Dawes kills Devils again in 2-1 shootout loss

The New Jersey Devils played well and led for most of the game, but a Chris Drury goal late in the game tied it and only one player on either side was able to dent the twine in the shootout.
Unfortunately for New Jersey, that player was wearing white-the Devil killer Nigel Dawes.
Dawes dribbled a knuckler through the pads of Marty Brodeur for the only shootout score and therefore a 2-1 Ranger win.
The Devils were able to lead for most of the game on the strength of a first-period power-play goal by Dainius Zubrus for the 12th of the season for the suddenly improving Zubrus but struggled to gain any kind of flow going for the remainder of the contest.
The Devils were hampered by a Patrik Elias missed game with a knee injury and Bryce Salvador was scratched with an undisclosed injury as well.
The Devils were able to salvage one point from the defeat, which enabled them to keep their conference lead over Montreal and moved their lead over Pittsburgh for the division to two, but the suddenly charging Rangers moved to within 4 points in both and appear to be looming in the distance.
The Devils battle the Islanders, who will be without Rick DiPietro for the rest of the season on Friday before their following two games being home and home vs the Penguins in games that look to be very important on the playoff landscape.

Bullpen Notes

One part of the loss was that someone stepped up and established to the Rangers that win or lose,the Devil attitude in these the inter-city games was going to change.
David Clarkson slugged it out with Ranger's annoyance Sean Avery less than a minute into the game, getting the better of Avery.
As we have said before, love the grit and attitude of Clarkson and with some work around the net, Clarkson could turn into quite the valuable player in the future,

The Edmonton Journal is reporting that the Devils will sign Flyer defenseman Jason Smith in the down season.
Smith started his career with the Devils organization before a trade to Toronto.
We would not be against a Smith return, but not sure if Smith would be the choice over keeping Bryce Salvador.

The Devils also signed Alaska-Anchorage blueliner Tyler Eckford to a contract.
Eckford has spent the last three years at UAA after the Devils used a 7th round draft pick on him in 2004.

Xavier against Georgia and Kent State vs UNLV in the NCAA's today.
Coverage here tomorrow.

Sorry to hear of the passing of legendary pro wrestling manager Gary Hart from a heart attack at 66.
Hart managed all over the southern territories, but most notably in Texas and his run with WCW managing the Great Muta.
Hart was a key part in both of the two documentaries on World Class Championship Wrestling.

And in better news, the CFL looks pretty close to getting the city of Ottawa back in the CFL for 2010.
The league needs that presence in the capital city and once they have that solidified, they then can work on the badly needed 10th franchise.

Photo Credits
Dawes-Bruce Bennett-Getty Images
Fight-Rich Schultz-AP Photo