VS.
No way would I have predicted anything close to that title back in October when I was looking at this game on the schedule, but believe it or not the New Jersey Devils are currently in last place in the Eastern Conference, and the Florida Panthers are ahead of them at 11th. With tonight’s game at the Bank Atlantic Center the Panthers have a chance to win their third straight, their straight at home on this current homestand, and a chance to be over .500.
The Devils the surprise disappointment of the season have led the league in drama since the summer. Ilya Kovalchuk and his contract negotiations dominated the news all summer long, and is still being talked about. The naming of John MacLean as head coach and the “benching” of Kovalchuk earlier this season. Then the slow start that at the Devils got off to, combined with that Kovy benching most likely then led to the Merry Christmas , you’re fired card that MacLean received. The placing on waivers of Brian Rolston, an aging yet still capable veteran who has what is now a horrible contract. And then of course, the rehiring for the third time as coach, Jacques Lemaire. (The trap is back?) Let’s also not forget the recent trade of captain Jaime Langenbrunner to add to the soap opera.
Although there hasn’t been much trapping going on in the past two games they’ve played, both victories over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Last Sunday’s victory was by a score of 6-3, and last night’s win was a 5-2 drubbing. Before that the Devils were in a dreadful 1-10-0 stretch where they were outscored 42-16! Friday night’s win also stopped an 11 game road losing streak since they beat defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago on November 3. The Devils road record this season is 5-16-0.
Kovalchuk leads the team in goals with 12, which is a long way away from last years 41. He’s actually on pace to score 23 which would be a career low for him. A staggering stat however is Kovy’s league low minus 27 rating. Veteran Patrik Elias leads the team in points with 31. Speaking of players having bad season’s, goaltender Marty Brodeur who is most likley the best goaltender of our time is struggling with a record of 7-18-1 with a GAA of 3.01 and a save percentage of .890. I wouldn’t say that this season for the Devils has been a bad dream, but more like a nightmare.
Needless to say, they can’t be taken lightly. Proud players and while they most likely have zero chance of making the playoffs, they aren’t going to make beating them easy. The Panthers need to be aware of that and play tonight’s game as though the Devils were a first place team. It’s the only way to approach this game. The Panthers who are nine points out of the 8th spot need to at least keep pace with the teams they are chasing. Atlanta, Carolina and Buffalo all play tonight as well.
Coming off another dramatic finish on Thursday when the Panthers beat the Washington Capitals, these Cats need to stop using their “lives”. Another lead that was lost, resulting in a “character” win. Quotes were used to stress an overly exaggerated term that’s said in sports. Mike Santorelli has been leading the charge a bit lately and has four points in his last four games. “The Sandman” is second on the team with 12 goals, and has continued to be one of the most pleasant surprises of the year for Florida. One of the gems that Dale Tallon picked up this summer, with the assist going to Mike Santos, Dale’s Assistant GM.
Stephen Weiss who has himself a battle scar from the stick to the face from Nashville’s Shane O’Brien (see here), lead in goals with 13 and points with 29. Projecting to be 56 for the year. He could out score Ilya Kovalchuk at this rate. The Panthers are 3-1-1 against the Devils in their last five home games, and are in position to tie their longest winning streak of the year. By the way, the O’Brien stickwork didn’t result in a penalty during the game, he was however assessed a two game suspension. Justice served!
Reports indicate the Scott Clemmensen will be starting in net tonight as he will face his old team. Clemmensen had a solid performance against the Predators on Thursday and also did well in a relief role against the Capitals on Tuesday night. With all the games this month good goaltending is a must and Clemmer and Tomas Vokoun seem to be able to provide a nice tandem.
While fast starts have become a recent trademark for Florida, the holding on to those early leads has become the thorn in their backside. Playing a solid 60 minutes as we always say is the key. Tonight’s game, another must win needs to have the same pace for Florida all night long. The Devils can’t be as bad as their record either right? Let’s not take them for granted. They played last night too, so maybe a little extra physicality to help tire them out will help.
Here’s your TSN Gameday preview. Also, check out our FanSided opponent Pucks and Pitchforks.
Don’t forget to vote for Panther Ice Dancer Meg in the Ice Dancer Contest. Hit the like button.
Thanks for reading. We welcome your comments, or rants.
Please visit our NHL main page: Too Many Men On The Site.
Follow the Rat pack onTwitter: me @TheRatTrick David Lasseter @davidlasseter and Josh Luecht @joshluecht. Also, please join our Facebook Fan Page and hit the like button, send us photos, and make some comments.
Want The Rat Trick or another FanSided network blog on your Iphone, Android or Blackberry? Download the application now on your smartphone and get the best in Florida Panthers coverage