Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur said he expects to start again in Saturday's home game against Carolina after making 39 saves in tonight's 3-2 overtime loss in Chicago.
Brodeur was particularly good in the first period, making 19 saves to keep the Blackhawks from pulling away when they had five power plays in the first 15:18.
"Marty played very well," Devils coach Brent Sutter said. "He was very good."
***
After giving up eight power-play goals in losing their three previous road games, the Devils would have liked to avoid taking an early penalty tonight. Instead they took five in the first 13:18 of the game.
They were fortunate that Kris Versteeg's goal 5:51 into the game was the only power-play tally they gave up. Actually, the penalty kill was pretty good tonight, giving up the one goal on the six chances.
"We have five penalties in the first 12 minutes of the game, so it did seem like it rolled over (from Monday's loss in Philadelphia), but we did a good job," Sutter said. "Our penalty killing was very good tonight, It did a great job."
***
Including his goal, Zach Parise had a team-high six shots on goal tonight. That gives him 326 for the season -- breaking John MacLean's team record by four.
"Things hadn't been going in for me lately, so I just wanted to make sure I got shots," Parise said.
Asked if breaking MacLean's record meant anything, Parise said, "No. Not really. Again, I'm just trying to get pucks toward the net."
***
Left wing Patrik Elias said he felt a little sluggish tonight after missing Monday's game because of tighness in a leg muscle. He hadn't played in a game since Sunday in Boston and sat out the final nine minutes of that game because of his leg.
"I was a little bit rusty after not playing for four days," Elias said. "It was not bad overall. Just I felt like I was a little bit a step behind and I'll be better tomorrow."
Holik needs to calm down, I'll admit one of his penalties was questionable but I feel like he takes a completely useless penalty every single game.
Posted by: Pat D'Amico | March 28, 2009 at 12:25 AM
Since they won't take Zubrus out for some reason, how about Pandolfo in, Holik out for tomorrow? You're not losing or gaining anything because they are two useless players, except that Pandolfo doesn't take penalties.
Posted by: Pete | March 28, 2009 at 12:33 AM
We need to try and find a deal for Zubrus, he does not fit the Orchestra. He's big and can make space, when he does not fall all over himself skating. We need to do something with him.
Posted by: Al (Philly Devil) | March 28, 2009 at 12:36 AM
The parade to the penalty box made it hard for the Devs to get any rythym. Granted they came out of the 1st with a 2-1 lead, but that was pretty lucky. It is hard to set the tone from the get go, which was the Devs' strong point when they were tearing it up, with all of those penalties. The whole game suffers. Marty did play well though.
We have to beat the Canes tomorrow and turn this thing around. I just do not want to see the Devs go stumbling into the playoffs like last year. I would not mind seeing the Pando for Holik swap, just to see what it does, if anything.
Posted by: Gilly | March 28, 2009 at 12:46 AM
Just because we lose another game everyone starts hating every player. If I added up the names mentioned in the last 2 blog entry comments it would be the whole roster. Zubrus works well at what he does but should not be centering Elias and Gionta. That being said, he's the only guy we've got who can make them play, so what's the alternative? Trading everyone away isn't the answer. We're stuck with too many bad contracts anyways. We didn't sign Rolston to be a checker, and he clearly isn't great centering Elias. He belongs on the wing of a scoring line and he's hardly been given that job at all this season.
Posted by: mpf | March 28, 2009 at 12:48 AM
How about Bergfors in for Gionta? Cormier in for Madden? Halischuk in for Pandolfo? Bouwmeester in for Oduya? Anyone in for Zubrus? Oh wait thats next year. This year is sinking fast.
Posted by: Steve | March 28, 2009 at 12:52 AM
As much as we should sign bouwmeester next year...you know lou wont pull the trigger...thats y we ended up with boring havelid on a loan....Holik really needs to sit, its getting redic out there with him taking a dumb penalty every game. Dman please step up and hit sum1 mid ice like the good ol days...we need to throw the body around 2morrow night.
Posted by: DCdevil | March 28, 2009 at 01:05 AM
Steve, relax my man. This team played great for like three weeks straight, they were bound to take a dip in play. They will get it together before the playoffs and be back to playing at a high level when it counts. I agree there are guys that need to step it up and some older veterans that we used to count on not producing anymore, but this is still a formidable team that can go deep. Zubrus is a mistake and should be playing 3rd line, maybe Sutter is annoyed enough with him where he make the switch and makes it permanent.
No worries, you will be going to the rock in your shorts this season as it will be May going into June...lets get rid of the negativity, we'll be fine.
Posted by: airsilks | March 28, 2009 at 02:49 AM
HERES A NOVEL IDEA~!!! Why don't we put PARISE BETWEEN ELIAS AND GIONTA!!!!! DUH!
No one has thought of this and I think it would work. Rolston is a LW anyway!
Elias-Parise-Gionta
Rolston-Zajac-Langenbrunner
Shanahan-Madden-Clarkson
Rupp-Holik-Zubrus
MONEY MONEY MONEY!!!! Those lines would be freakin awesome. Parise is man enough to hold his own at center and still produce with his money buddy Elias. Parise used to play center anyway. Why hasn't sutter tried this!? I want to send him a letter or something.. i bet NO ONE has thought of this because ZZPop has been so good.
MAYBE Rolston would have chemistry with Zajac and play better in his BEST position @ LW!.. It gets Elias-Gionta going.. It gives us a descent 3rd line.. and a HUGE 4th line that can do some damage. Holik is a born to die centerman.. Rupp can drive to the net.. and Zubrus can help set up the play, make the pass.. or just hit someone. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: modnarm | March 28, 2009 at 02:52 AM
TG, I think it could possibly do the team some good and possibly make Sutter laugh if u said to him that a fan suggested putting Rolston in Parise's spot and have Parise center Elias and Gionta. I bet he'll at least think about it!
I feel like theres not a reason in the world not to try this configuration. If it somehow fails.. go back to how it was but at least give it a shot!
Posted by: modnarm | March 28, 2009 at 03:01 AM
If the Devils won it in overtime tonight, everybody would be going on and on about how great the team is and how well we rebounded. One OT goal and all of a sudden the whole team sucks and this season's over. So predictable.
Posted by: Puckster | March 28, 2009 at 03:25 AM
airsilks, This is like Groundhog Day. We all witnessed this crap last year to and the scary part is we could be facing the Rangers again as we limp into the playoffs.
Puckster, you are wrong. It didn't matter what the outcome of OT was because you could see how Chicago dictated the pace of the game. They were quicker, faster, and hit harder and we can't say the Devils were tired this time, they were well rested. I don't get too high after a win and I don't get too low after a loss but now I'm very very concerned. The Devils were outskated, outhustled, and out hit against 3 very good teams(Boston, Philly, Chicago). This is the time of year where this team should have everything together but instead they look old and slow.
Posted by: Steve | March 28, 2009 at 03:41 AM
No, Steve. Puckster and mpf is right. I knew the second Zubrus had a that turnover in overtime and it led to a goal, I swear I thought, "Oh Christ, I think I know who's going to be the goat on TG's blog for a few weeks now"
You still think Puckster is wrong? I'm not saying Zubrus is great, but I haven't seen a single comment yet on how Elias was unable to control the puck and clear the zone in the play leading up to the goal.
Steve- You're particularly awful at jumping to conclusion. You don't get too low after a loss? Are you serious?
Posted by: Salvatore from Garfield | March 28, 2009 at 05:24 AM
Everyone is coming down on Zubrus, I can't believe it. I know he is not a stellar player and he has not turned out to be what we all hoped for, but the OT goal last night was not his fault. Yes, he did have a turn over, but he fought for the puck and got it and very nicely kicked it over to Elias. Why is no one blaming Elias for losing control of it? Is Elias Holy ground no one can touch? Not that I believe it was Patrik's fault either, Devils got outplayed during that OT shift, all 5 guys out there, yes, even Marty. They got out played that shift and a good part of the game too. Let's face it, last few games they have not been playing like the strong, energetic, precise, well integrated team that they have been earlier in the season. Hopefully thay can get that synergy going once again before we lose any more ground in the standings or God Forbid faulter in the playoffs.
Posted by: Scratch20 | March 28, 2009 at 06:54 AM
you guys are funny as hell. First of all, teams are getting wise to us, they put their best guys on Parise, so putting Elias with him would mean they only need to shut down one line.
2nd... Steve, all those AHL guys for our veterans. Are you nuts!? They are no where near ready and theres no way they can replace any one of those guys in the lineup. Seriously, what are you smoking?!
Posted by: MoonDragn | March 28, 2009 at 08:08 AM
Steve bashed Gionta and he has been one of our most consistent players in the last few games!
Posted by: njdave | March 28, 2009 at 08:12 AM
Yeah, I know, some people just want every player on the team to be a 30 goal scorer...can't happen. Enought with the Gio, Madden, Zubrus bashing, they may not be as productive as Parise or Elias, but they do a good job. At least they are not liabilities like Pandolfo and Holik.
Posted by: Scratch20 | March 28, 2009 at 08:17 AM
I know Zubrus mad a bad play and yes, at times, I question his chemistry with these guys. I understand we expect more since he's a first line player, but really, don't feed me this crap about putting Pando for him. Holik on the other hand, might not be a bad idea. Holik pisses me off, everyone (not on here) brags about how he runs ppl over, yet I have maybe seen that 3x this year. I know the NJD love to bring guys back, but I'm glad Bobby was a 1 year deal b/c IDK if it's a good idea to bring him back next year. What about Rupp, Clarkson and Pano on the 4th line?
Posted by: Zorin | March 28, 2009 at 08:48 AM
Clarkson doesn't belong on the 4th line, he's one of the few guys on this team that still have the energy, stamina, passion and drive that we need.
I'm worried about the Devils, they looked like they could really win the cup this year a couple of weeks ago, last few games they look like they got kicked in the cup...
Posted by: Scratch20 | March 28, 2009 at 08:54 AM
Back off the ledge boys! Tell me what score you would predict if I told you we would take "5" separate minor penalties in the 1st period alone? Truthfully we were lucky to get a point. Personsonally, I really dislike Zubris, but he played OK for him up until the giveaway in OT, and by the way he also had the game winner go off his leg while he half tried to block the shot.
There is plenty of blame to go around. Rolston was lost, Shannahan looked slower than usual, Holik should have been benched, and does Madden even play for this team anymore? People need to stop ragging on Pando, and leave the line-up to the coach, Sutter wasn't stupid two weeks ago, I'm going to assume he still isn't. Deep breaths everyone.
Posted by: devilstown | March 28, 2009 at 09:03 AM
LOL, ppl need to stop raggin on Pando, but lets bring the walls down on everyone else, Deviltown? Come on now....You must be thinking with your heart and not watching with your eyes.
I agree that we need to step back from the ledge cause this team isn't done.
Posted by: Zorin | March 28, 2009 at 09:11 AM
On moving Parise to center: Why would you break up a line that has worked well all season? Also you'd be putting him at a position he really hasn't played well at as an NHLer. If you were going to play with Elias, it would make more sense to move Elias to center.
Regardless, it's not going to happen.
Posted by: TG | March 28, 2009 at 09:15 AM
non of these silly fantasy lines are going to happen, people constantly waste their time dreaming up new line combinations, and substituting players, isn't that what fantasy leagues are for?
Posted by: Scratch20 | March 28, 2009 at 09:17 AM
k don't think putting Parise with Elias gives us 1 good line. Rolston is a great player, he just hasn't played great in the positions we've put him in. He needs to be at LW with a good centerman. Rolston-Zajac-Langs is a great 2nd line.
Posted by: modnarm | March 28, 2009 at 09:17 AM
Z - I call it like I see it! What is the point of bringing up a player who didn't even play? I've been around quite a while, it's never quite as good as it seems and it's never as bad as it seems. The Devils play their best when they control the play/puck, lastnight the younger faster Hawks, along with far to many trip to the box, didn't allow that to happen. Today is another day!
Posted by: devilstown | March 28, 2009 at 09:28 AM