The Sunday 3-0 win over Philadelphia in afternoon action was a win that moved their lead over the second place Flyers further and was a game that was controlled and dominated by the Devils.
One never had the feeling that Philadelphia was in the contest,despite only allowing a goal in each period.
The shutout was number 100 for Martin Brodeur on his career as the road to the win and shutout records continues to relentlessly chase down Patrick Roy (wins ) and Terry Sawchuk (shutouts).
Devils goals to Jamie Langenbrunner (20),Brian Gionta (14) and Johnny Oduya (5).
Last night in Toronto,the Devils played a fired up Maple Leaf team that put
forth a hard nosed effort and gave the Devils all that they wanted,but Johnny Oduya followed up a Brian Gionta shot that was trickling to the goalmouth (6) with 12 seconds remaining in overtime for a 3-2 New Jersey win.The Devils also received goals from Patrik Elias (power play 25) and David Clarkson (15).
The Devils now take time after three games in four days to prepare for an afternoon game in the beautiful (Yeah right) Nassau Coliseum against the Islanders.
The Trade deadline is today and the Devils must at least be in on things.
Lou Lamoriello swings the unexpected deal and I have a suspicion that something could be in the works.
Why?
First the trade that brought Nicklas Havelid to New Jersey for Anssi Salmela and that the Devils didn't bring Havelid to Toronto to at least watch the game against the Leafs,meet the team etc.
That seems strange to me,could Havelid been brought in to make a larger deal work with the salary cap?
That said,if Havelid is staying with the Devils,he fits the type.
Solid enough,doesn't make mistakes with the puck and plays the steady game that the Devils believe that their defensemen need to play.
Look at Havelid's plus 4 rating on a team with the awful numbers that Atlanta has.....
I do hate losing Anssi Salmela though (and not because he signed cards for me!).
The Finn has a laser shot that just needs to be harnessed a bit and he could develop into quite a power play threat.
But,I cannot say that it surprises me that Salmela was moved for two reasons.
The first is that he had only an option year left on the deal that he signed to come over the pond .
The other?
It was very apparent that Brent Sutter didn't like him.
I don't know that it was something about his game or a personal thing,but sometimes you can just get a feeling on these types of things.
The Devils should be plenty rested and motivated for the game on Saturday against the Islanders as the Islanders handed (rather pounded) the Devils their most recent loss in a lopsided thumping.
The Devils certainly picked up the shot rate last night in Toronto as the Red and Black peppered Vesa Toskala 52 times,but the total can be deceiving as the Leafs blocked and deflected many of those...
The David Clarkson goal in the first period was a tough,but correct call for the officials.
The puck was clearly going into the net past Toskala,when a Leaf defender knocked the net off the pegs.
Why tough,if it was that clear?
ANY video replay that involves the Maple Leafs cannot be placed into the bank until the call is made.
Strange things happen to replay officials in that building.
More credit to Johnny Oduya.
I have never been a huge fan,but one must give credit when due and Oduya has picked up his game this season and is beginning to change my mind a bit...
The big loser in playing time should the Devs stand pat today?
My bet would be on Andy Greene,although my choice would be Mike Mottau.
Finally,Lou Lamoriello is trying to do the right thing today in attempting to move Scott Clemmensen.
Clemmensen's efforts in the absence of Marty Brodeur was yeoman and helping keep a team that most people had written off in contention and sending Clemmensen to somewhere that he can play shows a degree of gratitude.
However,if he cannot send him to a team in the West,he may have to stay.
Gratitude is one thing,stupidity another.
I will return later with other stuff from the football world and of course ASAP if the Devils make another deal.
Photo Credits-AP Photo
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