According to Bob McKenzie, the New Jersey Devils have placed F Eric Boulton on waivers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last night during the New Jersey Devils / Vancouver Canucks game, the Devils acquired defenseman Marek Zidlicky from the Minnesota Wild. Here are some more notes on the trade, the game and some updates on Devils prospects.
- I've been mentioning Zidlicky as a potential target for the Devils for a month or so now and last night the Devils finally pulled the trigger on a deal for him. I posted a pretty detailed blog on the acquisition last night,
which I recommend you read if you haven't already, but in short summary here are my thoughts: The Devils gave up a lot of assets, but if on his game Zidlicky is far and away the best player in the trade. I think he is an upgrade over Foster and could turn out to be exactly what the Devils need. Pete DeBoer said he will play Sunday against Tampa Bay.
- Quick note on the Devils defense: if Zidlicky plays up to par, the Devils defense could be very good. Obviously not among the leagues best, or anywhere close, but I think if they play within their abilities and strengths they could get the job done.
Despite all the injuries and defense core lacking many big names, their defensive numbers have actually been pretty good. New Jersey is 16th in the NHL in goals against, 3rd in the NHL in shots against per game and they have the league's 2nd best penalty kill. Obviously the forwards have a lot of input in those numbers as well but those numbers are very respectable - especially considering the lack of credit they get.
- I didn't get to pay as much attention to the game last night as I would have liked to but I feel I can still pass along a few notes.
First off, the Devils played a very strong game and in my opinion deserved the win. Vancouver played a very tough and draining game the night before so they were lacking a jump in their step - as expected, The difference in this game was certainly Cory Schneider. He played a great game and in my opinion was the biggest factor (by far) in the Canucks picking up the two points.
- New Jersey needs to be happy with their effort and prepare for tomorrow's game against the Lightning. If they bring the same energy and get half the chances they had yesterday they shouldn't have a problem beating the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are really struggling to keep the puck out of their net.
- Time for some Devils prospect updates. I'll start with defenseman Reece Scarlett of the Swift Current Broncos. He continues to produce big time numbers on one of the worst teams in the WHL. In 62 games this season he has tallied 44 points (8G, 36A) and 68 PIMs. Not bad for a guy who was drafted in the 6th round of the 2011 NHL draft.
- Reid Boucher of the Sarnia Sting got back on track yesterday with a two point performance (1G, 1A) against the Windsor Spitfires. Boucher is a streaky offensive player so perhaps this is the start of a nice little run.
- Scott Wedgewood with another solid performance yesterday. He stopped 31 of 34 in a 4-3 overtime win over the Owen Sound Attack, who were one of the hottest teams in the OHL heading into that game.
- Mattias Tedenby had a very good game for Albany yesterday. He tallied two points (1G, 1A) and eight shots in a 3-1 win over the Syracuse Crunch. His stat line since being sent to Albany: two goals, seven assists, nine points, 33 shots and a +4 rating. Looks like the Alexei Ponikarovsky trade is paying off for more than just the Devils NHL team.
- Keith Kinkaid had another quality start yesterday. He stopped 33 of 34 and is really starting to heat up in Albany. He has six wins in his last eight games and has posted a save percentage of .925 or better in six of the eight games.
- Eric Gelinas with another good performance in Albany. He, like Tedenby, tallied two points (1G, 1A). He has been very consistent and steady in Albany from what I've heard. He's on pace for almost 40 points. For a rookie defenseman in the AHL, that's pretty impressive. He's doing what Adam Henrique did up front in Albany last year.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow me on twitter @ToddCordell.
TheHockeyGuys.net
Email: [email protected]
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»