It is nice to know that fans of the parent club really do have more than a passing interest in their AHL affiliate here in Albany. After watching last nights game at the Times-Union Arena against the Rochester Americans, I can safely report that the Albany Devils are going to be a first rate team despite last nights 6-4 loss. I say this having been an AHL fan since the inagural game of the old Glens Falls Redwings.

Despite of some lapses when defending the power play and a sluggish ten minutes of the last period which ultimately cost us the game, the A-Devils have much to be proud of. What I saw for the first time in a long time in Albany was yes strong individual skills, but more importantly some truly NHL caliber tape to tape passes, forwards coming back and not just defending but making key defensive plays, and a general team hustle which translated to an obvious confidence in one another on the ice. Credit good coaching and willing players. The fact that so many have had a taste of the NHL so early in the season doesn't hurt.

This can only mean eventual good news for the New Jersey Devils at a time when things are admittedly rather tough going. While we hate to give them up to you, particularly when entering our own Calder Cup playoffs, we are justly proud to see our Albany Devils playing up in the "big league' and  making a contribution.

Rat Lives