To my fellow Hockey Buzzers:

I apologize for not “live” blogging the New Jersey Devils dismantling of the Montreal Canadiens. As I said in my last blog, I would give it the good old college try, but the Hockey Buzz website would not let me login on my BlackBerry.

Now, the NHL is at the All Star break and the Devils are in first place in the Atlantic Division. After enduring unprecedented key injuries early into the season, they have persevered and looking to solidify their playoff spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Ironically enough, the Devils played a team that has four starting Eastern Conference All Stars, obviously because of enthusiastic fan voting. But in reality, Scott Clemmensen looked like the starting Eastern Conference goaltender and Carey Price having a sophomore slump of a season.

Speaking of goaltenders, Martin Brodeur was cleared and skated yesterday. For now, the Devils are not in the need to rush him back in the lineup. When he officially comes back, he will have a little over a month to tune up and get himself ready for the playoffs. A well rested Martin Brodeur and a team that is developing some great on-ice chemistry will certainly make the Devils “the team to beat”. I really cannot wait to resume the Brodeur Watch. Stay tuned.

Pat Burns

The news about his third bout with cancer breaks my heart. Knowing Pat Burns, he will have a hat trick on beating cancer. He is well respected around the league and I will never forget during the 2003 Stanley Cup finals when Devils fans were chanting “Pat Burns” throughout the game in Section 217/218 at CAA. We wish him the very best and keep Pat Burns in your prayers. Get well soon.

Give the Devil his due:



As reported in my last blog, NJ Devil, the New Jersey mascot that will be heading up to Montreal for the All Star game, was correct on predicting the Devils victory over the Habs. He has been quite confident as of late and go to the Devils games and ask him for the latest predictions.

Introducing my new intern: Andrew Timoni

I would like to introduce Andrew Timoni as my new intern. He will be assisting me on New Jersey Devils game analysis and will be a Woo Reporter at the Devils games as well. Congratulations Andrew and welcome to the online hockey community.

A few fans intoxicated:

Let me give props to Tony Goomba of Section 208 last night for doing the right thing. He came to the aid of a few Habs fans when a few obnoxious drunk immature fans decided to take liberty and verbally harass them in the section. Why? Because they were simply cheering for their Montreal Canadiens. These Habs fans were respectful, unlike the ones taunting in Section 210.

Let me just say: if you’re an opposing fan in another team’s building, you have a right to cheer for your team and be a hockey fan. It’s all part of having a good time at a hockey game and of course the occasional “busting chops” will come about. But hey, that’s part of the game experience that we, as hockey fans, pay for. And as what Tony said, “These Habs fans are invited in my section any day”.

Here is a photo from last night: A little Devils fan in the farm system.



e-mail: [email protected]