GDT: Opening Night, October 5, 2005.

:devils vs. :pens

New Jersey Devilsvs. Pittsburgh PenguinsContinental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, NJ

Broadcast
Television: FSN NY, 7:00 PM Devils Game Night, 7:30 Game Time.
Radio: 660 WFAN, Internet Broadcast (http://gameradio.nhl.com/cc/playa.php?url=http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia-live/nhl/9302/20_nhl-newjersey_game_audio_050909.asx)

Game-Day Articles
Star-Ledger:
“Parise Eager for Debut (http://www.nj.com/devils/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1128491810127410.xml&coll=1)”
“Robinson Eases Season of Change ( http://www.nj.com/devils/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1128491402127410.xml&coll=1)”
“A look at the Devils (http://www.nj.com/devils/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1128491820127410.xml&coll=1)”
“Devils: The Pressure Is On (http://www.nj.com/devils/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1128491479127410.xml&coll=1)”
New York Post:
“Cros & Effect ( http://www.nypost.com/sports/devils/28952.htm)”

Bergen Record:
"Crosby Set to Launch Career Against Devils (http://www.bergen.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxMzMmZmdi ZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY3ODY4NjgmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZU VFeXk2)"
"Devils Notes (http://www.bergen.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxMzMmZmdi ZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY3ODY4MDQmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZU VFeXk2)"
Asbury Park Press:
"Devils Going Retro (http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051005/SPORTS/510050478/1002)"
New York Times:
"Brodeur Says N.H.L. Erred by Not Showcasing Crosby (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/05/sports/hockey/05devils.html)"
New York Daily News:
"Devils wonder if 'D' can work Scott free (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/devils/story/352501p-300576c.html)"

The National Hockey League returns tonight as the Pittsburgh Penguins, featuring Hall of Fame member Mario Lemieux and this year's #1 overall selection Sidney Crosby, take on your New Jersey Devils. The Devils will be led by the two-time defending Vezina Trophy winner Martin Brodeur, former Selke Trophy winner John Madden and Scott Gomez, the 2003-04 NHL co-leader in assists.

New Jersey Devils Roster (http://www.newjerseydevils.com/2005/html/theteam/roster.php)
Pittsburgh Penguins Roster (http://www.pittsburghpenguins.com/team/index.php)

Im EXCITED :D :handclap: :yo: :jump:

For the Penguins roster tonight, there have been a couple of changes. Steve Poapst and Lyle Odelein have been scratched and rookie Rob Scuderi will play on the blueline tonight.

For the Penguins roster tonight, there have been a couple of changes. Steve Poapst and Lyle Odelein have been scratched and rookie Rob Scuderi will play on the blueline tonight.

Damn it! I wanted to see Poapst and Odelein's Penguins debuts!!!

The Star Ledger's sports section on page 69 (which I'm holding in my hand), has the following in the Devils notebook:

-Parise will be #9
-Mogilny doesn't think his injury (hip flexor) is too serious, he's been skating the past few days, and says he'd like to play. He says he'll keep playing as long as it doesn't get worse.
-Pandolfo left practice early with a bruised hip, but hopes to play tonight as well.

Some good news, indeed.

I can't make this game live or live on TV (stupid Reliability class from 6:40 through 9:30), but you better believe my thoughts will be about Martin Broduer stopping the hell out of the Cros & his crew. GO DEVILS!

[CENTER“Cros & Effect ( http://www.nypost.com/sports/devils/28952.htm)”



login: deeniemason@yahoo.com
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any predictions for the game tonight?? I am saying 4-1 Devils
goal scorers- Brylin, Mogilny, Madden, and Rassmussen.
Gomez gets 2 assists.

any predictions for the game tonight?? I am saying 4-1 Devils
goal scorers- Brylin, Mogilny, Madden, and Rassmussen.
Gomez gets 2 assists.

Brylin is going to have a good night, as will the fourth line. Lets see what Parise can do, shall we?

Hmm...

Elias - Parise - Kozlov
Brylin - Gomez - Mogilny

Does that appeal to anyone else?

Brylin is going to have a good night, as will the fourth line. Lets see what Parise can do, shall we?

Hmm...

Elias - Parise - Kozlov
Brylin - Gomez - Mogilny

Does that appeal to anyone else?

Brian Gionta?????

Brian Gionta?????

Langenbrunner would be moved, Gionta would play third line winger (as he has in the past).

Brylin is going to have a good night, as will the fourth line. Lets see what Parise can do, shall we?

Hmm...

Elias - Parise - Kozlov
Brylin - Gomez - Mogilny

Does that appeal to anyone else?

It probably wouldn't appeal to Elias very much since he is still recovering.

Gotta believe Parise will be playing with a bit of a chip on his shoulder with the quote from the Star Ledger stating "I'm not buying a ticket to go see Crosby Play". It would be great to see Zach out play Crosby tonight. Go Devils!

any predictions for the game tonight?? I am saying 4-1 Devils
goal scorers- Brylin, Mogilny, Madden, and Rassmussen.
Gomez gets 2 assists.


i thought mogilny wasn't in the lineup he is hurt

i thought mogilny wasn't in the lineup he is hurt

now they are saying that he will play tonight. (check other thread)

Damn it! I wanted to see Poapst and Odelein's Penguins debuts!!!

LOL!

Gotta believe Parise will be playing with a bit of a chip on his shoulder with the quote from the Star Ledger stating "I'm not buying a ticket to go see Crosby Play". It would be great to see Zach out play Crosby tonight. Go Devils!

I'm not saying Parise is as talented as crosby but I would love to see him have a shot at the Calder this year. It's going to be tough and there are a bunch of great rookies(Crosby, Ovechkin, Vanek...) but this kid always steps up in crunch time. Go Devs! 4 hours and counting!

Wow, is it really October 5th already? I can't believe hockey is back!!

Tonight's scorers:

NJ: Madden, 2 Gomez, Parise
Pit: Lemieux, 2 Crosby

haha i wish...but a guy can dream

Thank God for VCR's and TIVO's

I have to go out until 8 PM can't get out of it.

After all this time waiting I have to watch on tape.

Go Devils, I Think 4-2 Devils

Hi all - good luck tonight from a Pens fan. :)

In the past, I'd half hope for a tie, because that way the fans of both teams are equally happy or unhappy (as the case may be). Since that's not possible anymore, though, here's hoping (as least on my part) that we start the season with an overtime/shootout scenario and both emerge with at least one point. :cheers:

Hi all - good luck tonight from a Pens fan. :)

In the past, I'd half hope for a tie, because that way the fans of both teams are equally happy or unhappy (as the case may be). Since that's not possible anymore, though, here's hoping (as least on my part) that we start the season with an overtime/shootout scenario and both emerge with at least one point. :cheers:

Have to admit, I rather beat you guys in regulation or overtime. No shoot-out, Pens have to many finishers!

http://www.nhl.com/news/2005/10/236602.html

NHL FRANCHISE W-L-T RECORDS IN SEASON OPENERS GP W L T Pct. GF GA

Colorado Avalanche 25 15 4 6 .720 101 67

New Jersey Devils 30 16 7 7 .650 108 90

Ottawa Senators 12 5 2 5 .625 41 34

Montreal Canadiens 87 46 26 15 .615 301 218

Tampa Bay Lightning 12 6 4 2 .583 41 34


another interesting stat:

MOST CAREER GOALS IN SEASON OPENERS

Michel Goulet 14
Dino Ciccarelli 14
Brett Hull, PHX 13
Maurice Richard 13
Luc Robitaille, L.A. 13
Cam Neely 13
Alexander Mogilny, N.J. 13
Aurel Joliat 12
Guy Lafleur 12

Active players
Brett Hull, PHX 13
Luc Robitaille, L.A. 13
Alexander Mogilny, N.J. 13
Brendan Shanahan, DET 10
Joe Sakic, COL 10

Elias - Gomez - Gionta
Brylin - Parise - Mogilny
Pandolfo - Madden - Langenbrunner
Rasmussen - Rheaume - Marshall

Matvichuk - Rafalski
White - Malakhov
Hale - Martin
Brown

Brodeur
Clemmensen

Oliwa, McGillis and Kozlov are gone....we are under the cap.

Dan McGillis should endear himself to more and more Devils fans once this team plays some intense physical games against Philadelphia. If Colin White fails to accept the Larry Robinson's challenge to elevate his game, Dan McGillis will be the one to dethrone him potentially paving the way for David Hale's return to the top six.

Elias - Gomez - Gionta
Brylin - Parise - Mogilny
Pandolfo - Madden - Langenbrunner
Rasmussen - Rheaume - Marshall

Matvichuk - Rafalski
White - Malakhov
Hale - Martin
Brown

Brodeur
Clemmensen

Oliwa, McGillis and Kozlov are gone....we are under the cap.
What do you mean, they are gone?

Dan McGillis should endear himself to more and more Devils fans once this team plays some intense physical games against Philadelphia. If Colin White fails to accept the Larry Robinson's challenge to elevate his game, Dan McGillis will be the one to dethrone him.
If he keeps on giving up goals while he is on the ice....his ticket will be paid.

What do you mean, they are gone?

Future possibilities for player movement.

If he keeps on giving up goals while he is on the ice....his ticket will be paid.

He's really not a big liability defensively and was MVP at Northeastern University back in the day. McGillis started off preseason playing pretty well and was burned on a beautiful play by Jagr. I'm not going to panic over that one just yet. Nylander is certainly no slouch offensively either. He was terrific for Boston against Montreal in round 1 being the better of the two Bruins pickups between Gonchar and himself. I finally saw the Jagr goal the other night after someone on HF posted a video link to it. Bad decision to play the puck, but Jaromir Jagr burns good players all the time in seasons when he's not leaving cryptic messages for the media to decipher like the "I feel like I'm dying inside" one of years past. All I'm saying is lets not rush to judgement too quickly here.

He's really not a big liability defensively and was MVP at Northeastern University back in the day. McGillis started off preseason playing pretty well and was burned on a beautiful play by Jagr. I'm not going to panic over that one just yet. Nylander is certainly no slouch offensively either. He was terrific for Boston against Montreal in round 1 being the better of the two Bruins pickups between Gonchar and himself. I finally saw the Jagr goal the other night after someone on HF posted a video link to it. Bad decision to play the puck, but Jaromir Jagr burns good players all the time in seasons when he's not leaving cryptic messages for the media to decipher like the "I feel like I'm dying inside" one of years past. All I'm saying is lets not rush to judgement too quickly here.
"I feel like i'm dying inside" would have at least made a little sense. Jagr actually said "I feel like I'm dying alive". Good ole jagr.

"I feel like i'm dying inside" would have at least made a little sense. Jagr actually said "I feel like I'm dying alive". Good ole jagr.

Thats it! I knew it was hard to translate!

Anyone know the official lineup for tonight?

This is the most exciting hockey I think I've ever watched...maybe excluding the playoffs....wow this is unreal

wOOt. 2 shots on net so far for NJ. 14 for Pens. :amazed:

If Brodeur isn't the best goalie in the leage, no one will ever score on any other goalie.

He's been incredible. Incredible.

wOOt. 4 PKs so far.

Paul Martin made me nervous when he threw the puck right into Mario's skates to the left of the crease earlier... holy smokes. Brodeur has been superb.

Sarge!! 1-0!

Brylin scores to make it 1-0.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEexciting hockey thus far...liking what I see from every part of our game except our defensemen in the defensive zone. Clearly our weakness right now.

How good does Crosby look so far...man he looked good early


PARISE SCORES!!!!

Welcome to the NHL Zach Parise!!!

yey zach!!

What a period.

Martin Brodeur :handclap: wow...amazing

wow. what an unreal period by marty.

Terrific save on Malone right at the end of the 1st period. Awesome positioning. Marty needs a shower and some serious gatorade.

Matt Laughlin tells Zach Parise "good luck the rest of the way in this ball game"!

Brodeur is amazing. Period.

Matt Laughlin tells Zach Parise "good luck the rest of the way in this ball game"!

Haha did he really say that? I didn't catch that, but man Parise had a smile ear to ear...

Scoring Summary

1st Period
New Jersey 16:55, Sergei Brylin 1 (Alexander Mogilny, Dan McGillis)
New Jersey 19:25, Zach Parise 1 (power play) (Brian Gionta, Viktor Kozlov)

Shots on goal
NJ 13
Pitt 17

Faceoffs
NJ 16 wins 6 losses
Pitt 6 wins 16 faceoffs

Yeh, Brodeur is really overrated. :D

Just read on ESPN.com that Ovechkin netted his 1st goal...in case anyone was interested.

amazing performance by brodeur. i can't believe the pens couldn't score that period.

this game is picture perfect so far... brodeur is the BEST- clearly unmatched.
he can control his rebounds perfectly and is always in perfect position. i am going to lose my voice tonite i know it

Haha did he really say that? I didn't catch that, but man Parise had a smile ear to ear...

Yeah it made me laugh a bit. Wonder if he was watching playoff baseball before the break.

I'm a happy boy!!!!!

Patrik Elias is now skating 4 days a week.

Patrik Elias is now skating 4 days a week.

Yea just heard that too, Could we see a pre-Halloween return? :dunno:

Maybe his timetable will be bumped up a bit if he continues making progress.

Just looking at the scores around the league...it seems like there's a lot of scoring going on already..

Mon 1
Bos 1 8:00 2nd period

NYI 2
Buf 3 6:00 2nd period

Phi 2
NYR 1 17:00 2nd period

Clb 2
Was 2 8:00 2nd period

Det 2
StL 1 :25 1st period

Atl 0
Fla 0 5:00 2nd period

TB 3
Car 1 :17 1st period

NJ 2
Pit 0 20:00 2nd period

Min 1
Cal 0 Early 1st

Nsh 1
SJ 0 Early 1st

im gunne use that sweet avatar... i think parise is is the answer to our prayers. haha seriously though, im happy that dave andreychuk is sporting the mullet again. :biglaugh: ;)

Brodeur just made a nifty pass to Parise. Kozlov skated around the net in control of the puck and had a wide open Zach Parise to pass to, but he held onto it. Play was ended when Gionta was called for interference.

Has Marty already clinched 1st star of the game...wow unreal

Lets stop with the Marty praising for now please, we don't wanna jinx anything the Pens have alot of fire power. Remember when I was anti-Parise, well, I've gotta say, believe the hype!

Ovechkin now has 2 goals and Richards has scored for Philly.

I should start a rookie watch list

Fritsche has 2 goals for Columbus, is he a rookie?

Also, in case anyone was curious...

The 1st goal was scored by Brylin assisted by Mogilny and McGillis

The 2nd goal was scored by Parise assisted by Martin and Gionta

Ovechkin now has 2 goals and Richards has scored for Philly.

I should start a rookie watch list

Fritsche has 2 goals for Columbus, is he a rookie? Think so, yes. He only played in 19 games in '03-'04.

I am hitting the refresh and watching the ticker constantly, so please keep me updated on anything!

Devils w/ a couple of odd man rushes and some good chances, but Thibault has been good so far this period. Parise was playing goalie there for a little for Pitts..haha after a shot he flew into the net and stopped gionta's shot


GIONTA SCORES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What an individual play by Gionta! Holy _____!!

Penalty coming up, I think it's on Pitts.

What an unbelieveable game so far...very exciting this is how hockey should be. Now all we need is a goon from Pitts to start a fight, clear the benches to motivate his team to wake up, and the NHL will be right up there with the NFL.

Whoever made the comment that Paul Martin was playing with more confidence in the preseason was bang on. He's looking very poised through 2 periods now outside of the one risk he took earlier with #66 camping out near Marty.

John Madden and Sergei Brylin are worth every penny that is being paid to them.

Devils look quick tonight. Nice work by the 4th line. Maddog have a great game going against Mario and what a goal by Gionta. Congrats to Zach, he looks like a vet at there and our ace in the hole Mr. Marty!

John Madden and Sergei Brylin are worth every penny that is being paid to them.


yes sir they are... god i feel so bad for everyone that can't see this game right now :shakehead

Scoring Summary

1st Period New Jersey16:55, Sergei Brylin 1 (Alexander Mogilny, Dan McGillis)

New Jersey19:25, Zach Parise 1 (power play) (Paul Martin, Brian Gionta)

2nd Period New Jersey16:28, Brian Gionta 1 (unassisted)

Shots on goal
NJ 13 10 -23
Pitt 17 9 -26

Faceoffs
NJ Won 22 Lost 14
Pitt Won 14 Lost 22

Power Play
NJ 1 for 5
Pitt 0 for 7

Paul Martin is having a rough game, Gionta is looking like Theo Fleury.

Brooks Orpik is having an awful night, and Thibault isnt looking sharp himself.

But one more period left to go!

yes sir they are... god i feel so bad for everyone that can't see this game right now :shakehead
that would be me

is ALMO playing?

is ALMO playing?

Yea, he looks ok, definately lost a step from last we saw of him in 2000, but hey, he's got an assist so far.

Here comes ANOTHER 5 on 3...whats that the 3rd of the night?

Langenbrunner in the box for tripping. Pens go 5 on 3 now.

Class lets out early, I get home at the start of the third, and this is the first major event.

Langenbrunner in the box for tripping. Pens go 5 on 3 now.

Ugh.

But I'm digging the 3-0 lead so far. Hopefully NJ adds to that.

EDIT: WONDERFUL PENALTY KILLING/dreadful PP by Pittsburgh.

Gionta!!!! 3 POINTS FOR HIM TONIGHT

Gionta scores his 2nd of the game at 3:29!

LITTLE G WITH HIS SECOND G!!!

Just kinda dropped up on Thibualt's pad and he moved it, so...it fell in.

4-0, this is AWESOME. Except for my friend the Penguins fan who is witnessing this live (heh).

Rheaume - Rasmussen - Marshall line has been very good thus far.

Nice to see the refs to call (seemingly) everything. Chico says that the penalties called tonight, while many, are pretty solid calls.

Damn it, Langenbrunner, watch yourself.

Crosby gets on the board.

Boooooooo, the Penguins scored (recchi just was at the right place for a nice pass) and The Cros gets a point.

Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo o.

Crosby gets his first point...

Nice to see the refs to call (seemingly) everything. Chico says that the penalties called tonight, while many, are pretty solid calls.

Damn it, Langenbrunner, watch yourself.

Refs made two pretty bad calls on Parise, but I think the bad calls have gone both ways tonight.

Woah, after PP #11(?) for Pittsburgh, the action becomes back and forth. A floater hits a post and Gionta just misses wide on his potential third goal.

If this is the New NHL™, I'm very happy with it.

That was a goal...please go upstairs!!!

Yes they are Bryling w/ another goal

It didn't hit the crossbar, it hit the back top-pipe. That is SO a goal. Brylin gets #2!

5-1. I love this New NHL™ a LOT.

Should be 5-1 in a moment after the goal review. Brylin.

5-1...wow time to call up Marc Andre Fluery

5-1. I love this New NHL™ a LOT.

It's bananas.

B-A-N-A-N-A-S.

Way to go Sarge he deserves so much!!!!
By the way Rags 5 Flyers 3

Brutal giveaway by Malakhov there. Other than Rafalski and Martin...I think we've looked pretty rough on D so far.

It's bananas.

B-A-N-A-N-A-S.

That's right, put your pom-poms down, getting everybody fired up.

Less than a minute left, I think it's pretty clear that the Devils have won.

I got to watch the first and second periods on tape, tomorrow. To get the full effect of Devils domination.

5-1 New Jersey Devils. There's the offense, the defense, and the top-notch goaltending. New NHL™, still one of the best.

(OK, a little hasty after game 1, but I'm pumped about this. Haters can go eat custard, the Devils (for now) are for REAL.)

Does this mean we're not ruining the sport of hockey anymore?

We outplayed them 5 on 5. Marty, Sarge and Maddog were our best players. I thought McGills had a rough night. No complaints. And I think it's time to get rid of that "Devils our boring thread."

3 Stars??

I believe it was
1) Gio
2) Brodeur
3) Parise

but I couldn't hear very well.

3 Stars??

I only caught Brian Gionta being named the 1st star.

Can anyone tell me the assists on the last two NJ goals?

I believe it was
1) Gio
2) Brodeur
3) Parise

but I couldn't hear very well.


My bad, forgot Gionta. As for Madden, he didn't score but he was all over the ice frustrating Mario, penalty kill and all those short handed chances. Awesome!

Can anyone tell me the assists on the last two NJ goals?

3rd Period

New Jersey 3:29, Brian Gionta 2 (power play) (Viktor Kozlov, Zach Parise)

New Jersey 13:02, Sergei Brylin 2 (Scott Gomez)

Brodeur was awesome.

He saved the Devils home opener.

Without him, it could have been 5-0 Pens after the 1st period.

Amazing goaltending performance.

Brodeur was awesome.

He saved the Devils home opener.

Without him, it could have been 5-0 Pens after the 1st period.

Amazing goaltending performance.


Marty was incredible, but the Devils totally out-played the Pens from the end of the first period to the conclusion of the game. Remember, we scored 2 goals in the first.

Does anyone invision Elias with Parise and Gionta when he gets back...Wow!

I mean Kozlov was ok, he just passes up to many good shots and plays with the puck a bit much for liking.

IMO the 3 stars should have been...

1 Brodeur
2 Gionta
3 Brylin

Does anyone invision Elias with Parise and Gionta when he gets back...Wow!

I mean Kozlov was ok, he just passes up to many good shots and plays with the puck a bit much for liking.

Could be a sweet line there. Viktor Kozlov kind of disappointed me with his lack of speed and hustle to get to loose pucks also. I watched him tonight and he seemed to be the wrong fit speed and vision-wise both playing with Zach Parise to me. Its early still though.

IMO the 3 stars should have been...

1 Brodeur
2 Gionta
3 Brylin

I initially thought the same but Parise did have 2 points and the game winner.

Could be a sweet line there. Kozlov disappointed me with his lack of speed and hustle to get to loose pucks also. I watched him tonight and he seemed to be the wrong fit speed-wise playing with Zach to me.

I agree, lost quite a few loose pucks. Hopefully, Larry gets this guy motivated.

I agree, lost quite a few loose pucks. Hopefully, Larry gets this guy motivated.Totally. We need him to catch fire so we can trade his a** when Elias comes back.

Could be a sweet line there. Viktor Kozlov kind of disappointed me with his lack of speed and hustle to get to loose pucks also. I watched him tonight and he seemed to be the wrong fit speed and vision-wise both playing with Zach Parise to me. Its early still though.I disagree. Kozlov controls the puck and looks to find an open teammate. It's the "Soviet Style" developed by the great Anatoly Tarasov. Control the puck. That way the opponent can't.

The only guys that I thought didn't look good tonight were Langenbrunner and Matvichuk early. Langenbrunner took some stupid penalties in the neutral zone. I can understand when a defenseman around his goal pushes the limits of what is legal, but not in the neutral zone. Langenbrunner is lucky he didn't get more for his "forget you" gestures toward the officials. He cost Brodeur the shutout.

Brodeur should have been the 1st Star. He stood on his head early in the game when the three new defensemen each picked up a minor in the first five minutes of the game.

Paul Martin looked really good in all aspects of the game, and Brian Rafalski looked particularly great on the penalty kill.

That Parise penalty at 13:46 of the 2nd was total BS. He got shoved down and went into Thibault.

I disagree. Kozlov controls the puck and looks to find an open teammate.

The only guys that I thought didn't look good tonight were Langenbrunner and Matvichuk early. Langenbrunner took some stupid penalties in the neutral zone. I can understand when a defenseman around his goal pushes the limits of what is legal, but not in the neutral zone. Langenbrunner is lucky he didn't get more for his "forget you" gestures toward the officials. He cost Brodeur the shutout.

Brodeur should have been the 1st Star. He stood on his head early in the game when the three new defensemen each picked up a minor in the first five minutes of the game.

Paul Martin looked really good in all aspects of the game, and Brian Rafalski looked particularly great on the penalty kill.

That Parise penalty at 13:46 of the 2nd was total BS. He got shoved down and went into Thibault.

Something just seemed "off" to me watching Viktor Kozlov skate. Players like Gionta, Madden, Brylin, and Parise were all buzzing around skating with good intensity which I think may have made Kozlov's lumbering strides and drive look even worse then it may have been. I kept thinking Parise could probably benefit more having a faster skating winger who can better keep up with his playmaking skills then Kozlov. Alexander Mogilny with the hip flexor seemed to definately be skating slower tonight then what I remembered in 2004. Jay Pandolfo looked fine to me speed-wise considering he's playing through some kind of similar hip injury also.

You are absolutely right about Jamie Langenbrunner. It pains me to see him playing so poorly and worse yet - so unbelievably undisciplined as I'm a big fan of what he brings to this team usually. Something has to break him out of his rut and quick. I hope we're not seeing part 2 of Devils lose Nieuwendyk-> Friesen and Langenbrunner suffer... Devils lose Friesen -> Langenbrunner further suffers. That would be awful.

Martin Brodeur was really in his element during the 1st period before the Devils came to life offensively. Devils commentators were saying something like he played 2 1/2 periods of hockey condensed down into twenty minutes based on all the tough saves he had to regularly make. The defense eventually calmed down a bit and the forwards started pressing the attack more and more. Rafalski was going for it in the Penguins defensive zone more and more which was great to see.

I also thought there was a bad penalty call involving Crosby and a stick which Zach Parise was sent to the box for before the bowling for Thibault one.

See that's the thing with Kozlov is that he makes it look effortless but he had the puck on a thread, and, well, I don't think he's as terrible as the rest of you thin. Plus he had two assists.

Something just seemed "off" to me watching Viktor Kozlov skate. Players like Gionta, Madden, Brylin, and Parise were all buzzing around skating with good intensity which I think may have made Kozlov's lumbering strides and drive look even worse then it may have been. I kept thinking Parise could probably benefit more having a faster skating winger who can better keep up with his playmaking skills then Kozlov.Maybe someone with more speed on a rush might benefit Parise, but he's got Gionta for that. Kozlov's value is in the offensive zone. He controls the puck really well, and with Parise and Gionta on his line, Kozlov has someone linemates with finish.

Also, I forgot to mention Brian Gionta's unassisted goal.

Just got back from the game... some observations:

I understand why Gio was the 1st star, but Marty was unbelievable (won the game in the first ten minutes) think the media forgot that a little...should have been 1st star.

No problem with Zach as 3rd star, he was all over the place. Real happy I was at his first NHL game! (Zach might not be better, but he's damn good)

Crosby and Recchi, the only two players who showed up for Pitt. Palffy was frustrated early by Marty, then not heard from again.

Colin White and Vladamir Malohkov should not play together!

John Madden and Brian Rafalski deserve alot of credit for the PK going 11 for 11. They were great. Rafi dealing with LeClair was interesting to watch.

Overall, great way to open the season. I hope Philly is not to p'ssed about blowing 3rd period lead to the stRangers, and they play just as sloppy as they apparently played tonight, on Friday. :handclap:

I too got back from the game with my brother(Joe1-Lou2) and our seats were just eight rows behind Marty's goal for the first and third periods and all we could do with our two friends was shake our head in how incredible Marty was in the first ten minutes of the game which seem like a huge power play for the Pens.

Something tells me that Marty has heard the whispers that he will be unfairly judged this season because of the departures of the two Scotty's and has something to prove, because tonight he played just like that.

Also thought our defensemen were solid, but unfortuntely it should be only a matter of time that they get all the credit for Marty's outstanding play tonight. :biglaugh:

Maybe someone with more speed on a rush might benefit Parise, but he's got Gionta for that. Kozlov's value is in the offensive zone. He controls the puck really well, and with Parise and Gionta on his line, Kozlov has someone linemates with finish.

I think the line is fine. But Kozlov can be frustrating to watch. The problem is he's a 6'3 235 lbs. playmaker! You want him to go to the net and cause problems, knock a few guys over. You want him to be a power foward... and he's just not. So when you see him stick handling in the corner, instead of going to the front of the net and blasting one by, you want to strangle him. Even when he gets two assists.
;)

Anyone with Direct TV see this without it blacking out?

I think the line is fine. But Kozlov can be frustrating to watch. The problem is he's a 6'3 235 lbs. playmaker! You want him to go to the net and cause problems, knock a few guys over. You want him to be a power foward... and he's just not. So when you see him stick handling in the corner, instead of going to the front of the net and blasting one by, you want to strangle him. Even when he gets two assists.
;)

But that was never his game, it's not Jagrs game either, but people don't complain, and believe it or not, but Jaromir is one big mutha......you know how to finish it.

"All you can do is think, `Martin Brodeur just stopped you,' and shake your head a little bit."

-Sidney Crosby

Colin White and Vladamir Malohkov should not play together!


I disagree dude, the best I have ever seen Colin White play as a Devils was when we got Malakhov right after the trading deadline and Robinson paired them up for the whole 2000 Cup run, they seemed to have real good chemistry together that year and you HAVE to see if it still exists before breaking them up.

But that was never his game, it's not Jagrs game either, but people don't complain, and believe it or not, but Jaromir is one big mutha......you know how to finish it.

Oh, I know its not his game. I don't get on him too bad, but it just seems like he could be such a better player. He is who he is, and thats not bad. Zach and Gio should really help him. Defensemen running around trying to find those two, should give big Victor some room to do some damage.

I disagree dude, the best I have ever seen Colin White play as a Devils was when we got Malakhov right after the trading deadline and Robinson paired them up for the whole 2000 Cup run, they seemed to have real good chemistry together that year and you HAVE to see if it still exists before breaking them up.

He was great in 2000... I was just talking about tonight. They were stepping on eachothers feet a little in their own zone. Both of them can be a little clumsy thats the only problem I have with them being together. Also never play Colin on the PP. I know the D will be tired from killing all these PP's, so all D will be playing PP, PK, EV, but its tough to watch Colin at the point. He's got a nice shot, but he's too stiff to play the point.

I think the line is fine. But Kozlov can be frustrating to watch. The problem is he's a 6'3 235 lbs. playmaker! You want him to go to the net and cause problems, knock a few guys over. You want him to be a power foward... and he's just not...That's the oxymoron that is Viktor Kozlov and Brian Gionta. Kozlov plays a real finesse game while Gionta plays like he's a foot taller than he really is.

He was great in 2000... I was just talking about tonight. They were stepping on eachothers feet a little in their own zone. Both of them can be a little clumsy thats the only problem I have with them being together. Also never play Colin on the PP. I know the D will be tired from killing all these PP's, so all D will be playing PP, PK, EV, but its tough to watch Colin at the point. He's got a nice shot, but he's too stiff to play the point.

But you really gotta give them time to see if they can get that special chemistry that they had in 2000, preseason and the first game of the season is just not enough time, espicially since I'm sure the two had little playing time together in the preseason to our light schedule and Robinson being carefull in playing the veterans such as Malakhov in the preseason.

Buy the way I was appalled as anyone to see White on the PP, but I didn't think he did such a bad job tonight. If it was any other coach including Burns I might question it, but as far as I'm concerened a coach the stature of Larry Robinson, a bona fide H of F'er and one of the best defenseman in history who's had in the past the magic touch when it comes to our defensemen, I'm quite willing to give him the benifit of the doubt.

I was one of White's harshest critics in the past few years, but after we hired Larry one of the players I immediately didn't want to see go is White because I always suspected that his outstanding play in the 2000 Cup run was in due because of Larry's influence and if he could repeat that feat with Colin White again this year, then he is most definetly a defenseman you want to keep.

Gionta has already put up 10% of last season's points :handclap:

Faceoff Percentages:

Parise: 54.5%
Madden: 47.3%
Gomez: 66.6%
Rheaume: 72.7%

Faceoff Percentages:

Parise: 54.5%
Madden: 47.3%
Gomez: 66.6%
Rheaume: 72.7%

Parise was better than that though... he won a couple of draws foward (that count as losses), one that ended up in a two on one with Gio and Kozlov.

That's the oxymoron that is Viktor Kozlov and Brian Gionta. Kozlov plays a real finesse game while Gionta plays like he's a foot taller than he really is.

Thats why Kozlov will be gone next year (or sooner...) and Gionta will be the next Sergei Brylin (with better numbers :)) By that I mean Gio will be a player who will be a Devil for the next 10 years and he'll be the guy who will do whatever it takes to win.

Gionta has already put up 10% of last season's points :handclap:
he could have a big year, mayber 60+ points

- Chants of "Parise's BETTER!!" and "Overrated" both ostensibly aimed at Crosby, but IMO the second one was probably directed at the entire team, who everyone seems to think is great or something.

- Gionta is not getting enough props for his 1st goal. Picks the puck clean on the poke, goes in and dives backwards to retrieve and shoot his own rebound! Incredible goal, one of the most amazing I've ever seen. This guy has a good shot at 30 goals this year.

- I love how everyone ran to the "Brodeur is Overrated" thread after the 1st period. Hilarious.

- The Rags beat the Flyers? ***?

Faceoff Percentages:

Parise: 54.5%
Madden: 47.3%
Gomez: 66.6%
Rheaume: 72.7%Gionta was also 0% (0 for 1.)

PARISE, 6 for 11
GIONTA, 0 for 1
BRYLIN, 1 for 2
RHEAUME, 8 for 11
GOMEZ, 8 for 12
TOTAL: 32 for 56

- Gionta is not getting enough props for his 1st goal. Picks the puck clean on the poke, goes in and dives backwards to retrieve and shoot his own rebound! Incredible goal, one of the most amazing I've ever seen. This guy has a good shot at 30 goals this year.I agree with you about Gionta's goal. It was an incredible individual effort.

As for the 30 goals possibilities, yes, he has a shot. He had 21 goals the last time the NHL played. I was hoping he would go above 25 if the NHL played the 2003-04 season, so I was upping it to 30 as a target for Gionta this year.

Just watching the replay of the game. Not to nit-pick, but Gomer deserved an assist on the first goal. Dished out to McGillis, then Sergei put home the rebound... never touched Almo. I know it doesn't matter but I just think Gomer is gonna rack up a ton of assists this year. Stinks that in game 1 they stole one from him. :shakehead

I agree with you about Gionta's goal. It was an incredible individual effort.

As for the 30 goals possibilities, yes, he has a shot. He had 21 goals the last time the NHL played. I was hoping he would go above 25 if the NHL played the 2003-04 season, so I was upping it to 30 as a target for Gionta this year.

Playing with Zach all year... totally not unrealistic to think Gio could put up 30 goals and maybe 60 points.

I think you are gonna see alot of NCAA players do real well in the "new" NHL.

I dont understand why so many devils fans are complaining about Kozlov. He had a pretty good game, 2 assists, him and Gionta click so well. In this new NHL devils need not so typical devils players for devs to do well. And if you want him to go in and knock people around now without a puck he'll get Bizzillion mins in Penalties!! Nobody wants that....Anyway I though gomer had a good game and Mogilny played a very Smart game. Matvichuk sucked, Malakhov had a very solid game, he'll be getting better and better, Rafalski was awsome tonite. Paul Martin was a little rusty, but he should be good once settled down. Langenbrunner had a rough game, but he'll bounce back, i hope :). McGillis should not play around with puck more than 1 second, he is prone to causing breakaways

You are absolutely right about Jamie Langenbrunner. It pains me to see him playing so poorly and worse yet - so unbelievably undisciplined as I'm a big fan of what he brings to this team usually. Something has to break him out of his rut and quick. I hope we're not seeing part 2 of Devils lose Nieuwendyk-> Friesen and Langenbrunner suffer... Devils lose Friesen -> Langenbrunner further suffers. That would be awful.

Really? You guys thought he struggled? I thought he did ok tonight.

But as long as he scores 15-25 goals a season I would hate to ever get rid of him, in the two Stanley Cups he has won he was a HUGE part in both of them, scoring ten goals in 1998-99 when the Stars won it and eleven for us in our 2003 cup win.

While he doesn't put out playoff performances like those every year, that's still something everyone should consider because when he does get hot in the postseason, really good things happen for his teams.

But like I said, if he gets us 15 or more goals on the third line, he's still a important player for us because at worst all we get is a solid checking forward with great character.

I'm starting to believe Gionta was the engine of the EGG line...........The New Rules will benefit him tremdously.

Brylin can do everything!

Interesting note; Everyone who scored last night was under 6'

Great first night!

I dont understand why so many devils fans are complaining about Kozlov. He had a pretty good game, 2 assists, him and Gionta click so well. In this new NHL devils need not so typical devils players for devs to do well. And if you want him to go in and knock people around now without a puck he'll get Bizzillion mins in Penalties!! Nobody wants that....Anyway I though gomer had a good game and Mogilny played a very Smart game. Matvichuk sucked, Malakhov had a very solid game, he'll be getting better and better, Rafalski was awsome tonite. Paul Martin was a little rusty, but he should be good once settled down. Langenbrunner had a rough game, but he'll bounce back, i hope :). McGillis should not play around with puck more than 1 second, he is prone to causing breakaways

I said he looked ok. I just want him to take the shot when he has it.

I said he looked ok. I just want him to take the shot when he has it.

:biglaugh: you're not the only one. Sharks and Panthers coaches are included in this.

Rasmussen had a great game :)

- Chants of "Parise's BETTER!!" and "Overrated" both ostensibly aimed at Crosby, but IMO the second one was probably directed at the entire team, who everyone seems to think is great or something.

- Gionta is not getting enough props for his 1st goal. Picks the puck clean on the poke, goes in and dives backwards to retrieve and shoot his own rebound! Incredible goal, one of the most amazing I've ever seen. This guy has a good shot at 30 goals this year.

- I love how everyone ran to the "Brodeur is Overrated" thread after the 1st period. Hilarious.

- The Rags beat the Flyers? ***?

Excellent points...The "Parise's Better" and "Overrated" chants were pretty funny last night. I was a little surprised to see the local papers mentioned both of those and even asked Parise about his reaction to the "Parise's Better" chant. Good observation that the "Overrated" chant could've been directed at the entire Penguins team. I have to say though, that a Penguins fan sitting near me was fuming when he heard that...he was yelling "C'mon...it's his first game...I wouldn't do that if he was on your team..." I thought Crosby did play a pretty good game though.

The Gionta goal was unbelievable...definite highlight reel material.

The Brodeur is Overrated Thread kept coming into my mind during the first period flurry. I like the fact that shots should go up league wide and we'll be able to see Marty work his magic more often.

That was also great seeing the Flyers lose at home to the Rangers (the only team I root for the Rangers to beat). I'd love to see Esche give up a few more 5 goal games and start a goaltending controversy in Philly. Will have to see how they bounce back on Friday though.

Just watching the replay of the game. Not to nit-pick, but Gomer deserved an assist on the first goal. Dished out to McGillis, then Sergei put home the rebound... never touched Almo.I read this post early this morning and watched a recording of the game, but I didn't have time to post then. Gomez did go around the back of the goal and made nice pass to McGillis on the point. McGillis took a nice hard shot. The puck then went off of Mogilny's left skate-blade before it went to Sergei Brylin who waited just long enough before putting a great backhander over Thibault for the game's first goal.

Paul Martin was a little rusty, but he should be good once settled down.I couldn't disagree with you more. Paul Martin looked really strong in all aspects of the game to me.

McGillis should not play around with puck more than 1 second, he is prone to causing breakawaysI don't think I agree with this either. McGillis has a really nice shot on power play. The ice surface isn't always going to be perfect, so mistakes will happen that look like they are the fault of the player.

Rasmussen had a great gameThat whole 4th Line had a really good game. They generated some scoring chances, and were definitely an asset to the Devils.

I couldn't disagree with you more. Paul Martin looked really strong in all aspects of the game to me.

And I couldn't agree with you more DP, I thought he played a great all round game as well.

One thing I love about Martin is that he such a smart and very crafty player and is hardly ever caught out of position.

And did anyone see that play he made when he was carrying the puck into the Pens zone and there were two defenders in front of him and instead of trying to go through them he banked the puck off the boards, skated past the two Pens defenders who were starting to turn to play the puck and beat them to it essentially receiving his own pass in what turned out to be a very Gretzky like move, it was just beautiful.

Martin made a great play with a lunging pokecheck to thwart a breakin early in the game..........it was damn near neiderdmayer.....ish.

Martin made a great play with a lunging pokecheck to thwart a breakin early in the game..........it was damn near neiderdmayer.....ish.


Really nice play and that was off of Kid Crosby.

this first game was perfect for us. everything went perfect. brodeur was amazing. martin did a superb of playing against crosby n lemieux and especially in front of the net on a few of those 5 on 3s. :handclap: uhh parise scores!!!!! :amazed: only complaint was with mcgillis. the puck seemed to slip off his stick a couple times on the pp.

This was my personal favorite:

New Jersey 19:25, Zach Parise 1 (power play) (Paul Martin, Brian Gionta)

Three (young) former college guys getting together on a goal. Gotta love that one.

Who says NCAA players can't go on to play in the NHL?

Another tidbit about last nights game. Patrik Elias was in the corridor during the 1st intermission. A friend of mine spoke to him and said to him "rumor has it they are going to give you the C." Elias returned the comment "do not believe the rumor." He also said to Patty "how long, about a month before you return?" Patty said "I just do not know yet."

He looked great and he was signing autographs.

Does anybody know if Bob Arcina is no longer the annoncer at the arena or it last night was just a one night thing where they had someone else?

LAst nights game should put to rest anyone who thinks Brylin will be dealt when Elias is ready to return. He was all over the ice and scored twice. He can do it all. Along with Madden, Gionta, the Zack Attack, and of course Marty, Brylin was the best player on the ice last night.

Didn't get to see much of the game, but I liked what I saw from the highlights. Parise looked real strong, and so did Little G. From what I read/saw, Brodeur was his usual stellar self. Good start to the season! :handclap:

Another tidbit about last nights game. Patrik Elias was in the corridor during the 1st intermission. A friend of mine spoke to him and said to him "rumor has it they are going to give you the C." Elias returned the comment "do not believe the rumor." He also said to Patty "how long, about a month before you return?" Patty said "I just do not know yet."On either Devils Game Night or the intermission show, Stan Fischler or Matt Laughlin reported that Elias is going from skating every other day to skating four times a week. That's a slight increase, but it's certainly a good sign.