Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Devils split two behind Hedberg!??

The New Jersey Devils split their last two games since our last posting with a 3-1 win over Atlanta followed by a 6-3 loss in Carolina.
New Jersey is home tonight against the Minnesota Wild at seven.
I will have coverage,but it will be later as I will be watching the Sugar Bowl live and the Devils later in the evening,if not tomorrow...
Just a few general thoughts in Hell Raisers on Devils issues and a few things that I caught in both nights.

Hell Raisers

1) Despite generally being dominated in Carolina,the effort didn't fade and I am hopeful that is a good sign of an eventual turnaround.The intensity is strong and it appears that the attempts of Jacques Lemaire in practice to get this team into shape is beginning to pay off a bit.
Not enough to save the season,but enough for the fans to at least pay for a strong effort.
They were not always getting that under John MacLean.

2) Martin Brodeur was pulled from the loss after one period after allowing three goals and Johan Hedberg finished up with a three goals allowed over the final two period performance.
Much of this was bad defense in front of both and each allowed a power play goal that was set up by HORRIBLE calls of the officials,so I wouldn't put too much into either goalie's play in that one.
Hedberg is scheduled to start against Minnesota.

3) Hedberg was excellent in the win against Atlanta and his play was the main reason the Devils dropped the Thrashers.
Hedberg must have been embarrassed by the huge egg that the Devils laid in Atlanta a few weeks back and came out more than in top shape with 28 saves on 29 shots.

4) Mark Fraser will be returning to the team tonight after missing most of the season recovering from a broken hand.
Not sure how much Fraser will add to a turnaround,but he cannot hurt any.
Mark Faine has been sent down to Albany...

5) A terrific piece by John Fischer at In Lou We Trust on the perceived value of the Devils players as we move closer to the trade deadline.
The Devils will certainly be sellers at the deadline and replenishing some draft picks that have been traded away should be a top priority for a losing team....

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