The New Jersey Devils won their opening game last night over the New York Islanders 2-1 behind a tremendous night in goal by Martin Brodeur.
Brodeur allowed the first goal of the game off a shot that deflected off the skate of the Devils Paul Martin,but was flawless thereafter and stopped a penalty shot by Kyle Okposo that would have tied the game if successful.
Zach Parise tied the game on a first period power play and Patrik Elias scored the game winner in the second.
The Devils travel to Pittsburgh tonight at 7:30 to provide the opposition for the Penguins home opener....
Shawn's Thoughts
1) The game winner was borderline as Elias could have been called for interference with goalie Joey McDonald,but it appeared that the referees were calling that Elias was pushed into McDonald by an Islander.
The call really could have went either way....
2) Marty Brodeur was stellar in net with his high glove save on the Okposo penalty shot,but a bigger save came with seconds to go with a better save.
Brodeur plucked a puck from the air with his blocker after having the presence of mind to drop his stick to make the only play that he could have on the shot and did it all in one motion!
Simply the best.
3) Give surprise Islander starter Joey McDonald credit for a excellent game as well.
The Devils had many scoring chances in the first period and McDonald was able to turn most of them away.
McDonald was starting because the Islanders too have a game tonight and with
Rick DiPietro rounding back into shape from surgery,the Islanders decided that they would rather have their top net minder for the home opener instead of the first game.4) The Zach Parise powerplay goal was a things of beauty as he beat McDonald with a backhand shot.
If Parise can use that effectively,it is not unreasonable to project a 40 goal season.
5) The Devils played much more of an attacking offensive style last night against the less talented Islanders.
Lets see the style tonight against the speedy Penguins.
Bonus Rounds
Mike Mottau looked rusty in his return,turned the puck over twice in situations that turned into scoring chances and was called for a silly penalty in the third.
Last night,the defensive pairings were changed up a bit with Paul Martin joining Bryce Salvador and Johnny Oduya with Colin White.
I like the moves ,on the surface, as it breaks up two offensive and two defensive minded duos and adds balance.
Caution though,Oduya struggled without Martin in the past.
This was a big win.
I know what you are thinking-it was the first game!
But the next three are on the road-pocket this one and hope for 2 of 3 on the road.
Bullpen Notes
The Ohio State Buckeyes host Purdue today.The Boilermakers will attempt the spread offense,but struggled last week against Penn State.
Our Pick-Buckeyes 31-16.
Kellen Winslow stayed in the hospital for another day and looks unlikely to play Monday vs the Giants.
Now that is good news....
Still no word on the illness in question.....
More hockey in the Cleveland Plain Dealer as they look at the plans for the AHL's Lake Erie Monsters to improve their attendance and interest in the club for the upcoming season.
The Monsters are the top affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche.
Photo Credits
Brodeur and Parise-Rich Schultz-AP Photo
Helmets:Helmet Project
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