Section 209 report:

1) Highlight of the night took place off the ice. Some crazy drunk devils fan fell down 5 rows OF SEATS trying to climb over people, spilling 8 beers and approx 60 dollars worth of alcohol, getting yelled at and dragged out by security. Almost as much physicality as Mottau, but thats to come.

2) HUGE energy from the Clarkson line (thats right, I said Clarkson line, he’s the man). On the ice, it seemed like that was the most impressive line of the night.

3) No one was happy when Weak Weeks was in net; the game never felt in hand, and you always held your breath when the puck got close. Put Clemmensen in PLEASE!!!

4) The devils were MUCH more physical than I have seen in recent games. So much fun to watch the fights and that AMAZING hit by Mottau. Whether he gets fined/suspended or not, a hit like that reminds a team how to play hockey – with your whole body – something we have seemed to forget after a while. Amazing.

5) Had 5 Islanders fans sitting in front of us…. The best insult they had was “We still play you four more times!” To which we replied “OH NO! You are going to go 0-6 against the Devils!?!?” Priceless.

The most fun I’ve had at a Devlis game in a long time. WE HAVE A WINNING STREAK!!!! LETS GO DEVILS!

If anyone has/can find a video of that Mottau hit, PLEASE POST IT I NEED TO SEE THAT AGAIN!!!!!!

I have to disagree with Weekes, Bigelow. Kevin did well and he didn’t have the same adventures going after loose pucks to play them like Clemmensen usually does. Also: you are right in that the Devils could stand to be a bit more physical, but I’ll save that discussion for another time (as will praise for Clarkson).

Fun Islander-fan comment:

Him (sarcastically): How about signing Brian Rolston to 3 years, how does that look?
Me: I’m sorry, an Islanders fan is complaining about a contract length? Who is that in net tonight?

I wasn’t impressed with the “overspeed” rendition last night either. The Isles never got in sync for very long (aside from decent pressure in the 2nd). Before things fell apart, I imagine you might have sensed them having a more effective forecheck than they did on opening night, though.

It’s a work in progress. But the point is Gordon has been given the support to instill his philosophy (i.e., he’s not fearing for his job if he has a sub-.500 season), so this particular work in progress is far more entertaining — and rewarding for fans — than watching a coach take a below-average roster and trap his way through a non-playoff season.