IT IS PATRIK ELIAS!!!! As Scott Stevens was crying his tears of joy in Toronto and I am sure Mary was too….Elias lifted the spirits of a sunken Devils team and maybe more importantly himself. He scored with 5:23 left and the New Jersey Devils held on for an all important 3-2 victory over the now cellar dwelling Penguins. It was a breakout that the Devils usually flub but for some reason….Elias nailed this one….MADE IT COUNT…and more importantly got the Devils 2 huge road points.
WHAT A GOAL PATRICK!!!
Weekes held down the fort over the next five minutes and notched win number two on the season for him. He finished with 23 saves….most of them being fairly high quality…including a couple clutch ones on Crosby late. Kevin Weekes is a nice spell…a vet goalie who is reliable enough to handle 15 games or so in net without the Devils having to worry if the goalie is going to be able to stop NHL quality talent. I like how he plays the game….he doesn’t too much…he just simply does his job.
Thank you too Kevin!
What is more encouraging is that Jamie Langenbrunner is getting closer and closer to returning…it may just be this week…it may even be Wednesday against those pesky Rangers. Maybe now Marty will get the goal support he didn’t get in the first two contests against the New York Rangers. Now it won’t be easy…it never is for the Devs but let’s get this party started….Marty for 500 on Wednesday….someone call Alex Trebek!
Not to forget him…but someone in Toronto had to be smiling tonight and that had to be Scott Stevens. Stevens’ induction was nothing like his retirement night…it was that much more special. Here are some excerpts thanks to TSN…….
“Words can’t express the gratitude and respect I have for Lou Lamioriello,” he said. “For bringing me into the New Jersey in 1991, and giving me a chance to win .after 13 seasons and three Stanley Cups. Thank you, Lou.” “It’s truly an honor to be here,” said Stevens. “This is something my family and I will cherish forever. Growing up I was lucky to be sandwiched between two very competitive brothers. I share this honor with them. My parents always found a way to encourage myself and my brothers, and for that I thank them.”
I have to admit I wonder what the whole thing was like. I am sure Mary will let us know in more ways than one. However at least for one night….it was like old times in Pittsburgh…a clutch goal by a Devil to win the game when the game looked lost. It may just be the turning point in what has been so far a very uneven and disappointing season.
