While we wait for the Eagles to get through the likes of the Chiefs, Bucs, and Raiders, the Flyers' division schedule starts early this year. Playing on back-to-back nights to open up the season, we'll see if the Flyers can build on a very solid debut in Carolina by knocking off their old rivals, the Devils.
For seemingly my whole life, the Devils have gotten the better of our guys. Even when they're supposed to have a down season, they always find a way to be competitive—and give the Flyers fits. When Martin Brodeur's injury last season was revealed to be serious, I thought, how can they overcome that? He's always been the backbone to that team and whatever sluggish system they were implementing. But, when the season ended, the Devils had taken the Atlantic once again.
So what can the Flyers expect to see on their trip to scenic East Rutherford tonight?
Probably more of the same. The Devils are just a team that never seems to change. There's plenty of reason to think they might this season, but I'm not counting on it. Some longtime Devils have left, as well as some key contributors from last season. John Madden (boom!), Brian Gionta, Bobby Holik, and Scott Clemmensen (who stood in admirably for Brodeur last season)... all gone. Add Brendan Shanahan to that list too—he left the team on Thursday in a bit of a surprise move. Patrick Elias is still a satan worshipper, but he's sidelined while recovering from a groin surgery.
The Devils are hopeful that their younger players can step up to fill some of those vacancies, because they didn't go shopping for high-end talent in the off-season. Zach Parise and Travis Zajac can score, but overall, we'll see another New Jersey team that is trying to win more by keeping their opponent off the scoreboard than by outrunning them by lighting the lamp four or five times.
Brodeur has been at it a long time, but aside from an injury last season, he's showing no signs of age. He'll play in his 1,000th career NHL game tonight, and he's looking to commit adultery on Terry Sawchuk's all-time shutouts record. With two more, they'll be tied. You can bet Brodeur is ready to carry this team again.
The Flyers will likely take the ice with the same look as last night, with no lineup changed announced as of this writing. Brian Boucher is hurt, so we'll see Ray Emery start his second consecutive game. He wasn't tested too terribly last night, and even if Boosh were available, the Flyers might have wanted to ride the guy who shut out the Hurricanes to open the season. Let's make it legendary Ray, maybe... 180 scoreless minutes?
Gametime is 7PM, and it can be seen locally on Comcast Sportsnet.
Original Story:
http://www.the700level.com/2009/10/up...
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October 02, 2009
