Devils win in the shootout,Quinn debut tonight

When you are missing the best player in the world at his position,you need to grab every point that you possibly can and the New Jersey Devils did just that in a 4-3 shootout win over the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning.
Jamie Langenbrunner and Patrik Elias each beat Tampa's Mike Smith in the shootout to give the Devils a badly needed two points.
Devils goals were scored by Patrik Elias (4),David Clarkson (3) and Jay Pandolfo (2).

Shawn's Thoughts

1) I thought Kevin Weekes was decent in goal.
Not terrific as he may have to be at times over the next few months,but good enough to win.
Two of the Tampa goals came on the power play,so he was not that bad...........

2) David Clarkson's second period goal ended a long scoreless streak for the Devils and even then needed some luck as the goal appeared to deflect off a Tampa defender.

3) Dainius Zubrus picked up two assists on the evening and spent time on a line with Clarkson and Brian Gionta for much of the game.
I kinda like that line,a grinder with a player with speed and Zubrus adds more contrast.

4) Brent Sutter spent more time line juggling in the win as Patrik Elias spent time with the defensive line alongside John Madden and Jay Pandolfo.
Not sure that is a long term answer or not,but it did produce two goals in the win...

5) The supporting cast needs to pick up their game.
Dumb penalties by Sheldon Brookbank and Petr Vrana led to both Tampa goals in the third period via the power play route.
The current roster just isn't talented enough to win games and make stupid mistakes like those....

The Devils will have two days off before two weekend games against the Red Wings and Oilers....

Well,many wanted him in 2007 and more in 2008,so ready or not,Browns fans-Here comes Brady Quinn.
And although some think the short week could work against Quinn,I like this as his first start.
To me,I think a home start against a weak Denver defense is preferable to making his debut at Buffalo against a better defense.
Plus he then gets 11 days to prepare for his first road start against the Bills.
As long time readers know,I am not a Brady Quinn believer,but this was the right move.
I am not placing the total blame on Derek Anderson for the teams struggles,but at 3-5 the time is right to see what Quinn brings to the table.
Eight games.
Half a season.
Plenty of time to evaluate Quinn and a note to Crennel/Savage-now that Quinn is in,Keep him in!
Allow him to learn through his mistakes,this is a lost season anyway.

On to tonight's game against the Broncos.
I will see some of this game,but not all as my employer does not use Direct TV and the local cable provider does not have NFL Network,so I will review the tape of what I miss on Friday.
The short week hurts the Browns as Eric Steinbach and Shaun Rogers are questionable for the game.
If neither of those two play,the Browns are hurting.
As much as I like Joe Thomas,his effectiveness drops without Steinbach on the inside and Rogers has been the best defensive lineman that Cleveland has seen since Michael Dean Perry.

The Denver defense is one of the worst in the league and they come in without Pro Bowl corner Champ Bailey.
That seems like a good night for Butterworth Edwards assuming he can hold onto the ball.
I really hesitate to pick the Browns here as they have been so erratic,but Denver enters the game with three straight losses and four in their last five games.
Our prediction with severe reluctance....
Browns 24-21.

Bullpen Notes

Congratulations to the Pirates Nate McLouth for winning a Gold Glove.
McLouth committed just one error in his first year of full time duty and was the first Pirate to win the award since another centerfielder-Andy Van Slyke in 1992.

Ohio State suspended wide receiver Ray Small for at least two games and possibly the season for undisclosed violations.
The problems is reportedly that Small has missed several classes,a charge that Small denies.
Ohio State returns to the field at surprising Northwestern on Saturday.

As we talked about yesterday,the Raiders did release DeAngelo Hall.
Here is hoping either Cleveland or Seattle picks Hall up for the waiver price.

Photo Credits
Langenbrunner:Jim McIssac-Getty Images
Quinn:Unknown
Helmets:Helmet Project
McLouth:SI.com