Game 42 Completion: New Jersey Devils (0) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (3) 1/10/2010

by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 12:00 PM EST in Devils Games

The Time: 6 PM EST (Doors open at 5 PM EST)

The Broadcast: TV: MSG (HD); Radio: 970 AM

The Current Score: New Jersey Devils 0 - Tampa Bay Lightning 3, 9:12 left in the 2nd Boxscore, Event Summary

Last Night for Both Teams: The New Jersey Devils battled hard and all over the ice against the Montreal Canadiens, as both teams traded off scoring chances and hits throughout the game. Martin Brodeur and Jaroslav Halak were brilliant and the game went to a deserved overtime. Zach Parise found himself behind all four Canadiens, Travis Zajac found him, and Parise scored the overtime winner to win 2-1. My recap of that game is here.

The Tampa Bay Lightning, on the other hand, went to Philadelphia and were soundly beaten by the Flyers. The Flyers went up one before putting the team away in the third period to end it 4-1. So much for bringing any confidence from a 3-0 lead over the best team in the East. John Fontana recapped the game at Raw Charge. Needless to say, I would think both teams are rather tired. John Fontana at Raw Charge has a quick summary of where the game stands.

Quick Summary of What Happened on Friday: The lights in Martin Brodeur's end went out and the rink was dark enough that the teams felt safety was an issue. The lighting issue turned out to be an internal one with the Prudential Center, and PSE&G only came in to assist them with their problem. The issue was resolved later that night after the game was officially postponed. The delay within the arena lasted nearly 2 hours before any announcement was made. Steve was on top of this on Friday night; for other summaries SB Nation's NHL hub has a stream on it and Tom Gulitti had quotes in addition to news.

Yesterday, it was decided that the game would be completed today. According to Chere, this is costly to the Devils, but Lou isn't complaining. The team announced on the official site yesterday - and was repeated throughout the MSG broadcast last night - that all fans who have a ticket from Friday's game able to admitted for free as well as get a free ticket to a future game through a policy that will be announced on Tuesday. Update: Gulitti reports that if you bring your parking receipts for the garage, you'll be able to part there for free. Other lots have discounts. Since parking has been brought up as a question, that should answer it.

Quick Thoughts: I would think that since the game is going to pick up where it last left off, both teams will have to use the same rosters they started with (meaning: Leblond is in for Pikkarainen if that is the case). Since the game ended after what the puck went into the benches and there was a stoppage in play, maybe Jacques Lemaire would be able make a goaltending switch to start this completion. There is absolutely no need to have Brodeur finish the whole game. Danis should get the remaining 29:13 or at least the vast majority of it. Admittedly, the Devils are in a pretty deep hole and I'm not expecting a win. For the Devils to salvage this game, they need to end the second period with something on the scoreboard and then play like they are on fire throughout the third. They have to crack Mike Smith, simple as that. All while not making stupid mistakes in their own zone, staying out of the box and/or allowing another goal. A fourth goal against would probably make the game out of reach, so Tampa Bay has the advantage here. All they need to do is to not fall apart and they should get the win.

So I think that the mentality for the Devils should be that they have nothing to lose, so let's get try to get at least a point of that. And if they do, I will be heard at the Rock laughing really loudly and obnoxiously.

Song to Pump You Up: Yep, this is an OPEN THREAD for tonight's game. So comment here before and during the game. Since this the last time the Devils will see Tampa Bay during the season, I think a fitting song would be Time Crime by Northern Ireland neo-thrashers Gama Bomb. "Yesterday could be tomorrow's today, but yesterday might be tomorrow too," indeed.

Other Things: Division snapshot is here, SB Nation has mid-season awards and check out all of those Sabres. Personally, Lemaire should be coach of the year unanimously, but Tippet turning Phoenix around isn't an undeserving pick.

I can't imagine many people will show up on the account of short notice and who still has their stub, but I will be there to see this debacle finally come to a conclusion. Let's hope for the best but expect the worst. Steve will be commenting in-game here, I will be in my regular seat (Sec. 1, Row 16, Seat 5) commenting by a mobile device, and the game will eventually end. Rules always apply: keep the comments clean and relevant to this game. Go Devils!

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Comments

i went to this game on my way to new hampshire for my vaation,i live in maryland

now i just got my internet on,i cant make it to this game it is to far.im going to protest the charges on my credit card this is just wrong,the devils should take resposibility for problems with there building.i know its not there fault the light broke but i spent 600 dollars to go to a game and i can not get to it cause of problems with the building in where they play.luckly my 9 and 4 yearold daughters still had fun cause they got to eat so many snacks.

by Imperator_Celtic on Jan 10, 2010 12:50 PM EST reply actions

i just saw i can get future tickets for free

so im fine with that ill come up later and see a diff game.i new the devils would be good about it and they were.

GO DEVILS!!!!!

by Imperator_Celtic on Jan 10, 2010 12:55 PM EST up reply actions

Post update with radio info, parking update from Gulitti

Imperator: I wish I could better understand.

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 1:36 PM EST reply actions

sorry i was rushing earlier when i wrote

i went to the game on friday on my way to new hampshire.now i am to far away to go to the make up game,but since i can get free seats to a different game i am not mad at all about the the game on friday ending early.

by Imperator_Celtic on Jan 10, 2010 5:55 PM EST up reply actions

The Devils were dominating in every category except the score. Granted, that’s the most important place, but they’ve got to go in knowing that a few bounces the other way and the game is entirely different.

TB scored 3 in 30 minutes, why can’t the Devils?

Smith was standing on his head, so it will be interesting to see if the 48 hour break and a team loss in the meanwhile affected that at all.

by elesias on Jan 10, 2010 1:44 PM EST reply actions

my thoughts exactly. Plus Danis is rested. Who knows if that could translate to rustiness, but I have faith in him.

by skly27 on Jan 10, 2010 4:49 PM EST up reply actions

i didnt give up faith in the devils when it ended,i felt like they might have been able to catch up.

by Imperator_Celtic on Jan 10, 2010 5:56 PM EST up reply actions

Ok, so it’s 4:05 and neither Chere and Gulitti have any actual game-related updates with respect to lineups or such. I’m off to the train shortly so I’ll be going mobile from here on out.

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 4:04 PM EST reply actions

I stand corrected

Gulitti reports that Yann Danis will play the rest of this game.

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 4:09 PM EST up reply actions

No Ohlund tonight; stomach flu. Should make the lightning D a little softer.

by skly27 on Jan 10, 2010 5:48 PM EST reply actions

No matt smaby as well

by skly27 on Jan 10, 2010 5:49 PM EST up reply actions

Only on MSG HD?

Only if you have HD can you see this game?

by Cherno77 on Jan 10, 2010 5:55 PM EST reply actions

? That doesn’t seem right, should be available on MSG. HD is optional as always.

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 5:58 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Pregame is being done as usual. Players came out for the warmup skate, no issues with lights.

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 5:56 PM EST via mobile reply actions

OK Ohlund and Smaby are officially out and Hale & Meszaroes will replace them.

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 6:01 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Got it.

It’s on now. I’m assuming that the biggest plus gotten from this game is that Danis gets to play.

by Cherno77 on Jan 10, 2010 6:00 PM EST reply actions

I’ll beleive it when I see it.

by eppy on Jan 10, 2010 6:05 PM EST up reply actions

I see Danis in net

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 6:10 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

crowd

The crowd is a little larger than I expected so far. I’d say a few thousand are here with 4 min before puck drop

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 6:03 PM EST via mobile reply actions

i wish i was there

by Imperator_Celtic on Jan 10, 2010 6:04 PM EST up reply actions

atleast i got a good stream.

by Imperator_Celtic on Jan 10, 2010 6:07 PM EST reply actions

We have game and it looks like a preseason crowd

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 6:09 PM EST via mobile reply actions

A loud one at that. Danis got a nice ovation

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 6:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Devils come out with the necessary offensive aggression, but Rolston got tagged with a goalie interference call

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 6:13 PM EST via mobile reply actions

If this is only 5k, then its a loud one!

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 6:14 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Penalty killed, Devils attack, Smith makes a stop, whistle goes and a Puck is put in. The fans HATED the no-goal call, but it’s the right one

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 6:18 PM EST via mobile reply actions

my screen is to small i couldnt tell if it was covered.

by Imperator_Celtic on Jan 10, 2010 6:19 PM EST up reply actions

Fans also hate the refs. That was delay of game?

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 6:22 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Second period over

The Devils brought the right energy, the right mentality, but no goals hurt. The two penalties really weren’t needed. While I couldn’t tell I’d Rolston did any thing wrong, Pandolfo was beyond the blueline, I thought.

Devils need to kill this and keep up the attack. They have to. They only got 20 minutes and the Lightning are doing what they need to do.

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 6:27 PM EST via mobile reply actions

there isnt enough time to kill penaltys in this game

by Imperator_Celtic on Jan 10, 2010 6:38 PM EST up reply actions

Hey, kids. How’s it goin’?

Raw Charge, an SBN Tampa Bay Lightning community. Calling shotgun in the clown car.

by Cassie McClellan on Jan 10, 2010 6:38 PM EST reply actions

The fans booed the refs more than the delay. I’m…impressed

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 6:41 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Fans are moving up to any free seat and the ushers have no problem. Smart by the staff

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 6:44 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Excellent possession, and this PP is important.

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 6:49 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Devils announcer just gave a Thank You message to the fans that was well received.

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 6:50 PM EST via mobile reply actions

So THAT wasn’t delay of game?

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 6:55 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Zajac gets one in the slot

Lifeline for NJ!

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 6:56 PM EST via mobile reply actions

And in the blink of an eye, the Devils are back to where they started thanks to Steve Stamkos

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 6:58 PM EST via mobile reply actions

oh well

cant figrure how this one turned out like this.

by Imperator_Celtic on Jan 10, 2010 7:02 PM EST reply actions

After Stamkos’ goal, the crowd is much quieter. The Devils need a miracle…or at least another goal. 3 in 7 minutes is very hard to do

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 7:02 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Ouch…Nice Goal I guess. Any momentum built from the goal just gets shattered. Still time though.

by Matthew Ventolo on Jan 10, 2010 7:02 PM EST reply actions

With 4:36 left, I’m not so confident. Can’t fault the effort, but they dug themselves so deep on Friday. Too deep it appears.

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 7:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Tampa caught holding, consolation goal?

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 7:11 PM EST via mobile reply actions

It’s a bank shot and it’s in. Too late now but nice to see it.

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
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by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 7:14 PM EST via mobile reply actions

tues the games on tv cant wait go devils.

by Imperator_Celtic on Jan 10, 2010 7:16 PM EST reply actions

Oh well. Its nice being so far up in the standings we dont have to worry about losses like that.

by skly27 on Jan 10, 2010 7:17 PM EST reply actions

Devils win 2-1..oh wait…Hey, we can’t win them all…But the team plays, has the tools and confidence to come in every game with a chance to win…

by Matthew Ventolo on Jan 10, 2010 7:24 PM EST reply actions

yep

Again, I felt the Devils came out with the right energy, but quality beat quantity. Most of Tampa’s shots were tough for Brodeur/Danish and as such the Lightning were in a better position to hang back, get stops and play safe hockey. The deficit was too much to overcome.

Again, this game won’t mean much in the long term providedvtge Devils hit back with some wins. Tuesday’s a good place to start, I think.

Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog

by John Fischer on Jan 10, 2010 7:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions