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Devils Scouting Cammalleri + Devils Top Blue Jackets In Divisional Clash

February 28, 2014, 10:22 AM ET [53 Comments]
Todd Cordell
New Jersey Devils Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
1. While the Devils were putting it on the Blue Jackets Thursday night, Lou Lamoriello's right hand man, David Conte, found himself in Western Canada scouting a game between the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames. The Flames have long been designated sellers and Lamoriello is on record saying he wants to buy, so the two teams seem like a match from that stand point. Factor in the Devils' need for some goal scoring help and rumors of the Flames shopping Mike Cammalleri, and a deal between the two teams makes a lot of sense. While nothing was confirmed, various reports have come out the last few weeks - including one by CBC's Elliotte Friedman - suggesting the Devils have interest in Cammalleri, so I think it's a pretty safe bet to say that's who Conte had his eye on last night. Most rumors never come to fruition, but I think this is one that very well could.

2. What would the Flames want for Cammalleri? You have to believe they'll be looking for draft picks and quality prospects. Since the Devils' cupboards aren't exactly full when it comes to draft picks, one would assume if there's a deal to be made here the Devils will have to give up one of their young defenseman. Whether Brian Burke reaches for the stars and tries to get a guy like Jon Merrill (I really don't see New Jersey parting with him) or wants a guy like Steve Santini, I don't know, but I think New Jersey has the assets on the backend to complete a trade like this without emptying their cupboards. It'll be interesting to see how this all plays out over the next few days.

3. In Patrik Elias' first game since the birth of his second child, he stole the show. The 37-year-old veteran still has a lot left in the tank and he showed it when he recorded two assists, one of which was a gorgeous flip pass that sent Adam Henrique on a shorthanded breakaway, along with a goal - albeit an empty netter. I think more people need to appreciate Elias and his excellent two-way play because he'll probably only be around a few more seasons. He's truly been one of the most underrated and consistent players over the last decade + and it'll be sad when he finally hangs 'em up.

4. After scoring the empty netter on an attempted pass to Henrique so he could complete the hat trick, Elias grabbed the puck for his newborn daughter. When asked how he'd describe the goal to her, he said an "unbelievable play." That guy is a character.

5. I thought Henrique probably played his best game of the season against the Jackets. He was a 60% possession player, put a tons of pucks on net and did an excellent job converting on his chances. He had a pair of goals for the 3rd time in his career, including a power play marker as well as a short handed goal off an excellent pass from Elias. Henrique now has eight short handed goals since he entered the league, which is tops in that span. He's truly a threat to score no matter the situation.

6. Pete DeBoer told the media in the pre-game that Eric Gelinas and Jon Merrill were in the lineup over his favorite son Pete Harrold and Anton Volchenkov because he wanted to help generate more offense, and they did just that. They both recorded an assist and combined for over 36 minutes of ice. I expect they'll both be in the lineup again Saturday.

7. Speaking of Gelinas, he made his presence known in a hurry. After sending him down before the Olympic break, the Devils' power play struggled mightily as they failed to score in 12 opportunities over a four-game span without him. On the first PP the Devils had last night the Devils scored and he had an assist on the play. He teed up a clapper from the blue line which Sergei Bobrovsky failed to handle, and Jaromir Jagr made a great play on the doorstep to put it home. No. 22's defensive play still needs some work, but he's a threat every time he's on the ice with that shot - especially in power play situations. He needs to keep playing.

8. Mark Fayne quietly put forth another strong effort. He logged over 20 minutes in ice, had two shots, two blocked shots and was the best possession player on either team last night. During 5 vs 5 play he was on the ice for 18 shot attempts for and just 10 against, which equates to 64% of the shot attempts while he was on the ice going the other way.

9. Damien Brunner and Bryce Salvador both left last night's game with injuries. I don't think either is too serious, but if I were to wager a guess I'd think Salvador will miss more time than Brunner, if either of them do.

10. Cory Schneider stopped 17-19 and allowed two goals or less for the 14th time in his last 15 starts. He's truly in the zone right now and is playing some of the best hockey I've ever seen from a goaltender. If the Devils can find a way to start scoring for him, I have no doubt the Devils, who sit three points back of the Flyers for 3rd in the Metro division, will be a playoff team.

**

- What could Lou Lamoriello fetch for Martin Brodeur?

- Next few games could decide Devils' deadline fate.

- What is Jaromir Jagr's trade value?

- Is Mike Cammalleri a good fit in New Jersey?

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