Number 600

Martin Brodeur won his 600th career game and added another shutout to his resume' as the New Jersey Devils defeated the Atlanta Thrashers 3-0 in Atlanta.
The Devils received a goal in each period in the win as Dean McAmmond (7) scored in the first,Zach Parise (37) in the second and Travis Zajac (24) finished the scoring in the third period.
The Devils finish their final road trip of the season on Thursday in Miami against the Panthers...

Hell Raisers

1) Martin Brodeur was flawless with 19 saves and seems to be truly rounding into form at the right time.
I may be looking at this with Red and Black colored glasses,but for the first time in a few seasons, the Devils seem to be rising going into the playoffs instead of plateauing.
That is due to Brodeur's play.

2) The backbreaker was Travis Zajac's goal seconds into the third period,moving the game to 3-0.
Atlanta had been playing with energy until then and thereafter seemed to be listless...

3) Their fans weren't listless as they booed Ilya Kovalchuk,although there were some cheers mixed in.Kovalchuk finished the game without a point,but has to be glad that the boos weren't worse and that his first visit back to Atlanta is over....

4) Before the game,Atlanta GM Don Waddell stated that he thought that Kovalchuk would re-sign with the Devils.
I hope that he is right,but Waddell's opinion worries me as he hasn't been right in the past very often.

5) Mike Mottau was tonight's rested player,but I think he needs more rest than one night to make me feel better about him!

6) The Devils move two points ahead of Pittsburgh for the Atlantic title as the Penguins lost to Washington.
The loss eliminated Atlanta for the race for the final spot in the East,which looks to belong to Boston,although the Rangers can catch them,if the Rangers win their final two games and Boston loses their final two in regulation.....

Photo Credit:Scott Cunningham-Getty Images