Last night the New Jersey Devils took on the Philadelphia Flyers at 'The Rock' and came out with a big 4-1 win over their division rivals. Here are some notes the Atlantic Division, last night's game and Ilya Kovalchuk, among others.
- This stat you're about to read is absolutely mind boggling: The Devils are fourth in the Atlantic Division with 85 points, yet if the NHL did not rank by divisional winners and elected to rank teams by points instead, the Devils would sit 4th in the Eastern Conference and have home ice advantage in the first round; at least. The Devils, Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers all have 85 points or more. No other team in the Eastern Conference does which clearly shows that the Atlantic Division is the best division in the East (by far) and arguably the best in the league.
In case you're wondering, four teams in the West have 85 or more points.
- The NHL announced today that Ilya Kovalchuk has been named the second star of the week. He led all skaters in points last week with nine (5G, 4A).
- Speaking of Kovalchuk, he was dynamite again last night. He was all over the ice and produced another three-point game. He now is tied with Phil Kessel for 5th in points with 71. Ilya Kovalchuk has registered that amount in five less games, though.
It's worth noting that Kovalchuk has now scored 30 or more goals in a season nine consecutive years. That's pretty tough to do.
- Patrik Elias added another two points yesterday to add to his remarkably good season. He's quietly been one of the best players in the league all season long, as his stats would show. He's now tied with Marian Hossa and Joffrey Lupul for 8th in scoring with 69 points. Not bad for a 35-year old.
- Zach Parise also added two points to his total in yesterday's game and is now 16th in scoring with 62 points. The Devils are the only team in the NHL with three players among the top 16 in scoring, by the way.
- Adam Henrique added an assist last night and is now three points ahead of Avs rookie Gabriel Landeskog. With that said, Henrique has played in nine less games.
- Marek Zidlicky has really been heating up of late and has played a big role in the Devils recent success. Last night he added two assists and played 24:05, a game high. He now has five points (GWG, 4A) in his past three games.
More Zidlicky stats: he has played 20+ minutes in four straight games and has a powerplay point in three straight.
- I remember a lot of people were questioning Lou Lamoriello and the Devils for making the trade and giving up what they gave up. Let's look at how the three players the Devils moved for Zidlicky have been playing and compare their numbers to Zidlicky's.
Marek Zidlicky has one goal, four assists (5 points) and a +2 rating in nine games as a member of the Devils.
Former Devils since the trade: Kurtis Foster: -2, 0 points in six games. Stephane Veilleux: even, 1 assist in eight games. Nick Palmieri: -2, 0 points in 7 games. In case you don't want to do the math, that's one assist and a -4 rating in 22 GP.
To be fair the Devils also included one of their two second round picks this year, which could turn out to be a good player in a few years, and a conditional pick next year depending on if the Devils make it to the conference finals. Either way you look at it, if Zidlicky continues to produce and play as well as he's been playing, what the Devils gave up for Zidlicky will be well worth it.
- I also wanted to touch, yet again, on the play of Jacob Josefson as of late. He played well again yesterday and now has points in four of his last seven games. It's also worth noting that he's been a plus player in six of his last seven. In case you're wondering, the game he wasn't a plus player in, he was even. He's going to really make it tough on Pete DeBoer when Travis Zajac returns.
- After last night's win, Martin Brodeur has 650 in his career. That accomplishment is absolutely remarkable, and when Patrick Roy is the closest goaltender to him in wins with 551, it makes Brodeur's numbers look even more outstanding. Brodeur is one win away from being 100 ahead of the closest goaltender to him. Just think about that.
- Though the Devils should enjoy the win over Philadelphia, they shouldn't get too cocky. The team's meet tomorrow in Philadelphia and you can bet the Flyers will be ready to play. If the Devils want to pass them in the standings (they can with a win), they better be on their 'A' game.
- My last note is on Devils prospect Scott Wedgewood: he won both of his starts for the Plymouth Whalers this weekend and has now won eight in a row.
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