Martin Brodeur returned to action with a strong performance and led the New Jersey Devils to a 2-1 win over the Florida Panthers in Miami.Devils goals to Brian Rolston (11 power play) and David Clarkson (9).
The Devils are nine points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and the trade deadline is today at 3 PM.
The Devils return to the Rock after a 3-1 road swing on Wednesday against Tampa.
Hell Raisers
1) Martin Brodeur was sharp,especially in the first period,when the Devils seemed a bit sluggish.
Considering the rust,the outing was very nice for Brodeur.
2) Ilya Kovalchuk's point streak ended at 12 games in the win.
Kovalchuk did have one chance in the third to keep it going,but Tomas Vokoun made a tremendous save on the power play shot.
3) David Clarkson's goal broke a almost six week scoring drought with his backhanded flip into the net.Clarkson had some bad luck in the stretch,but needs to get back to what got him to the show-crashing the net and doing the little dirty work that results in "ugly" goals...
4) Now the trade deadline are the Devils buyers,sellers or whatever makes the best deal.
Well,despite the excellent play of late,I still think the playoffs are unlikely and I would like to see some draft picks added-especially a 2 to replace the second rounder shipped to Nashville for Jason Arnott.
The Devils have picked a 2 or 3 up from Dallas for Jamie Langenbrunner,so that helps,but with that pick having conditions,I would love a second rounder with no strings attached.
5) Most likely to leave?
I would say Jason Arnott is the best bet and Andy Greene is very possible as well.
Both are free agents at the end of the season,so a chance to have some sort of a return would make sense to me.
Arnott could help with playoff experience as someones second or more likely third center,while Greene would be attractive to a team needing to add defense,as most teams try to do around this time...
6) Big winners on the team if Arnott and/or Greene are on the move?
Jacob Josefson would likely gain more time in place of Arnott and Mark Fayne would be possibly the beneficary if Greene leaves.
Matt Corrente should be the player that picks up Fayne's spot once he returns from the IR.
7) A sleeper to move?
Think about Brian Rolston.
Despite his huge cap hit for next season,he still would be signed for next year for the team that acquires him and his strong play of late might make someone take a chance on the veteran,especially if that team could use some power play help.
If the Devils make any moves,I'll be back with thoughts on them.
I also might have another feature today that I thought of at work last night....
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