Devils back in action and more

The New Jersey Devils return to action after the Olympic interruption with a three game western swing starting tonight in San Jose before a two game Alberta stop against Calgary and Edmonton.
The Devils struggled in Feburary (2-4-1) and barely hung onto first place in the Atlantic Division over Pittsburgh,so the best way to move towards the playoffs would be with a win in San Jose.
Puck drops at 10:30.

The trade deadline for the NHL is tomorrow and even though the Devils could still use some defensive help,it looks like they are going to be content to allow Paul Martin's return to be their defensive upgrade.
Martin said last week that he didn't expect to make the three game road trip and I have heard nothing to the contrary,but he does hope to be ready to go for the Devils return home against the Rangers next Wednesday.

David Clarkson does appear to be returning tonight against the Sharks.
Clarkson's style of play might be just what this team needs to snap out of their doldrums.
Clarkson brings so much energy and his willingness to drop the mitts enables the Devils to have that physical capability without having to activate a one trick pony like Andrew Peters or Pierre Luc LeBlond.

Tip of the cap to the Devils Zach Parise,who was named to the Olympic all tournament team for his performance in the Games.
The Devils should now really begin to market Zach to all of those people that watched that game and might remember his goal to force overtime.
Former Devil Brian Rafalski was also named to the team as well.

We mentioned the resurgence of Pavol Demitra yesterday (Demitra was the only non North American named to the team),but I forgot to mention the Canadian player that impressed me most despite scoring just one goal-Chicago's Jonathan Towes.
Toews played a supporting role on a lower line,but his play at both ends of the ice showed me why I have been so high on him.
Towes being named to the tournament team shows that the voters did look at more than just goals in the Games.

Will try to be back later with another post,either some Pirate talk or a feature...