The New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers squared off Tuesday night for the first time since the Devils eliminated them from the playoffs last season. The game started how the last one between the two teams ended - with Adam Henrique scoring. Thanks to Henrique, David Clarkson and Martin Brodeur the Devils went on to win their second consecutive game.
Game Notes
- I'll start with Martin Brodeur. He was absolutely fantastic in the win. He stopped 24-of-25 and made several spectacular saves to either keep the game tied or keep the Rangers out of reach to come back. He allowed just one goal, obviously, and it was an absolute snipe by Chris Kreider. Once again Brodeur was arguably the best Devil which somewhat surprisingly has continued to be a trend this year.
- Adam Larsson played a very, very strong game in my opinion. He played 18:33, was plus-1 and he had three blocked shots, two hits and two takeaways. There were a couple hiccups from him, but he wash't alone in making them. Since Larsson has returned to the lineup you could argue he's been their best defenseman.
While Pete DeBoer doesn't want to put too much pressure on the 20-year-old, which is understandable, I think Larsson should start seeing some powerplay time. His vision is exceptional, he's a great passer and the power play units have been struggling. Give him a shot and see what he can do.
- Andy Greene was very good against the Rangers. He had an assist, two blocked shots, two shots and a plus-1 rating in over 23 minutes of ice. Pete DeBoer said after the game that he feels Greene is playing his best hockey since DeBoer took over and I tend to agree. In Greene's last three games he has a goal, three assists, a plus-2 rating and almost 65 minutes of ice.
- What can you say about David Clarkson? The guy has developed into an absolute stud. He is a legitimate goal-scoring power forward. Period. He's tied for 3rd in the NHL in goals with seven and tied for 10th in the NHL in points with 12.
Say what you want, but he's no fluke. His skills have improved, he's stronger on his feet than he used to be and he's reaping the rewards.
I have to wonder if training with Gary Roberts and BioSteel has something to do with his success. I saw him at BioSteel's training facility in the summer and he looked very good.
- Speaking of Clarkson, he scored the game-winning-goal against the Rangers and now has two on the year. He had seven last year and has nine in the last year and a bit, putting him top-10 in the NHL in that span.
- Patrik Elias had another magical night. He had three assists, and had he not tried to force a couple passes to set up his teammates and shot instead, he could have had a goal or two to go with it. It's amazing the consistency that he has shown throughout his career. Last night marked the 18th time in Elias' career that he's had three assists in a game.
- Ilya Kovalchuk played a team-high of over 24 minutes, but once again couldn't find the scoresheet. That's now five consecutive games without points for him. While a lot of fans are starting to worry, I'd calm myself for now. He got out to a great start right out of the gate and has just hit a bit of a wall. He still possesses the same skill set and he has shown bursts throughout this five-game span. He'll work out of it as he always does.
- Travis Zajac, like Kovalchuk, has not recorded a point in his last five games. Zajac has been doing great defensive work, especially on the penalty kill, but he does need to produce more. I think in the next game or two he and Kovalchuk will snap their pointless droughts.
- After last night's win the Devils now have won two straight games and picked up at least a point in eight of their nine games to start the season. They currently sit 4th in the Eastern Conference with 13 points but are just one point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for 1st in the East and Atlantic Division. The Devils will take on the Penguins Saturday in what will be a huge game.
- The Devils killed off all five of their penalties and have killed off 12/12 in the last two games. Though it's nice to see the penalty kill doing well, New Jersey really needs to stay out of the box.
Albany Notes
- The Albany Devils picked up a 4-3 shootout win over the Connecticut Whale last night. Keith Kinkaid stopped 20-of-23 and all four in the shootout to lead the Devils to victory. Kinkaid is 15-9-4 with a .914 save percentage and 2.47 goals against average on the year.
- Matt Anderson (one goal, two assists) and Brandon Burlon (two assists) lead the way offensively last night. Corbin McPherson and Phil DeSimone chipped in with goals, as well.
- Cam Janssen and Alex Urbom both were in scraps in last night's game.
- Mattias Tedenby did not play.
- The Albany Devils have signed Stefan Stepanov to an AHL contract. Stepanov had been playing with Yekaterinburg Automobilist of the KHL the past two seasons. The 20-year-old defenseman also played 7 OHL games a few years back with the Sudbury Wolves. This signing will add more depth, youth and upside to the Devils organization.
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