Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Devils shock Sharks 5-2

I finally was able to watch a Devils game as they finished their three game West Coast run in San Jose before the All-Star break with a surprising 5-2 win over the Sharks.
The Devils received goals from five different players in the win-Mike Cammalleri (15 Power Play),Travis Zajac (8),Steve Bernier (6),Jordin Tootoo (4) and Jacob Josefson (2 Shorthanded)
The Devils are now off until next Wednesday when they will host Toronto in the first of a three games in four days homestand.

Hell Raisers

1) I haven't seen the other two games on the road trip (a win over the Kings and a loss to the Ducks),but my favorite Devil Steve Bernier scored three goals on the trip.
Those goals doubled his season numbers,but few remember when Bernier came up in the NHL with the Canucks and Sharks,he was expected to be a dependable 20-25 goal a season player.
That hasn't turned out,but I still have faith in Bernier that he could approach those numbers with opportunity.
And even if not,it's fun to watch a good guy have some success....

2) Loved the play by Adam Henrique on a Shark powerplay to knock the puck away and drive the net on a two on one.
The beautiful pass to Jacob Josefson for the finisher was icing on the cake for the Devils as they saw a player finish that rarely has and see Henrique continue to build his game as he matures into the future captain that I hope that he will be....

3) The Sharks have the best power play in the game and the Devils killed off all four chances for the Sharks to take advantage.
Cory Schneider was strong and made some huge saves,but the penalty killers did their job.
The penalties were dumb,but the special teams made up for it....

4) Cory Schneider was especially strong in the third period with several great saves.
With 34 saves,Schneider played very well in his first start since leaving the Los Angeles win early with an injury.

5) I don't think the Devils have a chance for the playoffs,but it is nice to see New Jersey playing somewhat better entering the All-Star break.
I'm interested in seeing how the Devils play in those home games right after the break-I don't think the playoffs are a factor,but it may determine whether Lou Lamoriello decides to try to make a run and if the Devils are sellers at the deadline.
I think it would be best to be sellers for a flagging franchise,but three wins might influence the front office a bit...

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