Though the New Jersey Devils don't play today and haven't for the last few days, there have been some interesting news pieces floating around. Today, I'll touch on them.
- Martin Brodeur told TSN what we all expected yesterday: that he is leaning towards playing another season regardless of what happens in this series. Brodeur has shown throughout the season and playoffs that he is still capable of starting in the NHL, in particular for the Devils. If he's good enough to start on a team that is in the Stanley Cup Final, there's no reason to believe he isn't capable of starting next year. He's a competitive guy and he's having a lot of fun, so why force him into retirement if he would like to play another season? I think he's earned the right throughout his career to make decisions for himself. He's a smart guy, he won't overstay his welcome.
- Yesterday news broke that defenseman Henrik Tallinder, who has missed several months with a blood clot, has been cleared to play. He's not expected to play in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, but if someone suffers an injury or is really struggling I expect to see him in put in the lineup. You have to be a deep team to win, and the Devils are just that. I imagine Pete DeBoer is thrilled to be able to win regularly and at the same time have Tallinder and Adam Larsson available for use if needed.
- I've been disappointed with Patrik Elias' performance so far in the post-season. He's always been a great playoff performer and after a fantastic regular season that he just had, I expected no different. In 18 playoff games, he has just six points (4G, 2A) and a team worst minus-5 rating. Either he's slumping badly or he's banged up. Hopefully for the Devils the rest and time off before Game 1 tomorrow night will get his batteries recharged and get him ready to go. New Jersey could certainly use more production from him. If he gets going and the rest of the Devils play as they have throughout the playoffs, I have a hard time seeing the Kings beating the Devils in a seven game series.
- Three Devils players have played over 400 minutes of hockey this post-season, and surprisingly Ilya Kovalchuk is not one of them. While Kovalchuk is close, playing 396 minutes thus far, Andy Greene (405), Bryce Salvador (407) and Marek Zidlicky (435) are the only Devils to accomplish that feat heading into Game 1.
- Johnny Oduya signed a three-year contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks today, and I couldn't be happier for the guy. He's a good player, and a better person. His teammates always have great things to say about him and he truly is one of the classiest players in the NHL today. He deserves to play on a good hockey team, and I'm hoping that he has nothing but success in Chicago.
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