The New Jersey Devils have now played at their new Prudential Center arena for 11 full weeks.  We decided to review the positive memories and the few bad experiences (opening night) from the past two-plus months, in their new house.  Unfortunately, things were not very joyous on Oct 27th, 2007.  They were not nearly as disastrous as the The NHL's All-Star “Rorygate” voting disaster last season.

Nevertheless, the Devils were still struggling and regaining their confidence from the nine-game three-week season-opening road trip.  I do not blame them.  That was a difficult journey without two of their veteran leaders, Jamie Langenbrunner and Colin White, who were rehabilitating offseason injuries.  While Langenbrunner required rehabilitation for his injured groin, White had a more serious eye, which was struck in a training camp practice.  White was expected to be ready by the first or second week of the regular season, but the swelling did not subside and the vision did not improve.  Then there were rumors that White might miss the regular season if the eye never improved.  After a month, White still had no idea about returning for the 2007-08 season (TG).  Whereas Langenbrunner returned with a bang, scoring two goals on Nov. 15, White finally came back on Nov. 21.  Both players have made significant contributions, Langenbrunner offensively and White’s defensive physical presence protecting Martin Brodeur and Kevin Weekes.

Moreover, the Devils hosted Eastern-Conference leading Ottawa for their inaugural game at the Rock.  What were the schedule-makers thinking?  Even more so, the Devils hosted Tampa the following Wednesday night, on Halloween, while the New Jersey Nets host.  Although the Devils defeated the Lightning 6-1 behind Jay Pandolfo’s first career three-goal game, the announced attendance was 13,218, but many people disagreed with these numbers.

“The announced attendance tonight was 13,218, but the crowd appeared to be smaller than that, said Tom Guliti, in Fire and Ice after the game. “There were thousands of empty seats. That's not good for just the second game in the building.  Capacity is 17,625.”

The numbers have since improved and so have the Devils.

After the loss to the Senators, they responded with the beating, as I mentioned above.  They continued with a 3-2 victory over Toronto two nights later.

Continuing their early inconsistent play at home, the Devils were embarrassed by Pittsburgh on Nov. 5 (5-0).  Yikes!  That did not sit well with head coach Brent Sutter, who essentially had enough of their bullshit.  He punished them with a stationary bike ride after the game (TG).

Sutter is not a tyrant; rather, he is a genius.

They responded with one of their best all-around performances of the season.  Even Dainius Zubrus scored not once but twice in the Devils’ 4-1 win over Philadelphia.

Unfortunately, the Devils had to defend their downtown Newark arena against their New York rivals about a week later.  For some reason, the Devs have not managed to defeat either foe thus far.

The Rangers won 4-2, the Islanders, 1-0, on an unassisted shorthanded goal in the second period.

Maybe, a turning point in the season.  The Devils were 3-4 at the Prudential Center and in the midst of eight straight against the Atlantic Division, which they completed at 3-4-1.

They swept the ensuing four-game road trip, before they returned home for five consecutive contests at the Rock.  They won all five for a nine-game winning streak, thanks to Patrik Elias, who was stripped of his captaincy by Sutter earlier this season.  Mo started asking questions about Elias’ whereabouts.  Recently, I knew Elias would come through after missing two games due to a strained groin.

Excluding playing against New York, the Devils loved the end of November, all of December, and, the month of January thus far, at home.  They have won nine of the last 10 at the downtown arena, including a 3-0 shutout of Philadelphia, after a 3-2 win over Florida, which I gracefully attended and enjoyed.

The Rock was not as fan-friendly in the beginning (adjusting to new environment, assholes like Barry Melrose), but the Devils adjusted as have the fans, who came in bunches last night.  All 17,625 seats were filled for only the fourth time in 17 home contests.  It is definitely a step in the right direction as are the Devils, who lead the Atlantic without Brian Ralfaski and Scott Gomez, who departed via free agency, yet hold second place in the Eastern Conference by three point going into today’s games.

For their efforts, goaltender Martin Brodeur, who has been their team MVP the first half of the season, and Sutter are headed to the All-Star game later this month. With 185,003 votes, Brodeur easily defeated second-place Henrik Lundqvist’s 154,827 and Cristobal Huet’s 154,198 votes.

In addition, Brodeur has been magnificent after an inefficient October and a half.  Specifically, at home, after going 3-4, he is 12-1 with two shutouts.  Just don’t start him during the daytime (0-2-0, seven goals allowed).  Yeah, whatever.  He will start whenever the fuck he wants.  Sorry about the reference to Rounders.  Great movie.

And, Sutter will act as an assistant coach for the Eastern Conference, since the Devils are in sole position of second place.  He has certainly deserved the honor.  GM Lou, nice signing.  Keep up the good work.

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