Devils hunt down Predators 3-1

The New Jersey Devils did about all that they would do over the total of the game in the first four minutes with two goals.
They would do little thereafter and would use Cory Schneider as their workhorse to hold off the Nashville Predators 3-1 in Newark.
Adam Larsson's goal (3) less than a minute into the game gave the Devils the lead and Eric Gelinas added the game winner (5 Power Play) just a few minutes later.
Other than that flurry,it was the Cory Schneider show with 33 saves until Mike Cammalleri was credited with a goal (24 Empty Net) when tripped on his way to the open goal to salt the game away.
The Devils next hit the ice on Friday against Columbus at the Rock.

Hell Raisers

1) What a game from Cory Schneider.
Schneider continued a strong run with five wins in his last six starts with two shutouts and two outings that saw him allow just one goal.
Schneider is the main reason that any dim playoff hope exists....

2) Adam Larsson's shot off the post in the first period set the early tone that allowed the Devils to play from the lead.
I've written this before,but Larsson's play has improved so much since the departure of Peter DeBoer that you have to wonder just how much different Larsson's career could turn out had DeBoer continued to coach the team...

3) Eric Gelinas may be a one dimensional player at this stage of his short career,but that dimension is quite strong as his shot ranks with the hardest in the game.
The trade of Marek Zidlicky should allow more power play time for Gelinas and best take advantage of the strengths of Gelinas.

4) The trade of Marek Zidlicky also had shuffled the roster of the defensive corps and saw Peter Harrold receive time as a fourth line winger.
Not sure how much that will increase the offense,but I suppose they have their reasons...

5) Damon Severson returned from his broken ankle as the other reason that the Harrold shuffle occurred.
I'd play the younger guys (Larsson,Severson,Gelinas and Merrill) as much as I could with Andy Greene and whoever rounding out the six.

6) The Harrold move also tell you tons about where Michael Ryder and Martin Havlat stand right now.
Lou Lamoriello isn't thrilled,but he should question himself as both players were free agent signings signed by Lou himself...