Devils win in OT,Julius Jones signs with Seahawks

The offensive woes of the New Jersey Devils continue,but 2 goals was enough to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1.
Patrik Elias and Zach Parise broke away from the field on a 2 on 1 overtime rush and Elias beat Tampa goaltender Karri Ramo for the win.
The goal was the 18th for Elias and was started by a broken pass by Sheldon Brookbank,who shoveled the puck quickly to Elias to start the break.
The other Devil goal went to Parise in the first period for his 28th of the season.
For a 2-1 game,it was quite an exciting game,both Marty Brodeur and Karri Ramo foiled multiple excellent scoring chances and the game featured that NHL rarity-a star getting into a fight as Zach Parise dropped the gloves with Tampa's Dan Boyle.
I must admit that I still have great concerns on the lack of offense that the Devils have shown,but such is business as usual with the Devils.
Two other quick notes on the game.
First is this-Mike Mottau and Johnny Oduya do not work well as a tandem.
Twice in OT,the pairs miscues gave Tampa excellent scoring chances that could be blamed on no one else.
To be fair,Colin White exited the game with injury earlier and with Paul Martin still out,Brent Sutter may have had little choice,but still try to avoid this if possible.
The second is a better note-an excellent game by Karel Rachunek last night.
Rachunek played well at both ends of the ice and several diving blocks may have helped save the game.
The Devils travel to Toronto tonight at 7:00

Devils Pitchforks
Gold:Patrik Elias:Game winning goal,assist
Silver:Zach Parise:Goal and fight
Bronze:Marty Brodeur-just another stellar night.

The Seattle Seahawks signed Julius Jones away from the Cowboys to a four year deal for a undisclosed amount.
This will likely mean the end of Shaun Alexander in Seattle.
I have always liked Alexander a great deal,he seemed like a terrific guy,but there can be no doubt that he is running on fumes and at best,needs a change of scenery.
Alexander seemed to be hesitant running between the tackles after the lamented loss of Steve Hutchinson at guard and has lost the needed speed burst that you need to turn the corner on sweeps.
Alexander will likely be released on June 1st,when the cap hit for the release would become pro-rated over two years.
I will miss him,but I don't think his loss is a great one for the Seahawks.
I have never been a huge proponent of Julius Jones,although I know a few people that think highly of him as a runner.
He just always struck me as a guy that did not run hard on every down and that is why I think Marion Barber took his job in Dallas.
Here is hoping that a new town turns his career around like leaving Arizona did for his older brother Thomas.

Bullpen Notes

Another Seahawk question is about the status of longtime Alexander caddy Mo Morris.
Does the acquisition of Jones and T.J.Duckett mean the end of Morris in Seattle?
I don't think so,I think Morris sticks as 3rd down back and kick returner.

In an absolutely brilliant move-Texas A & M and Arkansas have agreed to a six to eight year contract to play every year in Dallas,starting in 2009.
The two old Southwest Conference rivals renew a great rivalry that will make fans of both schools happy and the even better move is when they will play.
The game will be held every year during the Texas state fair on the same weekend as the Texas-Oklahoma game,so Dallas should be the center of the college football world on that weekend.
As an old SWC fan,I think this is a great move and kudos to both schools for making it happen long term and not just a home and home set.

From the you knew this was coming department,the New Jersey Devils announced the renaming of their ECHL affiliate from the Trenton Titans to the Trenton Devils.
The ECHL is the hockey version of AA baseball.
The Devils are now the only team in hockey to own both of their minor teams and share the same nickname.

Three world title fights tonight that are televised by either HBO or Showtime.
HBO offers the WBA and IBF Lightweight Champion Juan DIaz defending his belts against Nate Campbell along with the WBC Heavyweight title defense of Champion Oleg Maskaev against Samuel Peter.
Showtime is televising WBA and WBC Cruiserweight titlist David Haye attempting to fend off the challenge of Enzo Maccarinelli.

Our predictions:
Diaz over Campbell by close decision
Peter KO Maskaev in 5
Haye Ko Maccarinelli in 9.

Photo Credits
Elias-Bruce Bennett-Getty Images
Jones-McFarlane Toys
Helmets-Helmet Project