NJD DVD?
For the past few years, the NHL has been releasing DVD box sets commemorating the greatest games of some of certain teams. So far, the criteria has been original six teams, or teams with a historical dynasty, such as the Oilers and Islanders. Tomorrow, the Calgary Flames are getting their boxset done, and considering they moved to Calgary in 1980, the Devils might be somewhere up on their future teams list. They may wait until the team's 30th anniversary--which will take place during 2011-2012 season--or not, but suppose the Devils' 10 Greatest Games box set were to be released this year...what games would make the cut, and in what order?
Here is my list of 10 games, but please let me know if I have missed any or if any don't belong on here.
10. Scott Stevens' #4 Retired (February 3, 2006) - After retiring the first number in franchise history, that of former captain Scott Stevens, the Devils kept the energy going on the ice, completing the night with a 3-0 shutout of the Carolina Hurricanes. (Ceremony included.)
9. Martin Brodeur Scores A Goal (April 17, 1997) - With a two goal lead on the Montreal Canadiens in the first game of the 1997 playoffs, Martin Brodeur becomes just the second goalie in NHL history to record a goal in the playoffs, his first of two career goals scored.
8. The Streak (April 18, 2006) - The Devils end the 2006 regular season on an 11-game winning streak by defeating the Montreal Canadiens, 4-3. The streak marks the longest season-ending stretch in NHL history and the victory gave New Jersey the Atlantic Division championship, after trailing in the standings by 19 points on January 6. The Devils would keep the momentum rolling into the playoffs with a first-round sweep of the Rangers.
7. 2003 Eastern Conference Finals, Game 7 (May 23, 2003) - Jeff Friesen scores the series-clinching goal at 17:46 of the third period at Ottawa to defeat the Senators, 3-2, in game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals.
6. Devils Clinch First Ever Playoff Berth (April 3, 1988) - On the eve of the last night of the 1998 regular season, the Devils needed two points to clinch their first playoff spot in franchise history. After tying the game late, John MacLean also scored the game-winning goal in overtime as the Devils defeated the Blackhawks 4-3. They would not waste their first taste of the playoffs, as the Devils would go all the way to Game 7 of the Conference Finals before falling to Boston.
5. The Comeback (May 26, 2000) - Patrik Elias scores the game winning goal as the Devils become the first team in Conference Finals' history to erase a three-games-to-one deficit by beating the Flyers, 2-1, in game seven.
4. 2000 Stanley Cup Finals, Game 6 (June 10, 2000) - After coming back from a 3-games-to-1 deficit against Philadelphia in the Conference Finals, the Devils returned to the Stanley Cup Finals against the defending champion Dallas Stars. After Petr Sykora--one third of the Devils' electric 'A' line--was knocked out of the game, his line-mates came through, as Patrik Elias fed a Jason Arnott goal in double overtime to clinch the 2000 Stanley Cup for New Jersey.
3. 2003 Stanley Cup Finals, Game 7 (June 9, 2003) - The Devils, now perennial Cup contenders, rebounded from a disappointing first round loss in 2002 to reach their 4th Finals appearance against the Cinderella-story Mighty Ducks and hotshot goalie J. S. Giguere. In a series where the home team won every game, rookie Mike Rupp scored the game-winning goal and the Devils put the finishing touches on their third Stanley Cup in nine seasons with a 3-0 shutout victory.
2. Martin Brodeur's 552nd Win / Patrik Elias' 702nd Point (March 17, 2009) - In the first truly historical moment to take place at Prudential Center, Devils fans would have been satisfied to witness one record fall. Instead, they were treated to two: First, Patrik Elias scored his 702nd point to pass John MacLean as the franchise's all-time leading scorer. The Devils would then celebrate St. Marty's Day by beating Chicago, giving Martin Brodeur his 552nd career win, passing Patrick Roy and setting a new NHL record.
1. 1995 Stanley Cup Finals, Game 4 (June 24, 1995) - This needs no explanation (but here's one anyway). The underdog Devils defied the odds by riding reigning rookie of the year Martin Brodeur to their first Finals appearance, and clinch the first Stanley Cup in franchise history on home ice by completing a sweep of the heavily favored Red Wings.
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This is a good topic and a good selection of games.
There are a three dates I’d like to see included. Or at least considered for inclusion as a small vignette perhaps.
1. May 8, 2000. Amazingly, back for the 25th anniversary, Devils fans ranked this game ahead of the team’s second Stanley Cup win – even though it was only the second round clincher in 2000! What made it truly special was that it was best display of defensive hockey you and I have ever witnessed. The New Jersey Devils didn’t just dominate Toronto, they broke their wills, and the Maple Leafs left the playoffs with a mere six shots on net!
2. January 5, 2006. Patrik Elias’ second game back in the NHL after surviving Hepatitis A during the lockout. Actually, his first game back was on January 3, 2006 against the Florida Panthers, earning an assist. But it was this game, he skated like he was literally on fire. He torched the Montreal Canadiens for 2 goals, 2 assists, 5 shots, 14:30 of ice time, and I believe this kickstarted the EGG line. This game wasn’t just the second one in Elias’ return, it proved that he was back.
3. October 28, 2000. The New Jersey Devils just blew the Pittsburgh Penguins away with a massive 9-0 win. I’m pretty sure it’s one of the biggest, if not the biggest, margins of victory by any Devils team in history. Also, this game featured John Madden and Randy McKay putting up 4 goals each. I’m not sure if something like that has happened since, and even if it did, the caliber of player would much likely be higher than Madden and McKay!
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog
April 22, 1988 Patrick Division Playoff Championship (Round 2) vs. Washington: Patrik Sundstrom sets NHL playoff record for most points in a playoff game with an 8 point night. (Record to be tied by Mario Lemieux years later.) Mark Johnson erupts with a 4 goal game, as well. One of the most dominant performances by a Devils team ever in a playoff game, the underdog playoff novices turning in a laugher! Gotta’ be in the top 10!
Oooooh, that would be an excellent add. Especially for the “newer” fans like me. I never saw that one, being 5 at the time.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog
No idea the date, But Devils v Penguins. Peluso and Jagr drop the gloves on the opening faceoff. Hair everywhere. Just show the first minute of the game. Thats all you need.
by they can take a player but not the core on Oct 4, 2009 1:06 PM EDT reply actions
Nice list. I think you’ve got a good 10 here except the Leafs 6-shots game might be number 10. I’d hate to see your #10 (Stevens retires) game left off the list, but the focus here would be on the game by the team (from the NHL’s perspective and maybe even ours) or in certain cases, historical moments (Brodeur 552 – Elias 702). Numbers 9 and 8 also might be supplanted, but then, other games don’t come to mind right away… A Devils DVD surely would include small bits about the raising of the banners and the retirement of #s 3 and 4. Also, maybe notes on Sundstrom’s record playoff night, what will be Brodeur’s shutout 104.
What about...
Maple Leafs at Devils, 2000 Stanley Cup Playoffs, East Semifinals Game 6, 5/8/00
Devils at Penguins, 10/28/00
just throwing them out there, otherwise, great job!
Guessing what the pitcher is going to throw is eighty percent of being a successful hitter. The other twenty percent is just execution.
-Hank Aaron

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