I was fortunate enough to attend last night’s contest at Madison Square Garden between the New Jersey Devils and their arch-rival New York Rangers.  By now, any genuine Devils fan or supporter knows that the Rangers won 1-0 in overtime.  I still feel the Devils looked impressive despite not scoring on Henrik Lundqvist and managing less than 20 shots throughout the game.

Sitting with the Rangers' version of the "Yankees Bleacher Creatures" in section 408 of the Garden last night, I was surrounded with negative comments about the Devils and their style of play, which made me wonder.

Does anyone who watches hockey (at least @ MSG) actually understand, play or coach the game?

Sure, the shots at the end of the first period were 12-4 in favor of the bleacher bums.  But the scoring chances were 5-2 in favor of the Devils, including a John Madden breakaway.

Some of the comments made were great though: "They can't even get shots (on net), how are we not winning?" and "(Martin) Brodeur is overrated, how come we can can't score on him?"

As a player, coach and hockey enthusiast, I enjoyed the game that was played Sunday.  Both teams had great chances, both goalies played to their elite capabilities, and both teams played tight defenses at times limiting the opposition's shots and second chances.

So why were the fans, Devils and Rangers alike, complaining of the low scoring, “boring output.

Even though the Rangers won on a beautifully placed one-timer by Brendan Shanahan, assisted by Scott "the traitor" Gomez, it was fun to be a part of the game.

Devils netminder Martin Brodeur was spectacular in goal.  Devils leading scorer and point man (non all star -- what?!!!) Zach Parise, although held off the score sheet, was skating at intense speeds, trying to find an opening in the Rangers’ seemingly impenetrable defense.  He even had Ranger fans cursing him out because there was nobody on the Rangers roster that could match his agility and quickness.  Parise did not look tired from the day off after the Devils' ninth win in a row.

The Devils did not gain two points from the opposition for the first time in 10 games (9-0-1), but they gained a point and held onto their lead in the competitive Atlantic Division.

I do not see cause for concern from the loss.  Only giving up one goal in 60+ minutes of hockey is nothing to hang your head over.

The Devils have earned 19 of the last possible 20 points in arguably the toughest division in the league.  They have climbed from last place to first in three weeks.  Not bad for a team that most people, including myself, picked preseason to be in last place in the division.

And as for those Rangers, enjoy those two points and the four wins against us.  We will get you next time and the three times thereafter and even the season series!

And... let's not forget that the Rangers might be somewhat successful against the Devils this season, but when was the last time they won a Stanley Cup Trophy... or the Yankees or Knicks for that matter?????

Tonight, the Devils look to rebound and start a new winning streak against high-flying Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals!

Notes: Marty gets a rest, Weekes will be in net for the first time since Nov 12.

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