The Devils have to be satisfied tonight, after their second consecutive road win. It was career #600 for Marty Brodeur, and another shutout against the Atlanta Thrashers. He is now in undisputed top position in 2009-10 regular season shutouts.
The Devils scored 3 goals - and seven in their past two games. Is the scoring drought over? Maybe, or maybe not. They've just beaten two teams that aren't playoff contenders in the East.
Speaking of contenders, the Capitals gave New Jersey a helping hand tonight, by defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 6 - 3. Jersey moves into the top spot in the Atlantic Division, and second place in the Eastern Conference, behind Washington. If the standings don't change at the bottom of the Conference, looks like Philly could be the Devils' first playoff matchup.
Meanwhile, the New York Rangers were cooled off by Buffalo tonight. The Blue Shirts are now 3 points out of eighth place, with three more games to play. Toronto comes up tomorrow night, followed by back-to-back games against the Flyers.
Philly does not want to lose those games, and wind up in eighth place (or out of the running). The eighth place team will face Washington in the first round. We can expect the last two Rangers-Flyers games to be playoff intensity, one team struggling to get in, and the other fighting to avoid a showdown with Washington when the playoffs start.
The Devils continue their road trip on Thursday, against the Florida Panthers. On Saturday and Sunday, they return to Newark for back-to-back games against the Islanders and Buffalo. Sunday's game against the Sabres could decide 2nd and 3rd place in the Eastern Conference.
Ryan Miller, Buffalo's netminder, may have an axe to grind after the US Olympics final game loss to Canada. That other team from New York (which has three NHL franchises) could be a sleeper in this year's playoffs. Of course, there's another NHL goalie with an Olympic axe to grind. You know, the guy who was pulled from Canada's goal and sat on the bench as backup to Roberto Luongo, the same guy who just notched #600 on his belt. Hint. His initials are MB and he wears #30.
Ryan Miller, Buffalo's netminder, may have an axe to grind after the US Olympics final game loss to Canada. That other team from New York (which has three NHL franchises) could be a sleeper in this year's playoffs. Of course, there's another NHL goalie with an Olympic axe to grind. You know, the guy who was pulled from Canada's goal and sat on the bench as backup to Roberto Luongo, the same guy who just notched #600 on his belt. Hint. His initials are MB and he wears #30.
It's the final week of the regular season. Desperation is setting in. Next week this time, half of the NHL will be out playing golf and the other half will be puttin' on the foil.
Hockey Rules.
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