Devils split two

The Devils have split two games since I last wrote about hockey,losing in a listless performance in Washington 4-1 and defeating Atlanta 3-2 at the Rock.
So we will look at both games in today's Hell Raisers.
New Jersey has back to back games on Wednesday and Thursday as the Devils face Pittsburgh at home and then the Blackhawks in Chicago.

Hell Raisers

1) David Clarkson returned to action in the win with a bang as he dropped the gloves in the first period.
The Devils hadn't had a fight in what seemed like ages and they banged out two in the first period as Andrew Peters fought less than two minutes into the game,earning a game misconduct.


2) Zach Parise was having issues finding the net in December not scoring a goal,but ended that skid with a two goal (16 and 17) night against the Thrashers.
The game winner was a thing of beauty off two sizzling passes on the PP from Jamie Langenbrunner and Patrik Elias.

3) Bryce Salvador is questionable after leaving the Atlanta game in the second period with a "lower body injury".
The Devils had returned Matt Corrente to Lowell before the game to activate Clarkson,but recalled him to replace Salvador.
The Devils finished the game against Atlanta with just five defensemen.

4) Considering the lack of blueline depth in the game,the Devils only allowed one soft goal as Marty Reasoner's flutter puck eluded Marty Brodeur,although Mike Mottau may have gotten a chunk of the puck.
Not bad at all....

5) Colin White's goal (2) was a pure bullet.
White has such a strong shot that I have always wondered why he didnt shoot more and therefore score more.
It is not too late,Colin!

6) The Devils loss in Washington was a bad one.
Other than Rod Pelley's goal (2),there was very little inspiring about the Devils effort.
I wish I could write more,but there isn't much to say besides this-On this night,Washington was easily superior.

Back tomorrow with a review of the tape and my take on the Mike Leach situation at Texas Tech.

Photo Credits-Rich Schultz-AP Photo