Some notes on the New Jersey Devils' bounce back win over the Buffalo Sabres:
1) Following a terrible showing against the Islanders on Sunday the Devils were looking to get back on track and they just did that with a pretty impressive showing in Buffalo.
Their team defense was very good, Cory Schneider made the stops he had to and the Devils cashed in on a couple of their 21 shots.
It was by no means a dominant effort - the Devils don't have the personnel to win that way - but it was a good win nonetheless.
2) Joseph Blandisi didn't get on the scoresheet but I thought he played a pretty good game given the amount of ice time he was given and who his linemates (Jordin Tootoo and Stephen Gionta) were. He took care of his defensive responsibilities, had a couple shot attempts and set up Tootoo with a gorgeous cross-ice pass for a great chance in the slot.
I'd like to see him get a little more ice next time out; perhaps on the power play. He has great vision and a good shot. The Devils may as well put it to use.
3) Mike Cammalleri and Lee Stempniak in two games without Adam Henrique: one assist, no 5 v 5 points.
That line accounted for New Jersey's game winner against Buffalo with all three players recording a point.
It seems they're picking up right where they left off.
4) I thought Kyle Palmieri played a real good game. He won a lot of battles along the wall, had several powerful hits and added an assist while being one of New Jersey's top possession players (63CF%) at full-strength.
He's playing his way into a nice contract.
5) Jiri Tlusty might have played his best game of the season against the Sabres. He seemed to find soft spots in the defense all night and was firing the puck on net every chance he had. Tlusty finished with a game-high four even-strength scoring chances, a game-high six even-strength shot attempts and was one of two players to find twine.
6) Cory Schneider leads the league in games played, ranks 3rd in save percentage (.927) among 20 goaltenders with at least 20 starts and is six games above .500 (14-8-4) playing behind a team many expected to finish last place.
There's a long way to go but if the Devils get into the playoffs I think a legitimate case can be made for the Hart Trophy.
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