Devils pop Penguins 3-1

The lowly New Jersey Devils had more than just two points on their mind against the powerhouse Penguins from Pittsburgh-they had revenge from a cheap shot from Robert Bortuzzo in their last encounter as well.

The Devils would get both-Bortuzzo would battle Jordin Tootoo twice and New Jersey would pull a 3-1 upset at the Rock.
Adam Henrique (10),Jaromir Jagr (6) and Travis Zajac (5 power play) scored the Devils goals.
New Jersey next plays against Detroit on Wednesday....

Hell Raisers

1) I know that many people dislike the fighting aspect of the game and think that it is meaningless,but in this game,it meant a lot.
Robert Bortuzzo's cheap shot on Jaromir Jagr in the last game set the tone as Jordin Tootoo vowed to accumulate payback in Pittsburgh's next visit.
Tootoo's two (say that fast now) fights against Bortuzzo set the tone,inspired the Devils and I think allowed the Devils to think they could get this done.
A lot depending on a fight,huh?

2) Travis Zajac finished with a goal and assist and showed signs of a breakout.
Sometimes a coaching change can reinvigorate a struggling player and Zajac would be a prime candidate for such a turnaround and that would be a nice start to having some of those bucks on an expensive extension gain some value...

3) It wasn't all gumdrops for the Devils,who have lost Stephen Gionta for a while with a broken hand.
Gionta attempted to block a shot from the circle and succeeded in hitting the puck with his healthy hand going with it.
No word on how much time Gionta will miss...

4) Cory Schneider was very good,especially two late in the first period shot from pinpoint range.
Schneider's only goal allowed was one of those that you just shrug your shoulders and say "what can you do".
Sidney Crosby skated around a well defending Andy Greene,dodged Peter Harrold attempting to help and flinged a backhander over Schneider's opposite shoulder and into the corner of the net.

5) Joe Whitney and Tim Sestito were recalled from Albany.
I'm not against players like these getting some time,but it shows the weaknesses of the teams depth and the less than strong state of the farm system....