The best way to describe the Devils effort on Friday night was uninspiring or rather unintelligent. That's how head coach Brent Sutter referred to his team during the postgame press conference. "At times we're not playing with any intelligence," Sutter said, paraphrasing from his entire speech. "The team (Devils) played one period with urgency."

The Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference has never been so exciting. As of right now the New Jersey Devils sit atop both the division and the conference, but as we all know, this could change over night with the Pittsburgh Penguins only one point behind the Devils. The New York Rangers are also playing some of their best hockey of the season, making the task of winning the division that much harder.

The

After wearing a St. Louis Blues uniform for 11 years, Bryce Salvador shared some nervous feelings before tonight's debut with the New Jersey Devils. "It's going to be a good nervous," Salvador told Tom Gulitti of the Record. "It's not nervous to play. It's more nervous, excited to be in a new atmosphere. Once the puck is dropped I'm in my element, so I'm going to be pretty comfortable out there."

Trading came and went and the Devils took the alternate route, making a small trade for a stay-at-home defenseman Bryce Salvador. They could have used an offensive weapon or two last night, falling to the Hurricanes 2-1 in overtime. Brian Gionta scored the Devils lone goal, deflecting it off Carolina's defenseman. However, with time expiring on the Hurricanes' man advantage, Sergei Samsonov tallied his first of two goals. Many people blamed Andy Greene for allowing Samsonov's game

I usually refrain from posting controversial videos for many obvious reasons. But, this one made the site. Not only did I approve of the video, I recommend watching it until you're stomach hurts too much or you laughed yourself into a cry. Trust me, we've all been there before, so don't worry if someone else sees you crying. Just tell them to watch the video. What a freaken weird person, Pierre McGuire. Make sure to focus on the comment at the 1:57 mark regarding a big stick.

The Devils have traded enforcer Cam Janssen to the Blues for defenseman Bryce Salvador. Janssen was recently activated off the injury reserve after suffering a separated shoulder in the offseason. He had yet to see action this season. Jackman has 11 points and +12 in 56 games with St. Louis thus far. The move should help the Devils on the blue line where they were thin and in need of a veteran presence after losing Rafalski, Daneyko and both Scotts over the last few years.

Wow, I just finished my previous post while watching VERSUS' tremendous NHL coverage and news is flying at me like a scene from Harry Potter. I learned that Peter Forsberg signed with the Colorado Avalanche earlier today, Dan Boyle just signed a 6 year-deal with the Lightning and, as Versus just broke the story, the Flyers traded defenseman Alexander Picard and a 2009 conditional draft pick for Vincent "Vinny "Prospal.

Mats Sundin will remain with the Maple Leafs until at least the end of this season. Sundin, an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, refused to waive his no-trade clause despite the Leafs strong desire to move him prior to Tuesday’s 3 pm trade deadline. On the other hand, Marian Hossa and Brad Richards’ futures are still undecided. Meanwhile, Versus broke the story about yet another Flyers trade.

Martin Brodeur showed many signs of slowing down and aging at the beginning of this season. A 14-year veteran, Brodeur played uninspired hockey in the opening month (3-6-0, 3.02 GAA), allowing weak, atypical goals, and more importantly, losing more games than expected. Fortunately for the Devils team and their die-hard fans alike, the "new and seemingly aging" Brodeur did not last for more than six weeks. Since the middle of November, he has returned to the Brodeur that we are more familiar with: the record-breaking (22 wins away from tying Patrik Roy’s

John Madden tucked in a shot underneath Brent Johnson's pads with 50 seconds left in overtime, giving New Jersey a 2-1 win and sole possession of the Eastern Conference lead for the first time since April 8. 2001. Despite being outplayed throughout the majority of the contest, the Devils earned their fifth consecutive win and seventh in eight games (7-0-1). Washington outshot New Jersey 28-10 for the first 40 minutes of play, but the Devils hung tight, going into the third period scoreless.

The Devils return to the Nation's Capital this afternoon for a showdown with the Washington Capitals. Both teams are in the midst of the second half of a back-to-back stretch. Whereas the Devils earned their first win of the season over the Islanders yesterday, handing them a 4-2 loss, the Capitals fell to their division rival Hurricanes 6-3. While the Devils have been succeeding with a balanced roster and dominant goaltender (what else is new), the Capitals

I love watching Scott Stevens' famous open-ice hits on Slava Kozlov, Eric Lindros and Paul Kariya, but they take a back seat to Brian Campbell's memorable collision on RJ Umberger. After witnessing this video, I was shocked, stunned and in disbelief. Even if you've seen this before, it's worth another look. Believe me.

(Courtesy of Orland Kurtenblog)

February 29th Vs. Washington Capitals
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March 7th Vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
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March 21st Vs. New York Islanders
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March 25th Vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
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Maybe, Sutter's family should move to New Jersey permanently. After attending the last contest, a 3-2 Devils win, the Sutters, made another appearance, watching the Devils first win in six tries over the Islanders this season over head coach Brent's former team. Alongside a rare sellout crowd of 17,625, the Sutters and Co. witnessed the 4-2 effort

Trailing 1-0 after eight minutes of action, the Devils responded valiantly, utilizing a brilliant

Here are some interesting game notes from Game 62 between the visiting Islanders and Devils. My game story here. Playing in front of a rare sellout crowd of 17, 625, the Devils concluded a 15 of 18-game

The No-Trade Clause allows players to determine their futures, determine when, and if they are dealt before the trade deadline. If, say, the Maple Leafs offer Mats Sundin in a trade, he must grant them permission. He has the last laugh, signing on the dotted line. This is a severe problem, which the league has not yet resolved. In fact, during the GM Meetings held this past week, it was not even raised in discussions. Instead, the executives talked about reducing minor infractions committed in overtime from

I have been to a bunch of Devils game this season. What's the deal with their goal horn? I know it used to sound something like the Hey song. Then that Olay song. Now, New Jersey Devils Goal Horn 2008, which is better than a song better suited for soccer than for hockey. But, it's nowhere near Gary Glitter's The Hey Song.  I understand that Glitter's imprisoned for illegal activities (check Wikipedia), but we should still play that song made famous during the Devils Stanley Cup run in the 1995 campaign.

Watch Martin Brodeur make a remarkable no-look save last night. It definitey ranks as one of the best of the year for the 14-year veteran. I am not sure where this one would rank by the time he retires. Brodeur has made too many throughout his Hall of Fame career. Enjoy them while they last. After he goes, you won't find another goaltender for many years who can replicate his success.

John Madden gave New Jersey their first lead and Sergei Brylin delivered the knockout punch, defeating San Jose 3-2 and sending the Sharks to their fifth straight loss. After a scoreless first period, the Sharks took the 1-0 lead, taking advantage of a Vitaly Vishnevksi penalty 35 seconds into the middle frame.  However, the Devils scored the next three goals, all in the second, including Madden and Brylin’s 1:10 apart, before a late Kyle McLaren tally in the third, finishing the count.

Tonight the Devils host the Sharks at the Prudential Center. The 7:00 tip-off will be televised on FSNY 2 and on WFAN 660 AM on the airwaves. New Jersey has captured a first place tie in the Atlantic Division with wins in four of their last five games (4-0-1). The Devils even gained a share of the Eastern Conference lead prior to last night's contests. The Sharks will look to snap a four-game losing streak. San Jose is in the middle of a difficult eight-game road trip in which it visits the Atlantic before facing the western conference.

Much has taken place lately in the NHL and I feel obligated to relay over what I think I know thus far. From implementing new rules to potentially decimating injuries, the league has been faced with all it can handle. Have Commissioner Gary Bettman, Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, and Senior Executive VP of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell managed to overcome low scoring, poor television ratings (outside of the Winter Classic) to regain the professional sport’s fourth position behind NFL, MLB and NBA? Absolutely not. Yet, I am here today, hoping

Five different players scored goals and New Jersey improved to 3-0 versus Carolina this season with a 5-1 win in front of 16,182. With the victory, the Devils improved to 4-0-1 in their last five games and captured a share of first place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Although they have played two games this past weekend on consecutive nights, the Devils were healthier and more effective than the Hurricanes.

With the trade deadline approaching faster than a speeding bullet, all 30 NHL general managers convened in Naples, Fla. for a tan, some cookies and discussions. There are many rumors regarding who is likely to be moved before Feb. 26 at 3pm eastern time. Scott Burnside of ESPN thinks that 6

Arron Asham rebounded from Friday night's shootout gaffe, leading the Devils to a 3-2 win over the Senators. Asham scored twice and Zach Parise added another on the power play, as New Jersey regained a share of first place in the Atlantic Division. The Senators made a valiant effort to tie this game, but Martin Brodeur made 37 saves, including one in the waning seconds with Ottawa pressing for the equalizer.

 

Apparently, the Devils considered trading longtime center John Madden for Bobby Holik before this season started. At least that's what ESPN.com NHL Columnist Scott Burnside reported. I apologize about not responding to Burnside's article, which was published over two weeks ago. It must have slipped my mind, considering the shit that's been going on lately. I don't even know where to start. From cheaters Roger Clemens and Indiana men's basketball

Pascal Dubuis beat Martin Brodeur with the decisive goal in the 10th round of the longest shootout in Devils history and Johan Hedberg denied Arron Asham on the other end, giving Atlanta the 4-3 come-from-behind win in New Jersey. The Devils had taken a 2-0 and then 3-2 lead before the Thrashers tied the game on separate occasions. Despite the loss, New Jersey gained one point, advancing into a first place tie with Pittsburgh in the Atlantic Division. The Devils remain four points behind idle Ottawa, their next opponent on Saturday night’s second half of a back-to-back stretch.

Is anyone else concerned about the Southeast Division’s weakness from 15? I look at this division and I find it hard to believe some of their current records and seeds. If it were not for the division leader rule, the Southeast would not have qualified a member for the postseason as of today. The NHL did not even implement the policy until they separated the teams into three divisions per conference. I am stunned, especially considering the division’s talented skaters. Washington, Carolina, Atlanta, Florida and Tampa Bay. I am just stunned.

The Devils will look to sweep the season series from the visiting Thrashers tonight at the Prudential Center. The Devils enter tonight's contest on a two-game winning streak. That included a 3-2 overtime victory over the Eastern Conference leading Ottawa Senators. Brian Gionta snapped a 13-game scoreless streak, netting the game winner in the extra frame from captain Jamie Langenbrunner. Elias added two assists for the second straight night. The Thrashers have also won two straight, including a 3-2

When the Devils moved to the Prudential Center, one of their new commodities was a state-of the-art playing surface. However, they are still having problems with the ice. In fact, the "soft" ice issues, which have plagued New Jersey since competing in the Continental Airlines Arena for many years, have apparently traveled to Newark. According to Tom Gulitti, the below par refrigeration system may have assisted the

Scoring his first in 13 games, Brian Gionta gave New Jersey an important 3-2 overtime decision over Ottawa last night. After circling around the net, Gionta found a loose rebound and slipped it through Martin Gerber's legs. Captain Jamie Langenbrunner assisted on Gionta's 14th of the season at 2:14 of the extra frame. In the process, Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur extended his NHL record 30-win seasons to a 12th straight year. The man he trails in career victories, Patrick Roy, only managed 8 consecutive 30-win seasons.

Citing reports in the NY Daily News, the New York Rangers and goalie Henrik Lundqvist have agreed upon a 6-year extension worth about $6.5 million per season. The 25-year-old netminder earned $4.25 million this season and would have been a restricted free agent if he had not signed before July 1. The organization will likely make an official announcement sometime in the next

After defeating Carolina on Saturday night, the Devils are hosting the Senators for the second time this season. Three defensemen scored four goals in New Jersey’s 6-1 victory over the Hurricanes, including Paul Martin’s first career two-goal effort. Elias, Clarkson and Langenbrunner added two assists apiece, eventually knocking out Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward (14 saves on 20 shots). Is

Teams have completed nearly two-thirds of the 2007-08 NHL regular season. With an important trade deadline approaching, Ottawa and Carolina made a significant trade that favored the Senators. I am confident that we did not see the last of the transactions before Feb. 26 (3pm EST). There are many daily reports from various news agencies about predicted trades, who is mostly likely to dealt, etc. Meanwhile, the playoffs are also forthcoming in less than 60 days. Here is my outlook for the five teams comprising Atlantic Division.

While sports may be fun and exciting, they are also extremely dangerous. Nobody knows that more than Richard Zednik of the Florida Panthers. During the Panthers game at Buffalo last night, Olli Jokinen’s skate blade accidentally sliced Zednik’s carotid artery (neck), nearly killing him. After watching the video, I nearly broke down. It was painfully disturbing to see. The AP reported that Zednik underwent emergency surgery to repair the artery

As I stated in an earlier blog, the Devils are in need of a consistent offensive output. Well, their defensemen must have peaked at the post before yesterday's 6-1 rout of the Carolina Hurricanes. Three blueliners scored four goals, including two for Paul Martin and one each for Johnny Oduya and Colin White. Forwards Jay Pandolfo and Dainius Zubrus added the other two goals for the Devils.  

This year's Devils lineup does not sport the usually offensive-minded defensemen that fans have taken for granted through the years,

As the clock ticks until Feb. 26 at 3 pm, the trade deadline rumors are sizzling. Eklund and Lyle "Spector" Richardson have been on the phones calling their contacts, trying to find something going on. I hear many things about Mats Sundin, Darcy, Tucker, Rob Blake, Olli Jokinen and Alex

The Devils host Anaheim Ducks and old friend Scott Niedermayer tonight at the Prudential Center. The these two teams met last in the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals, a memorable experience for Nieds, who won his third Cup in a New Jersey sweater. He returned the following season, captaining the Devils to another playoff run. After they lost in the first round, Nieds, a free agent at the time, decided to sign with the Ducks, rather than remain here. Scott’s younger brother Rob also played for Anaheim, factoring in his decision.

This morning I discussed the White House's Generous Invitation to the reigning champions, Brylin's Stamina and the Tocchet Express. Tonight, we have a few more interesting topics of interest. They might not blow you out of the sky. But when the Red Wings lose to the last place Kings, a Russian boy named Alex has taken over the league dominance, the trade

On Wednesday, many things occurred, for good and for bad. Duke beat its longtime rival UNC in Chapel Hill and the the market plunged even further (recession??). But, good things happened too, including Dick Vitale's return (gosh, I love that man). And, President Bush Jr. welcomed the 2006-07 reigning Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Mighty Ducks to the White House for tea and crumpets. Unfortunately, comm. Gary Bettman slipped through secret service and enjoyed the spotlight as well. The Ducks won the Cup. I am not sure what the President had to offer Bettman other than a toupee.

When the fourth and final meeting between the Devils and Sabres went into overtime, Buffalo was thinking, "Here we go again." However, Buffalo overcame its early season woes to New Jersey and finally found a way to win in the shootout period. After squadering a 2-0 lead in regulation, the Sabres regrouped for a 3-2 effort.

The Devils overcame a 2-0 deficit again with two more unlikely heroes.

I enjoyed the VERSUS telecast of the Devils game on Monday night. Nevertheless, I am glad that FSNY will return to its normal duty for Wednesday night's Devils-Sabres game at 7 o'clock. The Devils are playing their fourth and final meeting with Buffalo this season. Since the first three ended with Devils' shootout wins, Buffalo may want to seal a win in regulation.

Not so fast.

I am sitting in my bedroom, reading Devils fans criticize Johnny Oduya 24/7. I quickly check Yahoo Sports for Oduya's numbers. What I see surprises me as much as other supporters. Among defensemen, Oduya is tied in second with 16 points. His plus/minus 12 is second on the team to Paul Martin. Instead, three other blueliners are a combined -18 with a combined 21 points. Colin White, Vitaly Vishnevski and Mike Mottau have struggled from the get-go, but nobody is ripping into them. Maybe, we do not see eye to eye, but I'm stating facts, not opinions.

I agree with the recent negativity surrounding Brian Gionta. He has certainly not produced to par. Since Jan. 1, Gionta has scored twice (none since Jan. 10). Since the beginning of the season, he has potted merely 13 goals (t-98th), 31 less than Ovechkin’s 43 league-leading tallies. You are probably thinking about what to do with Gionta. Should GM Lou Lamoriello include him in trade discussions? Bench him? Move him around the lines? I have considered these options as well.