Devils take one and drop one

The New Jersey Devils split two games since our last posting with a 4-2 win over the Islanders and a 3-0 loss tonight in the Canadian capital of Ottawa against the white hot Senators.
Wish I could add some Devils goals,but there were none tonight against Brian Elliott.
The trip ends tomorrow after a tussle against the Sabres in Buffalo.

Hell Raisers

1) Dealing with the good news first as the Devils were solid (as far as effort goes) in the win on Long Island.
This is noteworthy only because in the Devils previous visit there just five days before,the effort was less than standard and the result was a lopsided Devil loss to an inferior team.

2) The downside in the win was in a second period that was beyond awful as the Devils had a total of one shot on net and that was only because it was a goal by Zach Parise that was actually a deflection off the Islanders Freddy Meyer.
Fortunately,the Devils first and last periods were far far better.

3) The biggest error in the win was Colin White's hit from behind on Sean Bergenheim that cut him gave the Islanders a five minute major penalty and forced the Devils to play without their usual number of defensemen for the game.
Correct call on a dumb play by a veteran that should know better.....

4) The loss to Ottawa though was pretty similar to the loss last Monday as the Devils seemed to be going through the motions.
The team did get Dainius Zubrus back from injury and that makes things a bit better,although it didn't seem to help much in this outing.

5) Worst part of the loss was the horrible game by Mike Mottau,who had a goal in off his skate another as a direct result of a Mottau pass,although that was not totally his fault.
I wish that I didn't bash Mottau so much,but his play just infuriates me!!!

6) Marty Brodeur was pulled after two with Yann Danis mopping up.
Jacques Lemaire said Brodeur sat because he planned on starting him in Buffalo tomorrow night.
I liked the move,the way the team was playing it was doubtful that a 3-0 lead would be overcome.
A 3-1 deficit might have kept Brodeur in the game.

7) Just another bad outing,but with a tough and talented team in Buffalo next,the opportunity is there for a turnaround.
Marty's battles with Ryan Miller always seem to be super games to enjoy.

Trying to be back with a melting pot later....

Photo Credit
Andre Rinquette-Getty Images