Well, I have said several times that I was concerned about the Devs lack of scoring. Nine goals in 2 games have allayed my fears. Things are looking good!
My Guys – Scott Stevens set up the first 2 goals and both John Madden and Brian Gionta scored a goal each. Scott Gomez and Jay Pandolfo also scored.
Our group in section 111 groaned collectively when Marty lost his shut out bid with 13:47 remaining.
The Sabers pulled goalie, Biron, shortly after Gionta scored the Devils 3rd goal, but not before he broke his stick in a little display of temper. He bashed it over the goal, and then whacked it on the ice. Naughty, naughty. I'm surprised that he didn't get an unsportsman-like conduct penalty. Not sure whether he was mad at himself or mad at his teammates. The Sabers weren't playing very well and the Devils were.
I don't know what is keeping the fans away, but the crowds have been dismal. Come on, people! This is the defending Stanley Cup Champions we're watching here and they're playing some exciting hockey as well. I know that the economy is bad and tickets are expensive, but where are all the people who should be filling those already sold seats downstairs.
The Devils have been touting the merchandise catalog and teasing us with clips about “Three Cup” merchandise. I'm looking forward to seeing it, but so far the catalogs have yet to be seen.
Thursday, Dec. 4th is the Toys for Tots drive. So come on down and bring a new unwrapped toy. It's such a good cause. The Devs will be facing off against the Washington Capitols.
Gotta Love it!
Even though the Rangers haven't made it into the playoffs in - what 6 seasons - a win over our cross-Hudson rivals is always sweet. A 5 goal shutout is even sweeter.
We didn't go to this game - we always sell the Ranger games - so I don't have much to report. I did want to gloat though!
This extends our unbeaten streak to 9 (7-0-2), which matches Vancouver's for the longest in the league this season, and also matches our longest unbeaten streak from last season. Way to go Devils!
'Til next time ...
Don't forget to check out the “I heart / love hockey” Gear. Support Kat's Devil's Den and an out-of-work webdesigner by buying some items for yourself. They make good gifts too - the holidays are coming fast!
Well, I'm feeling better about our prospects than I was a few weeks ago. With an 8 game unbeaten streak going, things are looking good.
We still can't seem to score. If they gave points for just missing the net, I think we would be right up there at the top. People in section 111 have been know to sing, "If we could only shoot on net" to the tune of "If I only had a brain ". Yet still we find ways to win games. We did it all last year and through the playoffs, too. I think it goes to character. Say what you will about Lou Lamoriello, but he seems to find players who have that extra bit of character and I think that's what makes the difference. I think that's why we have 3 Cups in 8 years.
I have my list of favorite players and most of them I have chosen because they have heart, but you can say that about most of the Devils players. If they don't have it, they don't last very long in this organization.
IMO, a player with a little talent and a lot of heart will outplay one with a lot of talent who is going through the motions or who is all wrapped up in ego. I don't have to name, names. You all know who they are. I'll take the player with heart any day.
I think some players with a lot of talent kind of coast through. From when their talent is first noticed, scouts, coaches and GM's seek them out. These players start at such a young age and if they have success come too easily, I think they miss out on that "trial by fire" that could give them the extra benefit of character. Other players who want success badly, but who have to overcome obstacles like having less talent or being smaller than the other players, have to work harder to attain their goals. That work ethic, I think, often pays off in the end.
I know it's a long season and I have no crystal ball to tell me what's in store. I know that I'm not alone in hoping that we'll be raising another Cup in June, but I'm not placing any bets on it. I'm pretty superstious when it comes to hockey and I don't want to jinx anything.
'Til next time ...
Don't forget to check out the “I heart / love hockey” Gear. Support Kat's Devil's Den and an out-of-work webdesigner by buying some items for yourself. They make good gifts too - the holidays are coming fast!
I know I promised to write after each game, but for the first few home games, my thoughts were kind of grim. It sure looked like we were off to a really bad start. Seemed like we couldn't win one at home. Considering how strong we were at home last year, this was really disappointing to say the least!
I have been really discouraged by the fact that we had leads in those losses, and gave them up. Very un-Devillike. Pat Burns couldn't have been happy about that!
I'm encouraged after the last two games - Thrursday night and Saturday afternoon - though. Two straight wins against 2 good teams - Philly and Colorado. I love beating Philly, because there are always so many Philly fans that come to the arena. It's good to send them home disappointed <veg>
In the Philly game, Mike Rupp scored two goals! Gotta love that guy. Will have to add him to the “My Guys” page. He reminds me a lot of Mike Peluso - who was a favorite of mine when he played here.
Against the Avalanche, yesterday afternoon, we showed some of the old spark and spirit. After we lost what should have been a third Cup (which would have given us 4) in 2000, I like beating Colorado too!
There is another new feature here at Kat's Devil's Den. I've started a CafePress store with hockey-related merchandise. Check out the “I heart / love hockey” Gear. Support Kat's Devil's Den and an out-of-work web designer by buying some items for yourself. They make good gifts too - the holidays are coming fast!