Brian Gionta's goal 2;14 into overtime gave the New Jersey Devils a 3-2 win and a badly needed two points last night in New Jersey.
The win moved the Devils to just one point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Atlantic Division title chase.
The Devils scored two goals in less than two minutes in the second period to erase a 1-0 Senator lead and turn it into a 2-1 Devil advantage.
Jamie Langenbrunner's shorthanded goal (10) tied the game and Karel Rachunek's 4th of year on an offensive rush gave the Devils the lead.
Most readers know how much I like Langenbrunner,so any words on the captain are already known,but Rachunek just frustrates me so much.
Rachunek will play terrific for 2 or 3 games,attacking the offensive zone and looking like he is finally living up to his ability and then it leaves as quickly as it came.
I guess when it comes to Karel Rachunek,you will just have to take whatever production that he gives and realize that he is just going to be the type of player that will never live up to his full potential.
Patrik Elias assisted on both goals,while Zach Parise added an assist to his total on the Rachunek goal.
Ottawa tied the game late in the third,but the Devils broke the "non-aggression" pact that seems to exist in tie games when John Madden roared down the ice on a breakaway against Ottawa goalie Martin Gerber,but Gerber was able to swat the Madden shot aside and no other threats came along during regulation.
Onto the extra period of play and the game winner.
Gionta fired a shot that bounced off Gerber and Jamie Langenbrunner pounced on the rebound and Gerber made an excellent save on the captain's shot,but the puck bounded back towards Gionta and number 14 then finished the contest.
A good game and the rematch takes place in the Canadian capital Saturday night,after a Friday night contest at the Rock against the visiting Atlanta Thrashers.
Devils Pitchforks of the game
Gold:Brian Gionta-Game Winning Goal
Silver:Jamie Langenbrunner-Shorthanded goal,assist
Bronze:Patrik Elias:2 assists
Bullpen Notes
With the win,Marty Brodeur won his 30th game this season and added to his NHL record 12th consecutive 30+ win season in a row
Yesterday,we commented on the players that the Devils are rumored to be in talks with before the trade deadline.
Well,at intermission of last night's game,you can add another to the list.
Mats Sundin was mentioned as a possible target,but of course he would be a target of most teams.
I would love to see Sundin in Red and Black,but I would consider the Devils an also-ran in that race.
Former Pirate Kris Benson signed a minor league deal with the Phillies.
The 33 year old Benson is expected to be part of a multiple man battle for the Phillies final rotation spot.
I would have liked to have seen Benson return to Pittsburgh and that would have given the Pirates some depth in their starting corps and perhaps set up a future deal down the road.
C.C. Sabathia announced that he has ended talks with the Indians until the end of the season.
The Indians had offered the burly southpaw a contract that would have spanned 4 years and paid 17 to 18 million per year.
Cleveland fans-color C.C. gone.
Photo Credits
Devils-Bill Kostroun-AP Photo
Benson-sportsecyclopedia.com
No comments:
Post a Comment