The Devils are 9-1-1 since the All-star break and 23-8-3 in their last 34 games. We're on fire right now, but we need to stop blowing leads and giving up late goals. They got saved by Mark Fayne's goal in overtime in the last game after letting the Leafs score with less than a minute in the 3rd to tie it up and force OT. We've allowed the first goal in the 3rd period for three straight games. We're getting bailed out by our 14-4 overtime and shootout record. Yes, we are winning games. But, it's 5 on 5 overtime in the playoffs and there's no shootouts, so we really need to start winning games in regulation to prepare for the postseason. Does this mean we need to make a trade at the deadline to bolster our D? Maybe, but it won't be Zach Parise on the move according to GM Lou Lamoriello. I'm happy about that, I really like Parise and hope that we can lock him up to be a career Devil. But, even the players realize that we may need a bigger body on the blue line with Henrik Tallinder still injured.
Patrik Elias said that the Devils need to get "maybe a little bit bigger in the back," and Marty agrees with that notion, saying that "a defenseman would be a luxury, to add depth and size." The Marek Zidlicky situation is still up in the air, so I wouldn't be surprised if Lou makes a move. Even with Travis Zajac out, we could always use another center too.
We get Adam Larsson back tonite against the Canucks, who leads Devils defenseman with 16 points, after missing nine straight games with a back injury. Tonight is a big game. The Canucks are just as hot as the Devils right now, with both teams going 8-1-1 in their last ten games. Not only that, the Canucks are coming off a huge win at Detroit last night, breaking the longest home winning streak in league history. This is a chance for the Devils to prove they can make some noise by beating the 2nd best team in the league right now, and also stick it to Canada. I'm going to say 3-2 Devs.
Are you guys gonna make out?
On a side note, the Devils are only 7 points behind the division and Eastern conference leading Rangers (wow that hurts to say). There's three meetings left between the teams, starting Monday at Madison Square Garden. Watch your back New York, Jersey is coming for you.
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