Brian Deakyne, staff writer
When the New Jersey Devils acquired Ilya Kovalchuk on February 4th, they were clearly looking for a big-name scorer to push the at-the-time struggling Devils past their goal-scoring slump.
Now, a good two months later, Kovalchuk has made more of a splash than anyone would have expected.
In twenty games in Newark, Kovalchuk has scored only eight goals and tallied twelve assists for New Jersey, who have been see-sawing with the Pittsburgh Penguins for first place in the Atlantic Division.
What has come of Kovalchuk, however, is a leader-like mentality; a trait many people didn't expect from the man who turned down $100 million to remain in Atlanta.
In just his second game in the red and black, Kovalchuk scrapped with long-time Devils enemy, Sean Avery, immediately winning over the fans in New Jersey.
Still, despite scoring only eight goals, there have been glimpses and moments that prove why he is often touted as the best scorer in the league. Several times the 26-year old Russian has taken the puck with a full head of steam and gone coast to coast, only to barely miss the net or be turned away.
But this man isn't all about scoring.
With a 3-2 lead in a crucial game Saturday night in Montreal, after the Canadiens pulling their goalie, Kovalchuk out-hustled Andrei Kostitsyn for a loose puck and, instead of drilling home the clinching, empty-net goal which would have been the easy move, he made a little drop pass for teammate Brian Rolston, who nailed home the goal.
After the goal, Kovalchuk scooped up the puck, much to the surprise of everyone, and it was Rolston's 700th career point.
Weird, a man who had been with the Devils for not even two months would know of such a milestone that even caught Devils' broadcaster Mike Emerick by surprise.
Earlier last week, in a 4-3 shootout loss against the New York Rangers, after a first=period fight between Andrew Peters of the Devils and Jody Shelley of New York, it was Kovalchuk to pick up all of Peters' accessories that were tossed about the ice, all-the-while giving him a high five and having an innocent smile across his face.
When he was brought aboard, Kovalchuk looked like nothing more than a half-year rental deal to try to help Jersey's Team reach the Stanley Cup.
Not looking like much of a rental deal now, right?
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6 Out of 6 Ain't Bad
Brian Deakyne, staff writer
The New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins have faced off six times this season, the now-normal amount played by division foes in the heart of the "new NHL."
In those six games, three have been played at the Prudential Center in Newark, three at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. New Jersey has won all six.
In the heat of the race for this Atlantic Division crown, a title that the Devils have hung proudly in the rafters five of the last six seasons, twelve points means more than anything in the world.
But why is it that the Penguins, defending Stanley Cup champions, have such a difficult time against the New Jersey Devils?
Despite the newly-revised edition of the NHL rulebook that allows for an offense-first style to dominate, New Jersey still controls games with their defensive style of play.
Constantly, especially in last night's bout, pucks were deflected away from danger, not only by the Devils defense but goaltender Martin Brodeur as well.
As many of the aspects of a hockey game that the new NHL rules can affect, strong defense is not one of them.
But what is it with the Devils' defense that separates them from other defensemen across the league?
It's not as if they have star-studded defensemen who are all-stars year in and year out. Colin White and Mike Mottau, along with Andy Greene and Paul Martin aren't exactly your prototypical 'top-of-the-line' defensemen.
What they do have, however, are the defensemen afore listed that are veterans of the game and know there roles on this team. White and Mottau know they are the 'big-bodied' defensemen whereas Green and Martin are much more capable to carry the puck and make strong outlet passes.
More than anything, however, they have defensive-minded forwards, a long-time trademark of the New Jersey Devils. Despite the departures of John Madden and Brian Gionta, there are still veterans such as Jay Pandolfo and Dean McCammond who play a major role in the team's defense as they are constantly on the backcheck.
There's no better example or successful stride of a true 'defensive offense' than a successful penalty kill.
Last night, seconds after Travis Zajac was stoned by Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fluery shorthanded, Patrik Elias beat Fleury on a second breakaway of the kill and giving the Devils the early 2-1 lead in the first period.
For a team who displays two of the best scorers in the NHL in Sidney Crosby and Evengi Malkin, the Penguins could learn a lesson or two from the Devils and understand that good offense, still, comes from good defense.
If they don't wish to believe it, they might want to take a look at the head-to-head records.
The New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins have faced off six times this season, the now-normal amount played by division foes in the heart of the "new NHL."
In those six games, three have been played at the Prudential Center in Newark, three at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. New Jersey has won all six.
In the heat of the race for this Atlantic Division crown, a title that the Devils have hung proudly in the rafters five of the last six seasons, twelve points means more than anything in the world.
But why is it that the Penguins, defending Stanley Cup champions, have such a difficult time against the New Jersey Devils?
Despite the newly-revised edition of the NHL rulebook that allows for an offense-first style to dominate, New Jersey still controls games with their defensive style of play.
Constantly, especially in last night's bout, pucks were deflected away from danger, not only by the Devils defense but goaltender Martin Brodeur as well.
As many of the aspects of a hockey game that the new NHL rules can affect, strong defense is not one of them.
But what is it with the Devils' defense that separates them from other defensemen across the league?
It's not as if they have star-studded defensemen who are all-stars year in and year out. Colin White and Mike Mottau, along with Andy Greene and Paul Martin aren't exactly your prototypical 'top-of-the-line' defensemen.
What they do have, however, are the defensemen afore listed that are veterans of the game and know there roles on this team. White and Mottau know they are the 'big-bodied' defensemen whereas Green and Martin are much more capable to carry the puck and make strong outlet passes.
More than anything, however, they have defensive-minded forwards, a long-time trademark of the New Jersey Devils. Despite the departures of John Madden and Brian Gionta, there are still veterans such as Jay Pandolfo and Dean McCammond who play a major role in the team's defense as they are constantly on the backcheck.
There's no better example or successful stride of a true 'defensive offense' than a successful penalty kill.
Last night, seconds after Travis Zajac was stoned by Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fluery shorthanded, Patrik Elias beat Fleury on a second breakaway of the kill and giving the Devils the early 2-1 lead in the first period.
For a team who displays two of the best scorers in the NHL in Sidney Crosby and Evengi Malkin, the Penguins could learn a lesson or two from the Devils and understand that good offense, still, comes from good defense.
If they don't wish to believe it, they might want to take a look at the head-to-head records.
Finishin' Strong
Brian Deakyne, staff writer
This picture has been played in the minds of Devils fans, players and coaches for too many years: breaking down late in the season.
In what has seemingly been the constant over the past four seasons is Jersey's Team unable to close out the season. Although they may have hung division banners the in three of the last four seasons, the normally unnoticed task of finishing the season strong has proved to be the true achillies heal for New Jersey.
This season, that task lurking in the near future looks to be even more important.
The defending Stanley Cup champions, Pittsburgh Penguins, have currently overtaken the Atlantic division by four points (although the Devils have two games in hand) and are aiming at hanging a divisional banner at Melon Arena.
Still, New Jersey does seem to have a slight advantage over those defending champs, defeating them in all five match-ups this season.
The numbers are there for the Devils, who are still considered one of the most dangerous teams in the National Hockey League.
Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise, the two top point-acqurirers for New Jersey sit near the top of the league rankings, as well.
As for Martin Brodeur, well, there's no explanation needed for the man who is still atop nearly every goaltender statistic.
The Devils need to approach each other remaining sixteen games as if they are all against the Penguins.
If only, oh, if only that were the case.
Besides, what good is not being one of the top three playoff seeds, which are held by division winners?
New Jersey sure isn't too common with that role, and shouldn't be this year.
This picture has been played in the minds of Devils fans, players and coaches for too many years: breaking down late in the season.
In what has seemingly been the constant over the past four seasons is Jersey's Team unable to close out the season. Although they may have hung division banners the in three of the last four seasons, the normally unnoticed task of finishing the season strong has proved to be the true achillies heal for New Jersey.
This season, that task lurking in the near future looks to be even more important.
The defending Stanley Cup champions, Pittsburgh Penguins, have currently overtaken the Atlantic division by four points (although the Devils have two games in hand) and are aiming at hanging a divisional banner at Melon Arena.
Still, New Jersey does seem to have a slight advantage over those defending champs, defeating them in all five match-ups this season.
The numbers are there for the Devils, who are still considered one of the most dangerous teams in the National Hockey League.
Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise, the two top point-acqurirers for New Jersey sit near the top of the league rankings, as well.
As for Martin Brodeur, well, there's no explanation needed for the man who is still atop nearly every goaltender statistic.
The Devils need to approach each other remaining sixteen games as if they are all against the Penguins.
If only, oh, if only that were the case.
Besides, what good is not being one of the top three playoff seeds, which are held by division winners?
New Jersey sure isn't too common with that role, and shouldn't be this year.
2/8 -- Devils Game Preview
By: Brian Deakyne
New Jersey Devils (36-19-2) at Philadelphia Flyers (28-25-3)
Previous Meetings: The Devils and Flyers have faced off three times this season. On October 3rd, the Flyers beat the Devils 5-2 at the Prudential Center, with Matt Carle leading Philly with a goal and an assist. Later, on November 16th, it was New Jersey-native James Van Riemsdyk burying the Devils as he scored the game winning goal in a 3-2 Philadelphia win. In the most recent meeting, in New Jersey on December 16th, Patrik Elias scored twice including his 300th career goals to push the Devils past the Flyers 4-1.
How They've Fared: Devils: New Jersey still isn't playing the way they would hope in early February after signing one of the best scorers in the National Hockey League. In two games with New Jersey, Ilya Kovalchuk has tallied just one assist as the Devils are clinging on to a two-point lead in the Atlantic Division over Pittsburgh. In their last ten games, the Devils are a modest 4-5-1 but will look to improve on the scoring as they averaged exactly two goals per game.
How They've Fared: Flyers: Philadelphia has played mediocre hockey all season, especially as of late splitting their last ten games--and it shows in the standings. There is a sense of urgency at the Wachovia Center these days, as the Flyers are hanging in the playoff race by the skin of their teeth, as they sit in the eighth and final playoff spot. From this point on, every point will count for the Flyers and games against division rivals are important.
Who to Watch: Devils: The last two games, every eye in the building have focused on Ilya Kovalchuk. Tonight, they will be more than ever. Playing in part of the Devils-Flyers fierce rivalry for the first time, Kovalchuk has to step up as a goal scorer to give the Devils and edge they have needed for the longest time.
Who to Watch: Flyers: For Philadelphia, the top to centermen are the men to watch tonight: Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. These two players each have 22 goals, accounting for most of the Flyers' goals, and it will be tougher than ever tonight against Martin Brodeur, who says his favorite place to play is Philadelphia.
Bottom Line: Like most opponents, the Devils are facing a team that needs this much more than they do--but it doesn't mean they don't need it. New Jersey needs to get Kovalchuk on the score sheet, and there's no place better to do it than Philadelphia. For the Flyers, this is almost a must-win, as several teams are down there back for that high;y coveted eighth spot in the division. Expect emotions to run high tonight at the Wachovia Center
New Jersey Devils (36-19-2) at Philadelphia Flyers (28-25-3)
Previous Meetings: The Devils and Flyers have faced off three times this season. On October 3rd, the Flyers beat the Devils 5-2 at the Prudential Center, with Matt Carle leading Philly with a goal and an assist. Later, on November 16th, it was New Jersey-native James Van Riemsdyk burying the Devils as he scored the game winning goal in a 3-2 Philadelphia win. In the most recent meeting, in New Jersey on December 16th, Patrik Elias scored twice including his 300th career goals to push the Devils past the Flyers 4-1.
How They've Fared: Devils: New Jersey still isn't playing the way they would hope in early February after signing one of the best scorers in the National Hockey League. In two games with New Jersey, Ilya Kovalchuk has tallied just one assist as the Devils are clinging on to a two-point lead in the Atlantic Division over Pittsburgh. In their last ten games, the Devils are a modest 4-5-1 but will look to improve on the scoring as they averaged exactly two goals per game.
How They've Fared: Flyers: Philadelphia has played mediocre hockey all season, especially as of late splitting their last ten games--and it shows in the standings. There is a sense of urgency at the Wachovia Center these days, as the Flyers are hanging in the playoff race by the skin of their teeth, as they sit in the eighth and final playoff spot. From this point on, every point will count for the Flyers and games against division rivals are important.
Who to Watch: Devils: The last two games, every eye in the building have focused on Ilya Kovalchuk. Tonight, they will be more than ever. Playing in part of the Devils-Flyers fierce rivalry for the first time, Kovalchuk has to step up as a goal scorer to give the Devils and edge they have needed for the longest time.
Who to Watch: Flyers: For Philadelphia, the top to centermen are the men to watch tonight: Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. These two players each have 22 goals, accounting for most of the Flyers' goals, and it will be tougher than ever tonight against Martin Brodeur, who says his favorite place to play is Philadelphia.
Bottom Line: Like most opponents, the Devils are facing a team that needs this much more than they do--but it doesn't mean they don't need it. New Jersey needs to get Kovalchuk on the score sheet, and there's no place better to do it than Philadelphia. For the Flyers, this is almost a must-win, as several teams are down there back for that high;y coveted eighth spot in the division. Expect emotions to run high tonight at the Wachovia Center
2/6 -- Devils Game Recap
By: Brian Deakyne
1st Period Analysis: With Patrik Elias making his return from a concussion that sidelined him nearly a month, it was he, Ilya Kovalchuk, and the New Jersey Devils who were in command early at Madison Square Garden. Kovalchuk drew an early penalty for New Jersey which was followed by an unsuccessful power play. It would work both ways however, as the Rangers would fail on a power play shortly after. In the second half of the period, the teams would alternate scoring chances and both teams would fail on power plays before the period would end with no score. Surprisingly, Kovalchuk did not come off the ice during either power play for New Jersey, but the Devils seemed out-of-rhythm. Martin Brodeur would stop all seven shots while Henrik Lundqvist turned away all ten Devils' shots.
2nd Period Analysis: It was evident early that the tightly called first period would carry over in the second. Not even two minutes in, the Devils were on the power play again, and soon, it would turn into a 5 on 3 advantage for New Jersey. Still, the Devils wouldn't be able to cash in and the New York Rangers, led by Ryan Callahan would soon be sparked. Shortly after the Devils' failed power plays, Marian Gaborik would tip-in his 35th goal of the season on the Rangers power play at 7:20--but New York wasn't finished. They would score twice more within two and a half minutes, first by Callahan, his 15th at 8:16; then Chris Drury at 9:59, his ninth of the season, putting the Rangers entirely in command. The play would open up for the remainder of the second period, although neither team would register a serious scoring chance, and the Rangers would end the period, leading 3-0.
3rd Period Analysis: The best way to describe the third period it The Garden: uneventful. With the score 3-0 heading in, the teams played conservative hockey, and New Jersey did their best to come back, and drew within two when Dainus Zubrus scored his fifth goal of the season at 11:11 of the period. Still, despite the Devils fight, with Brodeur pulled late in the game combined with a late Rangers penalty, the Devils had a 6 on 4 advantage--but would be unable to score as the Rangers would go on to win 3-1.
The Final Tally: In the end, this was the game a struggling Rangers team needed. Winning against a quality playoff-bound team--and at home--was key for the Rangers as they put the Devils away 3-1. New York would do a good job neutralizing Kovalchuk--the only noise he would make all night would be his scrap with the obviously-hated Ranger Sean Avery. Lundqvist looked very strong, stopping 41 of the 42 Devils' shots.
Final Score: New York Rangers (26-26-7) 3, New Jersey Devils (36-19-2) 1
1st Period Analysis: With Patrik Elias making his return from a concussion that sidelined him nearly a month, it was he, Ilya Kovalchuk, and the New Jersey Devils who were in command early at Madison Square Garden. Kovalchuk drew an early penalty for New Jersey which was followed by an unsuccessful power play. It would work both ways however, as the Rangers would fail on a power play shortly after. In the second half of the period, the teams would alternate scoring chances and both teams would fail on power plays before the period would end with no score. Surprisingly, Kovalchuk did not come off the ice during either power play for New Jersey, but the Devils seemed out-of-rhythm. Martin Brodeur would stop all seven shots while Henrik Lundqvist turned away all ten Devils' shots.
2nd Period Analysis: It was evident early that the tightly called first period would carry over in the second. Not even two minutes in, the Devils were on the power play again, and soon, it would turn into a 5 on 3 advantage for New Jersey. Still, the Devils wouldn't be able to cash in and the New York Rangers, led by Ryan Callahan would soon be sparked. Shortly after the Devils' failed power plays, Marian Gaborik would tip-in his 35th goal of the season on the Rangers power play at 7:20--but New York wasn't finished. They would score twice more within two and a half minutes, first by Callahan, his 15th at 8:16; then Chris Drury at 9:59, his ninth of the season, putting the Rangers entirely in command. The play would open up for the remainder of the second period, although neither team would register a serious scoring chance, and the Rangers would end the period, leading 3-0.
3rd Period Analysis: The best way to describe the third period it The Garden: uneventful. With the score 3-0 heading in, the teams played conservative hockey, and New Jersey did their best to come back, and drew within two when Dainus Zubrus scored his fifth goal of the season at 11:11 of the period. Still, despite the Devils fight, with Brodeur pulled late in the game combined with a late Rangers penalty, the Devils had a 6 on 4 advantage--but would be unable to score as the Rangers would go on to win 3-1.
The Final Tally: In the end, this was the game a struggling Rangers team needed. Winning against a quality playoff-bound team--and at home--was key for the Rangers as they put the Devils away 3-1. New York would do a good job neutralizing Kovalchuk--the only noise he would make all night would be his scrap with the obviously-hated Ranger Sean Avery. Lundqvist looked very strong, stopping 41 of the 42 Devils' shots.
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