) and Ally (0 G, 4 A in last 18 GP) next in line. At least Brandon Dubinsky (3-2-5, +5 over past 3) is playing better.

How do they replace that production? Artie Anisimov’s (7-8-15) been too streaky in Year 1.Since his fourth line demotion, Chris Drury’s (3-2-5 last 5) showed signs. They’ll need help from Sean Avery (4-10-14, 63 PIM) and Chris Higgins (4-6-10) with both playing better lately. If only Higgs could get rewarded. Aside from that, do the Blueshirts reinsert Erik Christensen instead of recalling someone from Hartford? It says here Christensen should be playing over Brian Boyle, who is a waste. We traded a third round pick for a guy who has no balance and zero talent. Great job Slats! At least Christy can skate and win faceoffs. He also can kill penalties and be used in the dreaded gimmick if needed.

If someone comes up, is it P.A. Parenteau again or Corey Locke? All indications are Evgeny Grachev (7-10-17 in 34 GP) isn’t ready. Hey. He doesn’t turn 20 till next February 20. There’s plenty of time. I don’t view this season as a must to make the postseason. What for? So, we can go out in four? Why not give Grachev a taste to see how he responds? We’re not going anywhere.

Caps and Jackets Talking? The big talk on Twitter today is that the Caps and Blue Jackets are in rumored discussions possibly involving Nikita Filatov. Can I just ask why one of the best offensive clubs needs more and would risk dealing away from a suspect blueline that could use another piece? They did just extend Alexander Semin for a year at $6 million. Personally, I’d trade Semin for a shutdown D or a goalie. If the Caps added either, they become the favorites to come out of the East.