Power outage

No, this post is not about the Devils' dismal power play. There was actually a power outage at South Mountain Arena today, which prevented the team from practicing. A transformer outside the building blew, causing some power lines to drop and a small fire in the lot where the players and team personnel park. Fortunately, the wires did not fall on any cars. Most of the players were getting ready to go out on the ice when the power went out about 11:10 a.m. Backup goaltender Kevin Weekes was the only player on the ice at the time and was immediately called back into the locker room by assistant coach John MacLean. PSE&G still had not restored the power by 1:30 pm. and the West Orange Fire Department had to make a second trip to the arena to check out the smell of something burning inside the building or on the roof near the Devils' locker room area.

Defenseman Paul Martin was one of the few players not in skates because he wasn't going to practice and ran out to help if cars needed to be moved. Martin said his lower body injury, which he called a bruise, was feeling better after receiving treatment today, but was unsure if he'll be able to play in Friday's game against the Islanders.

Comments

[JoeDevs]

Hey TG, I was at The Rock last night. There were too many Rangers fans, 1 is too many for my liking, but I thought the crowd was about 65% to 35% in favor of Devils fans. Some media guys said 50/50, which I disagree-I paid attention to each section of the arena during the 2nd period.
What do you think the fan allegience was last night?
Rangers fans had more to cheer about, but there was far more red than blue in the house last night. Thanks TG for such a great blog!!

[wkmaier]

TG,

I'm sure I am missing something, but when does the team practice at The Rock?

[Eric]

I am surprised that Sutter didn't practice anyway. He doesn't need to lights to see that our PP is horrendous. They probably would have missed just as many times from the point in the dark than if they had the lights on. Sorry, a little frustrated right now.

[TG]

Actually, the Devils will soon start practicing at The Rock. They've started packing up their stuff at South Mountain already, but the practice facility adjacent to Prudential Center isn't quite done yet. They've had one practice on the game rink, though.

I think it was 60-65 percent Devils' fans last night. It was difficult to see how many fans left their seats open to go to the Fire and Ice Lounges, though. From my seat in the press box, it looked like there were a lot of fans standing and watching from the Ice Lounge during the game.

[devils95]

Hey JoeDevs, I was also at the game last night and I thought the crowd was 50/50 and my section (120) was almost entirely Rangers fans. I thought there were a disgraceful amount of Devils fans there.

[Chris]

whole lot of ranger fans there last night.. whole lot of louder more obnoxious ranger fans.. Id say atleast 50 50

[Scott]

I would say 65-35 seemed about right to my eyes last night. The Ranger fans were just more apparent since the Devils played uninspired for much of the game.

[Shari]

TG, after not seeing Whitey for a while now, there was a nice interview with Him on Tv. I know His eye is not good, but I have to tell You seeing for Myself how huge that His pupil is in that eye kind of shocked Me, it made Me think about how scared that He must be, and about how much courage that He has, trying to battle back and learn to adapt to help His Team. I have had eye problems Myself in the past, and was going to retnal specailists, eye specialists etc, and they could not figure out why I could not see in one eye and then after a few months poof problem gone, eye sight restored and I still don't know what happened or why. I have so much respect for Him and wish Him nothing but the best in His recovery, and as much as I would like to see him on the ice His health is the most important thing, and I for one will be cheering as loud as I can for Him when He returns.If You could let Him know that the Fans are rooting for Him and wish Him the best that would be great.

[TG]

Please, everyone remember that tomorrow night is the annual Food Drive to benefit the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. If you are going to the game, please bring cans or boxes of non-perishable food.

[DevsForLife]

TG, is everything okay at South Mountain? Hats off to Paul Martin.

Colin and Jamie deserve medals. Or a shot at captaincy. Either one. I too have had eye problems in the past, though not nearly as severe as Whitey and I really feel for him too, Scott. TG, If you could, pass this on to him.