Last night in the Devils first game since returning from their two day Christmas break, they put out an abysmal effort vs a Carolina Hurricanes team that is less than spectacular. They were not the most talented team in the NHL to begin with, so having Jeff Skinner out with a concussion doesn't exactly help. Despite that, the Hurricanes carried the play for about 45 minutes of the game and came up with the win. How bad was the Devils effort? Well, Cam Ward scored. Here are some thoughts on last night's game, among a couple other things.
- First of all, that was a horrible effort by New Jersey. I hope they enjoyed their time off because if they keep performing like that they won't get any until April....I think you all know what I mean by that. In all seriousness the Devils played a good ten minutes in the first period, and they didn't play well at all after that until there was six or seven minutes left in the third period. It was a good effort by them at the end to get back in the game, but let's be serious here: they got what they deserved, which is zero points.
The Devils next game is Wednesday against a Buffalo Sabres team that is very close to them in the standings. Let's hope the Devils can give a better effort than they gave last night. If they don't, you can bet your bottom that they'll lose again.
- I noted in my game preview that Cam Ward has been struggling all year but with one solid effort he could regain his confidence and go back to his old self. That performance appeared to be last night against the Devils. The fact that he scored a goal, though he didn't really do anything to get it, should help boost his confidence as well. Anytime you put the puck in the net, especially if you're a goaltender, you get a boost to your confidence.
- How about this David Clarkson guy? I noted in my Atlantic Division fantasy preview at TheHockeyGuys.net that he'd scored 20+ goals this year. When I said that, I figured he'd be in the 20-23 area. He's on pace for almost 30 goals right now so hopefully for the Devils he can sustain this.
One interesting fact: he scored 12 goals all of last season. With six games left before the half way mark of the season he has 12. This is the production the Devils need from him.
- Anton Volchenkov was a stud last night. He was solid in his own zone, as per usual, and he tallied two assists. It's too bad this offensive superstar's big night came in a losing effort.
- Lastly, Adam Larsson should be back from Sweden before Wednesday's game in Buffalo so the chances are he'll play. I imagine he'll take Alexander Urbom's spot in the lineup; however, I should note that he's played very well over the last couple games.
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