Devils freeze Penguins 2-1

Adam Henrique and Michael Ryder each scored a goal and assisted on the other's to lead the New Jersey Devils to a 2-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins to conclude 2013 in a positive manner.
Martin Brodeur stopped 19 of 20 shots in goal to earn the victory.
Henrique's goal (9) came in the first period less than two minutes into the game,while Ryder scored his (12) early in the second.
The Devils will be back on Friday hosting Chicago,likely no coverage in that one as I'll be covering Ohio State in the Orange Bowl...

Hell Raisers

1) Martin Brodeur didn't have to make a large quantity of saves,but he did make some quality ones,especially in the third period when Pittsburgh was on the attack.
Another strong game from the veteran...

2) Adam Henrique scored his third goal in three games after not scoring for twelve of them.
Henrique and Michael Ryder seem be developing some chemistry on their line,which makes sense to me as Ryder is more of a sniper type with Henrique better at rushing the net..

3) Patrik Elias crashed into the boards hard in the first three minutes and was badly shaken up.
Elias stayed on the ice for a few minutes and then left the game.
Elias would not return,but seeing the crash and then him skating away was a much better sign then I thought possible when I first saw the play...

4) Ryane Clowe has been playing on the line with Henrique and Ryder and assisted on a goal for his point since his return.
Clowe has a long way to go (especially with his contract),but there are a few signs anyway.

5) Considering the competition,this was a great effort for the Devils.
The Devils dominated the first and played the Penguins on even terms in the final two periods.
This was the first game all season that the team played a superior foe and generally had their way with them.
Good sign.

Photo Credit;AP Photo