Tonight the Devils try and win consecutive games for only the second time this season. As shocking as that is, the Devils have not won more than two games in row this season and have only won back to back games once. That is the reality the Devils face as they begin a three game road trip tonight in Tampa Bay. The Lightning coming off a 3-0 victory over the Washington Capitals and will look for a little revenge after the Devils beat them this past Sunday night 6-3.
It seems that Head Coach Jacque Lemaire is starting to improve the Devils game. The results are not their yet but this team was so far gone that Lemaire himself said it was worse than he had thought. The biggest improvement under Lemaire has been the defensive game. They are starting to play much better in their own end. They still lack that quick transition up the ice but as long as they play tough in their own end and limit the scoring chances, wins could begin to pile up.
Offensively the team still isn’t scoring as much as they should be. Ilya Kovalchuk cannot regain his potent scoring touch and the power-play has been lost for weeks. Looking on the bright side of things the 4th line of David Clarkson – Rod Pelley- Tim Sestito have been playing great and working hard. They seem to be setting the pace and tempo with their high energy. The only problem with this line is the cap hit Clarkson’s contract has. Way too much for a 4th liner.
One thing I hope we see tonight is the return of Mattias Tedenby. The youngster hasn’t played the last four games. I understand Lemaire’s intentions to get the most out of the young forward but the only way he is going to learn from his mistakes is by playing at this level. With the season all but over, Tedenby should be in the lineup playing with top six forwards to see if he can put of points.
Biggest key for tonight’s game is shutting down the Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos line. They are a dangerous threat each time out on the ice and if they Devils can keep them off the score sheet we might be looking at our second two game winning streak of the season. Pop the champagne!
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It was nice to see Patrik Elias rewarded by being selected to the NHL All Star team. He has been the Devils most consistent player this season and has not stopped competing during this horrible season.
The Devils placed Annsi Salmela on waivers yesterday with hopes he will be picked up by another club. Not a salary cap move, Lou wants to give the kid a chance to play somewhere else. Has been a big disappointment since he return and has looked terrible in his own end.
Original Story:
http://pucksandpitchforks.com/2011/01...
