The New Jersey Devils lost games on both Friday and Saturday that sent them falling to lower spots in both the Eastern Conference and Atlantic Divisions.
On Friday,the loss of Patrik Elias began to show itself in a 3-1 loss to the Islanders in a game filled with penalties and fights and the debut of touted Islander prosp
ect Kyle Okposo,who scored the game winning goal late in the third period.The play was sloppy on both sides of ice,but the play was evenly bad and Okposo fired in the winner off a pass from Richard Park without his helmet which had just been knocked off.
Side note-The last time these two teams played,I spoke to Ryan about how much I liked the play of Park and said that I always wished that the Devils would add him to their roster.
Ryan then said,"you already have him-Sergei Brylin!"
A few minutes later-Doc Emrick then compared Park to Brylin on the air!
The only Devil goal was a power play goal by Travis Zajac (14) in the first period that countered the Islanders opening tally.
But Zajac's very brain dead penalty led to the winning score later in the game,so Travis gave a goal and took one away.
The Islanders added a empty netter late for the final score.
The game did feature a few scraps with David Clarkson decisioning Bill Guerin and Rod Pelley whipping Josef Vasicek at the end of the contest,but the highlight was Arron Asham's one punch knockout/sliceup of Matthew Spiller.
The loss was a killer,considering the importance of the game,New York being without Rick DiPietro for the season and the utter lack of offense shown.
Things would get worse one night later.....
Devils Pitchforks
Gold-Aaron Asham-High energy and one great KO
Silver-David Clarkson-See above without the KO
Bronze-Marty Brodeur-Good,not great
The next night in Pittsburgh with division leadership on the line,the Devi
ls played fair for two periods,before a third period that sent Marty Brodeur fleeing from the game,the Devils wishing that they could join him and the Penguins blowing the doors of Mellon Arena off in a 7-1 Pittsburgh win.To sum the third period up-the Penguins had the same number of goals (5) that the Devils had shots (5)!
Does that say it all?!
Brian Gionta scored the only Devil goal in the first period shorthanded (21).
Here is hoping that some how this offensive drought can be stopped in the rematch against the Penguins tomorrow night at the Rock!
Devils Pitchforks
Gold-Brian Gionta-Shorthanded goal
Silver-Me-for watching this mess
Bronze-Me-for holding down my dinner while watching this.
Bullpen Notes
Since tomorrow is a slow day, I will be blogging on the Xavier trip to the Sweet 16 tomorrow.
Ohio State battles Cal at St.John Arena tonight at 7 in the second round of the NIT.
I love SJA and the the improved atmosphere there makes it a better game to watch there.
The Seattle Seahawks kept their top defender and my favorite player Lofa Tatupu for as long as they want him after signing him to a extension through 2015.
The hard hitting linebacker from USC was a second round pick in 2005.
This one makes me very happy!!!
Looks like Freddy Sanchez will not be placed on the disabled list and will be ready for next Monday's opener in Atlanta!
Good news for a team that needs all that it can get!
The lovely Cherie sends us this article on how Global Warming has moved up the arrival of spring in a negative fashion.
I understand this and see the points,but I must say I like a faster arriving spring in a purely selfish way!
And our correspondent in Japan,Brandon Siefken sends us this article on Yu Da
rvish.Darvish,a righty thrower of the Nippon Ham Fighters,will likely be the next import to receive a big money contract from either New York or New York Lite,since no one else can afford them.
I hope to see Darvish pitch a game or two this year on the airplane from Tokyo.
7 days until Pirates opener
11 until Frederick Keys home opener
18 until Hagerstown Suns Home opener
Cannot wait!
Photo Credits
Asham-Rich Schultz-AP Photo
Gionta-Keith Srakocic-AP Photo
Darvish-Unknown
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