Okay everyone before you just assume this is a total fluff piece…just realize that snow takes many forms. First off, it is not always fluffy but can be wet and a pain in the neck to shovel.
Last Jersey snowstorm I saw…..
Okay the next obvious question is Chris….have you gone off your rocker? No, the recliner is still downstairs. However, it is time for the New Jersey Devils to get into the heart err the cold of the hockey season. Time to dig deep as they play these teams that will come in very hungry (Tampa tonight and Detroit tomorrow night). These are teams that Jersey should beat right now. Yes I know about all the injuries well Rob Niedermayer came back Wednesday Night and others are very close folks.
Tampa basically comes in with one line and some Vincent Lecavalier guy. Who would have thought that basically Steven Stamkos would be a team leader this soon? But much to his credit, he has stepped up HUGE this year along with Marty St. Louis at his side. The Devils must find a way to stop that line and pretty much play consistent to win tonight. Oh it would not hurt if Zach Parise scored….I hear he is pretty good. I do not worry about Monsieur Brodeur but I hear Monsieur Danis may play one of these games.
As for Detroit, has anyone seen Nick Lidstrom’s offense lately? I think it dried up along the shores of Lake Michigan. I still cannot believe he has not hit double digits in points. He was recently on Thursday named a turkey of the week. It does not matter if Howard or Osgood is in net….Detroit’s PK still not as good as a few years ago and really to be honest does not scare me. Sure that Zetts and Dats combo does but with no Mule in the lineup….there may be a chance to catch some snow and another W.
The keys for New Jersey over the next 2 days:
- Stay out of the penalty box.
- Get some chemistry with the returning players.
- Drive safe Saturday Night.
- Play some defense.
- And remember the alarm clock.
What is the alarm clock? It is the wake the hell up button that the Devils may need tonight. It is something they forgot on Wednesday Night against Vancouver. If the Devils can do these simple 5 things…they should get 3 if not 4 points in this back to back stretch. And I should be able to make a New Jersey snowball for the first time in almost four years.
