The Devils lose but get a point out of the trip to music city. One of these days I will get around to writing a piece about how much I hate the shootout and why it should just go away.

I actually thought the Devils and the Predators played a pretty even game. Both teams would get some momentum going, make some decent passes and setup some nice scoring chances and watch the other team regroup and do the same. There were moments of back and forth play and moments were both Marty and Pekka Rinne had to come up with big saves.

The Predators came out fore-checking and it led to Arnott scoring the first goal of the night, which in my opinion wasn't a strong goal. Give the Devils credit, they fought right back, got some decent chances on the powerplay which then led to Colin White throwing a puck at the net after the penalty time to Nashville had expired. Colin was credited with the goal for quite a while but Doc and Chico kept telling us how they thought eventually it would be credited to Parise because he came across the middle and tipped it with the edge of his blade. Arnott would then score again in the third on a nice redirection that he timed perfectly (and got a little help from the post). The Devils would fight back again quickly as Dean McAmmond made a nice pass in front that Zach Parise shoveled in for his second of the night. This game would eventually be decided in the shootout that saw Michael Santorelli and Martin Erat beat Martin Brodeur. Travis Zajac scored the only goal in the shootout for the Devils and it was extremely fortunate to go in.

I thought the Devils shot the puck a lot better than they did on Monday night. Maybe the credit belongs to Philly still for being extremely effective shot blockers  but Nashville only managed 11 blocked shots and allowed 28 to get through. Speaking of shot blocking,  Dainius Zubrus left the game in the second after blocking a shot from the point with his leg and immediately fell to the ice. With Zubrus out of the game, Nashville was much better at winning face-offs. Zubrus will not make the trip to Dallas but instead come back to NJ and get his leg evaluated on Friday. I thought Tyler Eckford played a very good game for his first in the NHL and I certainly hope this kid stays in the lineup for the time being.

All in all I am happy to get the point. The Devils didn't lose the game in the 65 minutes that count in my mind and they played a very evenly matched team. Shot selections in the shootout could probably have been better but as I said in the beginning of this post, I don't like the shootout so I can't fault NJ for it. The Devils head to Dallas tomorrow night and we will try to do our first live blogging event of the game right here tomorrow night.

My Three Stars:
#1 - Jason Arnott (2 Goals)
#2 - Zach Parise (2 Goals)
#3 - Joel Ward (6 shots)

In case you missed the game, here's the video recap:

The Devils head down to Nashville tonight to take on the Predators. I'll be honest, I am pretty much an Eastern Conference kind of guy so I don't pay that much attention to the Western Conference teams. If you look at the standings, the Preds certainly appear to be struggling although they beat the conference leading Sharks the other night and have won 7 of the last 9.

The Matchup: The New Jersey Devils (14-5-0) @ the Nashville Predators (10-8-1). This is the first of two meetings this season.

The Devils Last Game: The Devils are coming off their first road loss of the season and an end to their 8 game winning streak. The Flyers had a pretty easy time Monday night and took it to the Devils for the second time this season.

The Predators Last Game: The Preds are coming off of a big win where they defeated the San Jose Sharks 4-3 even though the clock operator made some mistakes late in the game that gave SJ time to catch their breath.

Tonight's Matchup: The Devils need to regroup a little bit after Monday's game. Philly had their way with NJ getting in deep on Marty A LOT and seemed to keep NJ from getting to Emery, both in body and in shots. The Preds are on a pretty decent streak of their own right now so confidence on their end won't be a problem. The Devils can't afford to let the Predators get a big lead early on. This has been a theme with NJ this season and they've shown great restraint in not getting frustrated and mounting comebacks, but playing that type of game eventually bites you.

NJ can get the Preds off their game by blocking as many shots as they can. Prior to the Sharks game, Nashville has REALLY struggled in the goal department. Keeping shots from reaching Brodeur might be the right prescription for frustrating the Nashville shooters. Nashville is a very disciplined team and they don't allow the opposition too many chances on the PP.

The Devils will have a rookie on defense in the lineup tonight. With NJ sending Cory Murphy back to Lowell, either Matt Corrente or new called up Tyler Ekford MUST be in the game tonight. Ekford was the AHL's player of the week last week so my vote is for him.

The Devils lose, lets get over it. Actually, it's kind of a relief because now the talk about records can stop and the Devils can focus on the things they are doing wrong, which even though they are 8-2-0 in the last 10, they are doing some things wrong..especially last night!! I am bummed about the way they played and how they lost though. It would be one thing if NJ played a flawless game and still managed to lose but NJ played a sloppy game last night and lost.

I don't think the Devils brought their A game with them to Philadelphia. I thought the defense was terrible and for some reason, kept allowing the Flyers offense to get in deep and even behind them at times, creating too many chances for a team with that much talent. The Devils gave up 35 shots and just too many scoring chances. I have to give a partial hats off to Marty Brodeur because he did keep the Devils in the game for a while, but like I said it is a partial hats off and I will get to that.

Philadelphia did an amazing job at blocking shots and I don't know if that deserves a pat on the back or is that rests on the Devils shooters to find better ways of getting the puck to the net. The Devils manages to get 35 shots on goal but took 73 shots and watched the Flyers block 26 of them. The Devils went nearly 12 minutes in the third period without getting a single shot on goal.

Now, back to Marty for a minute. There are moments when I think he is absolutely brilliant and then there are moments where he frustrates the crap out of me. The third goal he let in last night was one of those moments. That pucked belonged to Bryce Salvador and I think he was going to make the play and clear the puck but Marty jumped in front and poke-checked it right to James Van Riemsdyk, and in the process put himself out of position and saw Riemsdyk fire it right past him. I don't know what Marty saw but he should have let his defense do their job. The hard thing about that goal is that Parise scored with less than a second left would have been the equalizer if Marty didn't make that mistake.

The Devils stay on the road and head to Nashville on Thursday and Dallas on Saturday which are games that they can win, erase the memory of a bad game in Philly and keep having people think of the Devils as a strong team and not just a flash in the pan. As for the Flyers, they seem to have our number so far this season but we do face them 4 more times this season and will have plenty of oppurtunites to change our luck against them.

Are the Devils really as good as their recent play is dictating or are they just playing over their heads? Maybe it's a little of both? I've been loving how this team is playing together but at the same time I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. Tonight, the Devils head back out on the road, perfect road record in hand and go to my least favorite place in the entire NHL....Philadelphia.

The Matchup:  The Matchup: The New Jersey Devils (14-4-0) @ the Philadelphia Flyers (10-5-1). This is the second meeting of the season.

The Last Devils Game: The Capitals got up quickly on the Devils 2-0 (again) and then let NJ score 5 unanswered goals.

The Last Flyers Game: Flyers tried to mount a 3rd period come back but came up short against the Sabres and lost 3-2.

The Last Devils / Flyers Game: Opening night at the Rock and the night belonged to Ray Emery.The Flyers routed the Devils in their building 5-2 and had NJ fans feeling a little uneasy about their team.

Tonights Matchup: Keep at it. The Devils have put together an impressive win streak, both on the road and just in general but the wins haven't been easy wins. The Flyers are a tough team and Philadelphia is a tough place to play. The Devils can't keep letting teams get a decent lead in the first period and expect that they will overcome that deficit every time.

The Flyers are honoring Dave "The Hammer" Schultz before the game so emotions will be a little high to start for the Flyers. Schultz was one of the best enforcers to play the game and hopefully his presence in the building won't influence the Flyers play tonight but just in case, NJ needs to be ready.

I would assume tonight's lines would be the same as they were on Saturday but I would expect Lemaire to mix them around a bit during the game as the 4th line doesn't pose too much of a threat as Clarkson can't do it all himself. Keep an eye on Left Wing Lock for goalie confirmations but honestly believe it should be Broduer vs Emery. The Flyers  average 16.9/PIM's a game so if the Devils are going to win this game, they have to cash in on the chances given to them on the PP.

The Devils have a chance to tie the record for consecutive road wins to begin the season. If the Devils do tie that record, it would be a significant feat considering the quality of opponents played on the road during these 10 games

Goalies:
M. Brodeur - Played 3 of the 4 games on the schedule this week and did a solid job. After a bad start to the very beginning of the season, Marty has settled into what we all expect. The goal Thurs night against Pitt WASN'T his fault and that should have been the shutout record-tying game.

Y. Denis - Looked sharp in his win against the Islanders. With Marty playing so well, Yann should get used to sitting.

Forwards:
R. Niedermayer  - Currently injured no word on a return date.
R. Pelley - Thought his best game was against the Islanders. 
T. Zajac - Had a quiet week until going to Pittsburgh were he put up 3 assists, including a nice play on the Parise goal. 
D. Zubrus - Averaging a lot of ice time but not producing. He did draw a nice penalty on Scott Niedermayer though. 
P.Elias -  Finally back in the lineup. He skipped the Sens game  but already has as many shots (7) in the three games he's played as Pikkarainen has in the 13 he's played.
J. Pandolfo - Still hurt, few weeks left to go until his return.
Z. Parise - Other than the Islanders who kept Zach quiet, he's been good for 1 goal AND 1 assist each of the last three games. Leads the team in goals, assists and points and probably popularity too.
A. Peters - This guys ticket to Lowell get misplaced?
N. Bergfors - 4 points in 4 games and scored again vs Pitt...
D. Clarkson - At least a point a game in each game this week. MONEY!! oh and he had 1 fight too!!
M. Halischuk - Still looking for that first point but he came close against Pitt (I thought). He's only 21 but then again Bergfors is only 22.
J. Langenbrunner - Keeps contributing on a nightly basis.
P. Leblond - Sitting for some reason
I. Pikkarainen - As I said earlier, Elias has already duplicated his stats in 3 games.
B. Rolston - Still sour at this guy, don't feel his worth much and he missed a game for some reason.

Defense:
M. Fraser - I don't expect much out of Fraser, but he's along with the rest of the D are doing a respectable job. 
A. Greene - I think this guy is having a hell of a season so far. Had a great week (2 goals and 3 assists). 
P. Martin - Still hurt and still a few weeks away from returning. 
M. Mottau - Even with zero points, all D guys are doing a hell of job especially when the perception out there is that most of these guys are 5-6-7 type d-men at best.
C. Murphy - Had a weak ass goal against the Islanders but he's probably the worst guy out there yet still shutting down the opposition.
J. Oduya - Hurt and had a set back, I heard it was because he went to bathe in all the money we've given him and slipped.
B. Salvador - Got an assist against the Penguins. 
C. White - Nice assist on the Parise shorthanded goal against the Ducks. What made it nice was the play he made on his former linemate.

Devils as a team are on fire, winning 7 in a row, 9-1 in the last ten and remaining unbeaten (9-0-0) on the road.  My player of the week award this week goes to David Clarkson and yes Andy Greene was a very close second.

The unbelievable roll that the Devils are on when away from their home state of NJ continues to roll. The Devils made another visit to the defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins and once again, rolled out of Pittsburgh with another 4-1 victory.

The Penguins got the scoring started with a goal that Marty thought should have been overturned. On the replay it looked as if Fedotenko had a little intereference with Marty during the goal but you had to see this on the replay. In real-time, it just looked like he was banging away at the puck.

Bergfors had a nice goal to even the game in the second period and Andy Greene had a nice shot to give the Devils the lead. I was pretty sure Greene's goal was redirected but it was Parise's goal that was the back breaker. If you turn the puck over in the neutral zone and it ends up on Zajac's stick with Parise rushing up with him, I am putting my money on the Devils scoring.

The Devils are playing well and doing so without some key members but we have to remember the calendar only reads Novermber 12th. It was mentioned the other night during the Ducks game that Scott Niedermayer leaving the Ducks was a possibility, especially if the Ducks continue to live at the bottom of the division. Way too early for this conversation to be taking place. Right now, his services aren't neede but that doesn't mean that can't change in a hurry. Go back and read this article (http://runningwiththedevils.com/2009-articles/october/10-bold-predictions.html) and you will see #10 is already coming true.

Devils come home tomorrow to host the Washington Capitals.

NJ heads back on the road tonight and puts their 8 straight road victories to start the season on the line tonight. Once again the Devils find themselves in Pittsburgh to take on the defending champs. The last time we made a trip to Pittsburgh, the Devils put on quite a show for us.

The Matchup:  The New Jersey Devils (12-4-0) @ the Pittsburgh Penguins (12-6-0). This is the second meeting of the season and the second time the game is being played in Pittsburgh, The Devils and Penguins are tied atop of the Atlantic Division with 24 pts and trail the Conference leading Capitals by 2 pts.

The Last Devils Game: The Devils won their sixth straight last night easily defeating a struggling Anaheim Ducks squad. Jamie got a nice tip-in, Clarkson dragged one home and Parise capped it off with his first ever shorthanded goal that was a thing of beauty. ( I know, do to technical circumstances, there was no review of last night's game..)

The Last Penguins Game: After getting shut out 5-0 by the Sharks, it would seem a Bruins team that doesn't score much would have been just what Mario ordered but the Bruins shut the Pens out 3-0. Pens lost Brooks Orpik to injury during that game.

The Last Devils / Penguins Game: The Devils ended the Penguins 9 game winning streak by the score of 4-1. It was probably the best game of the season for the Devils up to that point and the Ottawa win might be the only that tops it so far this season. The Devils did get a lucky bounce to start the scoring.

Tonights Matchup: Keep it going. Whatever mind set they are in right now is working. I am sure the Penguins are looking to put a stop to their current scoreless skid so I do expect them to throw everything at the Devils to begin the game. Injuries are still an issue for NJ but let the Devils remember all the little things they've been doing the last 6 games and these injuries are easy to overcome. Marty loves playing in the igloo which is a good thing for us.I expect Rolston and Elias to be in the lineup tonight and think that maybe Corrente will be taking Murphy's spot on D tonight.

Let's just remember, these are the defending Stanley Cup champs coming off back to back shutouts....Think this says it best...

For thoughts on the other side of the puck, head over to The Pens Blog for their thoughts. His blog is well worth your time and effort.

Who didn't love the first Mighty Ducks movie? I regularly use the quote "Quack Quack Quack Mr. Ducksworth, Quack Quack Quack." In fact, the Devils pulled a play from the movie a few games back and used the Flying V to score a powerplay goal (ok, so it wasn't from the movie but that was used in the movie). Wonder what ever happened to that Adam Banks kid, he was such a playmaker!! Anyway, lets get to it..

The Matchup: The New Jersey Devils (11-4-0) vs. the Anaheim Ducks (6-7-2). This is the first and only meeting of the season.

New Jersey's Last Game: Probably the most impressive road victory this season. Down 2-0 to the Senators, the Devils scored three (count em..3!!) power play goals to stretch their road record to 8-0. I thought the Devils regrouped very well after getting down early and really put the foot down on the Sens throat.

Anaheim's Last Game: Knocked off the Coyotes 4-3 but allowed the Coyotes to score 3 goals in an 8 minute span in the third period.

Tonight's Matchup: Unfortunately, this won't be a Rob vs Scott game or a Rob vs his old team game because Rob Niedermayer is still out with an injury. Matt Correntte has been recalled from Lowell so it should be interesting to see where he fits into the picture. Elias who missed the Sens game (just because Jaques didn't want him playing back to back games right away) will be in the lineup tonight against the Ducks.

The Devils need to just continuing doing the things they've been doing lately. They are coming off 5 straight victories including 2 straight wins at home. This is an important game for the Ducks so I am sure they will be ready. The Ducks are the league's 3rd worst PK team and the Devils PP has been on fire as of late so hopefully the Devils will get some PP chances tonight and continue building confidence on their PP.

Since this is the only meeting with the Ducks this season, this is the only time I get to share my favorite goal against the Ducks. It was back in 2003, Game 7 with only a few minutes to go, the Devils were already up 2-0 but Jeff Friesen sealed the game, the victory and the cup with a quick shot (his 2nd goal of the game) that beat Jiggy. Friesen wasn't a major contributor during the 2003 season but he was Mr. Clutch when it came to the post-season.

M. Brodeur		2 wins stopping 18 of 19 in Tampa and then stopping 26 of 28 against Washington. Playing much better recently.
Y. Denis	-	He had the week off but gets the call against the Islanders tonight.
R. Niedermayer		He had an assist against the Caps but left the game with an injury in the 3rd and will miss the next two. Normally, an assist would get a nice green arrow but the injury does more damage.
R. Pelley		Maybe if he did more than wrestle the guy to the ground on Wednesday. Why was this guy money for me in NHL 09?
T. Zajac		A goal and 2 assists this week. Overall he has 13 pts in 12 games..say it with me... MONEY!!
D. Zubrus		Thought he was a little too quiet this week
P.Elias	-	RETURNING TONIGHT!!! WOOOOOOOO
J. Pandolfo	-	Still Injured
Z. Parise		Had a heads up assist on Bergfors 1st goal on Wednesday. Put himself in the right position to make the play. He's a smart player.
A. Peters		NEXT!!
N. Bergfors		2 goals against the Caps. I think he's doing everything he can with the time he's been given to show us what he's made of. This kid does NOT want to go back to Lowell and its showing.
D. Clarkson		He's been too quiet for my liking. If fact, it seems like last year NJ was more willing to throw down the gloves. He did have a surprise shootout goal that won it in TB.
M. Halischuk	-	Sent to Lowell, called back up but didn't do much.
J. Langenbrunner		Plays smart, had some good chances on Wednesday and picked up an assist.
P. Leblond		Didn't do much, didn't get much time out there either. 4th line blows.
I. Pikkarainen		He just doesn't look comfortable out there.
B. Rolston		STOP THE PRESSES, he got a goal. Wait, it was a lucky bounce and I don't think it's going to wake him up but in an interview I heard him say he wasn't pleased with his play so at least he realizes he needs to be doing more. Point a game Brian..A POINT A GAME!!
M. Fraser		He's logging some time, he's not hurting us thats for sure.
A. Greene		He's my biggest surprise, well he and Bergfors but he's doing the job that needs to be done out there.
P. Martin		Still injured
M. Mottau		He's putting in the hours and while he's not in the scoring card, the other teams aren't scoring bunches so that's what we ask from him.
C. Murphy		Found his way back to NJ but its temporary, especially since he adds very little.
J. Oduya		Still Injured
B. Salvador		Like Mottau, he's logging good minutes out there and keeping the other team out of the scorebook.
C. White		He's got the bulk of the minutes and proving to us why. He didn't look good on the Caps first goal but got it together after that.

My "Player of the Week" award goes to Niklas Bergfors which surprised me and pleases me greatly.