Well that was fun!
The very excited-to-be-back-at-a-hockey game, nearly sell-out crowd (18,101) lent a playoff atmosphere to this home opener. In a penalty-filled game (19), the Devils kicked Penquin butt big time. Marty B was sensational - hotter than the griddle in an all night dinner. He made awesome save after awesome save especially in the first period when a Devil was in the box 4 times and the Penguins took 17 scoreless shots at him. Way to go Marty!
All the hype was about Pittsburgh's new sensation, Crosby, but he didn't look so sensational last night, mustering only an assist on the Pens loan goal. Our own Zack Parise, on the other hand got his first NHL goal and an assist. Fans were quick to jump on the comparison chanting "Parise's better" midway through the third period.
So far I'm liking the "ignore the redline" rule, but I don't really care for all the others. The crack down on infractions which resulted in all these penalties, slowed the game down IMO. The Devils seem up to the task, if last night was any indication. I'm feeling more hopeful that they can do well without Stevens and Niedermeyer.
It was like old home week in section 111 and all the regulars were in rare form. The Devs introduced 2 new between period games. Guess the NHL decided Scoro was so old school.
I forget what they called the first, but it involved 2 fans tied together. The idea of the game was to shoot pucks into the net while your opponent tugged on the rope. Looked to me like an lawsuit waiting to happen. Even though the fans were wearing helmets, I can see someone getting hurt.
The second was kind of fun, but dumb at the same time. "Fan Bowling" involved 2 fans getting sling-shot into some inflatable bowling pins while seated on one of those saucer sleds. Strange - ya had to be there! Who thinks up these things, anyway.
Matt Murray the morning DJ from WDHA (my favorite radio station) is the new TV time out host. He gave away CD's and games in trivia contests and JumboTron games. He had the right amount of enthusiasm, but he has to learn how to pronounce the Devils' players names.
Well that's all for now - more after Saturday's match with our arch-rival Rangers.
Posted by Cyberkat at October 6, 2005 06:29 AM | TrackBack