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1. A lot was made about Martin Brodeur getting the nod in goal against the Flyers, but he came up big in what was the Devils' biggest game of the season to date. It wasn't always pretty and Nicklas Grossman's goal early in the 2nd period was certainly one he should have had, but when all was said and done Brodeur stopped 30-31 and made all the big saves when he needed to. At a time where points are at a premium, Brodeur has won four consecutive games. The Devils are in Florida on Friday and in Tampa on Saturday so I expect we'll see both goaltenders.
2. Tuomo Ruutu wasn't too loved by Devils fans a few days back when Lou Lamoriello traded Andrei Loktionov for him, but he sure is now. After a mediocre debut against Detroit playing on the 3rd line, Pete DeBoer decided to move him up to the top line with Travis Zajac and Jaromir Jagr; and it sure has paid off. Ruutu had a beautiful assist and the game winning goal against Carolina, and followed up that effort with another multi-point game against Philadelphia. I'd say he's fitting in nicely.
3. I thought Jon Merrill played a solid two-way game. He didn't record a point, but had a few nice chances on the power play and made some excellent plays in his own zone. Marek Zidlicky was caught pinching a few times throughout the game and No. 34 was always there to bail him out by breaking up an odd-man rush, or slowing it down and buying Zidlicky enough time to get back into the play. It was a simple and effective game and one I'm sure Pete DeBoer appreciated.
4. Speaking of Zidlicky, he created a ton of offense against the Flyers. It seemed like he had and/or setup a scoring opportunity every time he was on the ice, and at times he took the game over. His sequence midway through the 3rd period was simply amazing. He put the puck through his feet, danced around a couple defenders then skated towards the net before feeding Ruutu in front. Ruutu was able to get a shot off, Zidlicky cycled behind the net and grabbed the rebound, then pulled Braydon Coburn behind the net before dishing a backhand feed to a Jaromir Jagr in front for what was the game-winning-goal. There's a reason he's on pace to record well over 40 points as a 37-year-old.
5. Jagr was able to extend his point streak to four games by scoring the game winner and adding an assist in the win. He now has 57 points in 66 games on the season.
6. More on Jagr: he's fit like a glove since signing in New Jersey and has gone on record multiple times this season saying he'd like to re-sign with the Devils. Given the leadership he brings to the table, his ability to produce consistent offense and the fact that several of his countrymen play for the team, I think it's a safe bet to assume he's back next season. The Devils have the money in both cap space and dollars to pay him.
7. Andrew MacDonald and Luke Schenn were awful. Despite facing pretty mediocre competition throughout the game and getting pretty favorable zone starts, they were killed in terms of possession.
Their 5 vs 5 shot attempt for/against numbers:
MacDonald - 8/23
Schenn - 9/20
Yikes.
8. The Devils penalty kill had another quality night at the office. The first couple kills they looked vulnerable and allowed a fair amount of chances, but Philadelphia wasn't able to convert. As the game went on their PK unit seemed to do a better job of limiting chances, and they killed off all six penalties as a result. If they want to make the playoffs they can't rely on killing six a night, though.
9. Travis Zajac showed beautiful hands in tight deking and out waiting Steve Mason before putting it in the roof. He's played excellent defense all season long, but he's gaining confidence offensively and the numbers are starting to pile up. He now has three goals and five points in his last four games. As someone who has more or less carried Zajac's water all season long, this is a very enjoyable run for me.
10. In shocking manner, Anton Volchenkov and Bryce Salvador had quality nights and posted very impressive possession numbers despite having only one offensive zone start.
5 vs 5 shot attempts for/against:
Salvador - 21/7
Volchenkov - 18/8
I've beat on those two like a drum for a good portion of the season, so I have to give credit where it's due. They played well.
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