Devils Tidbits
Since they started the season winless after their first two, the Devils have gone 10-2, improving to 3-4 at home and remain undefeated on the road with a 7-0 record. Despite the fact they’re not scoring goals, the Devils have been getting by and are currently enjoying their second three game winning streak of the season, which they hope to continue going into Ottawa tonight. While offensive output has been scarce, resulting in Lemaire’s continual line juggling with hopes of finding consistent productivity, the Devils have been doing a lot of rights and are looking more confident and solid after each game.
Wednesday, the Devils defeated the Washington Capitals 3-2 at the Prudential Center after a pair of quick power play goals by rookie Niclas Bergfors broke an agonizing 1-1 tie. Don’t let the Capitals fool you because they’re still a deep and competitive team without star winger Alexander Ovechkin. If the Caps’ success remains unchanged while Ovie is out in the lineup, they can improve that more drastically without any major acquirements upon his return. Brian Rolston played a sound game that night, breaking a slight scoring drought that was bringing some concern over him. Aside from the two goaltenders, I thought the best player on the ice that night was Niclas Bergfors. He scored the two power play goals, getting his first multi-goal game of his carrier, but was always involved in the play and was trying to make things happen. He continues to improve after each game.
Last night, backup goaltender Yann Danis got his second start in four games in a 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders. Danis, who a Devils coach looks to have had the most confidence in for some time went 2-0 for the season against his former team and played well enough to impress Devils coach Jacques Lemaire. Although it’s early, Danis has yet to let in more than a goal a game and is proving his case that he’s capable of taking a chunk of Marty’s workload off his back. Brian Rolston scored the second consecutive night, while Cory Murphy got his first goal as a Devil. I didn’t see the game, but from what I’ve heard can conclude the Devils played stable hockey, despite their trouble with offensive productivity and finishing their plays. Patrik Elias made his season debut last night after spending the past four to six weeks recovering from surgery. He was described to have played well, but showed he was still shaking off a little rust. Elias won’t join the team in Ottawa.
Andy Greene and Mark Fraser continue to be the team’s two best defensemen as they’ve stepped up tremendously during the absence of Paul Martin and Johnny Oduya. Greene’s registered two assists in the past two games as hopes are high he’s molding into the defenseman many believe he’s capable and overdue of becoming. Mark Fraser’s been playing an encouraging defensive and positional game. He’s been battling in the corners and is throwing his body around, while remaining smart defensively.
With the absence of regulars in the lineup due to injuries, the Devils have resorted to their assets in Lowell. The Devils attempted to bring up defenseman Jay Leach, who was claimed by the Montreal Canadiens yesterday on re-entry waivers. I always thought Leach was a serviceable seventh defenseman who got the job done without dazzling anyone. He’ll fit in well with Montreal’s gigantic defense, where he can hopefully get the shot there that the Devils gave him.
In response to the upper body injury sustained by center Rob Niedermayer, who was placed on injured reserve along with Johnny Oduya, and Patrik Elias staying in New Jersey this weekend, the Devils have called up center Tim sestito from Lowell. The 25-year old currently leads the team with seven goals and ten points and will play tonight. The Devils originally wanted to call up veteran center Dean McAmmond, who was flu stricken this weekend, but is going to join the team on Monday. McAmmond signed a minor league deal with the Lowell Devils in late October and is gong to be looked upon to take on some important roles with the injuries the team’s suffered.
