New Year… same old Devils defying critics and moving right along. This year’s edition is special as they have done that mostly without Marty.

Last night’s tilt vs the Canes started sluggish but ended with a rally that came up short to a 3-2. The Devils need to lead off with that urgency and keep up the tempo throughout the entire game – 60 minutes.
Perhaps the Devils have exhausted their magical play? It is quite hard to maintain this kind of play for 82 games. The All-Star break cant come any sooner.

Speaking of All-Star…
Please compare these two stats as of 1/6/09;

16 wins, 4 losses, 5 OT losses, 2.30 GAA, .921 save %, 1 shut out
Vs
15 wins, 7 losses, 1 OT loss, 2.25 GAA, .922 save %, 0 shut outs

Pretty comparable, wouldn’t you say?

Carey Price (top) All-Star East starter vs Scott Clemmensen (below). Yes, Marty’s unsung backup should get some All-Star credit.
We know the All-Star starters vote is a popularity contest and is a way to get the fans involved. Habs fans certainly have made a mark during this All-Star vote just like goofs made a mark with the “Vote for Rory” campaign adding many vote for Rory Fitzpatrick the journeyman Canuck at the time… he almost had as many votes as Lidstrom!

Aside from Cary Price who is well deserving of a start in his home town, the East has seen a few good campaigns so far this season with the likes of Lundquist, Ward, Thomas, etc… But give Clemmer some extra recognition for stepping into some pretty big shoes and giving the Devils the chance to win games. And to boot he has basically made his upcoming UFA off-season a lot more interesting. Kudos for him.

Food for thought…

I took some time to digest the season so far and the Devils have been rolling along. I wanted a scorer for Christmas but the Devils team play have subsided those wishes.
The bottom line is it will be hard to keep up the tempo.

A source told me last night that Lou is making inquiries for an addition, perhaps one without subtraction as the talks are overseas. Many former NHLers now playing in Russia may be open to returning. Give that some thought…

Another angle to look into is Madden now may be an expandable piece that could net the Devils a nice return come playoff time.

What is on your wish list Devils fans?

Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate

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