Defensive lapse costs Devils in 2-1 loss

Two goals in a three minute span in the final period turned a 1-0 lead into a 2-1 deficit as the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New Jersey Devils 2-1 in Newark.
The loss was the fourth in a row for the Devils and begins to make one wonder about the sudden ineffectiveness of the defensive stalwarts.
Patrik Elias scored the only Devils goal (31) in the first period.
The Devils get Sunday off before a Monday tilt against the Rangers in a contest that suddenly looks far more important than one would have thought a week ago.....

Hell Raisers

1) I hold Martin Brodeur blameless in the loss.
Marty made 46 saves and on both goals had little chance of stopping them as both Hurricanes were parked in front of the net.
I keep saying this all the time-But can we PLEASE clear the crease!!!

2) Cam Ward didn't face as many shots,but he still was excellent for Carolina.
One common thread in the losing streak has been some pretty solid netminding from the opponents....

3) Tuomo Ruutu continues to come into his own in Carolina.
I questioned the Hawks moving him last year and his play this year has shown both maturity and grit....

4) The Devils haven't played poorly in most of the four losses (the Boston loss was pretty weak),but dumb penalties and less than physical play at times has been the difference.
I wish someone of the defenders other than Bryce Salvador would smack someone around and make them pay the price for pitching a tent in front of the net.

5) And that includes Colin White,who I usually like.
Note to White-I understand why you don't fight anymore (Eye injury),but when your game is missing the physical aspect,you remind me of a bad Ulf Samuelsson.
That is not very good....

Bullpen Notes

The Pirates sent Steve Pearce,Anderson Machado and Robinzon Diaz to Indianapolis.
The Pearce demotion makes the least sense as they want him to play first base full time to see if he can play there in the future.
These ,of course. are questions that could have been answered last year had Pearce not been moved to the outfield.

It also makes little sense to start a Nyjer Morgan in the outfield instead of Pearce after giving him a bit of experience as a flychaser in 2008.
It looks like the Pirates simply don't care for Steve Pearce.

Pittsburgh also announced the addition of Ross Ohlendorf to the rotation with Paul Maholm,Ian Snell and Zach Duke.
The fifth spot is still open between Jeff Karstens and Virgil Vasquez.

Note to Tom Gorzelanny,I don't think the front office thinks much more of you than they do of Steve Pearce.

We also participated in EarthHour 2009 as we watched the Devils loss.
From our limited view around the neighborhood,we looked to be the only ones,LOL

Until tomorrow

Photo Credit-Bruce Bennett-Getty Images