The first goal was nice, the second was sweeter, and the third the most meaningful of them all for Zach Parise.  He completed his first career NHL hat trick scoring one goal in each of the three periods last night.  Parise added an assist on the New Jersey Devils' fourth tally, completing the four-point performance and 4-0 shutout for goaltender Martin Brodeur.

Marty made 27 saves in earning his 94th career regular-season shutout, 116th including the playoffs (most all time), and second this season.  Both shutouts have come during the Devs' current season-long six-game winning streak.  The Devils also continued their domination against Montreal and are now 9-0-1 the past 10 meetings.  The Devils have not lost to the Habs at home since Feb. 5, 2002.

First of all.  Congratulations to Zach Parise.  I understand that head coach Brent Sutter has not named a captain thus far.  The issue became more significant when forward Jamie Langenbrunner returned from off season surgery and fans thought that he should have been considered for the 'C.'  However, Sutter refrained from assigning the captainship, which has been a blessing in disguise, in my opinion.

I think the assistant captains, Patrik Elias, newcomer Danius Zubrus,and Brian Gionta are starting to produce and earn their stripes and that Parise may be a future captain, but not during the midst of an incredible season for him.  Elias was actually the team captain last season before Sutter arrived from Canada and changed things up a bit.  People may have questioned Sutter at first, but as soon as his team became healthy excluding iron man Jay Pandolfo's pelvic injur, it has found its rhythm and everyone is clicking.

Anyway, right now all I ask is for good healthy and everyone to keep up the strong play on both ends of the ice.  The Devils managed to score three goals on four power play chances last night while stopping the No. 1 leading power play team (26.2 percent coming into the contest) on all five of their man advantages.  The Devils improved their power play to 18.75 percent, a very respectable margin of success.

I am very thankful for the team's unbelievable turn-around this month.  Let's not forget Gionta's performance last night, as he scored the team's fourth goal and assisted on one of Parise's three scores.  Langs was credited with two assists, while Paul Martin and Travis Zajac were credited with one assist apiece.

Let's just say that the Prudential Center's fans, all 15,081 in attendance (85.6 percent full), were excited about the Devils accomplishments.  They are rolling and even won the faceoff battle 25-17.  That's when you know that the Devils are truly coming along.

Looking Ahead... Not Too Far:
ALL HOME GAMES:

Atlanta on Sunday
Boston this Wednesday
Washington next Friday night (also Scott Stevens Hall of Fame Night).

Not to be cocky but the Devils handled the Thrashers in their last game 3-0 and Washington is situated in last place in the Eastern Conference.  Nothing, no win is easy today, but the Devils will have the upper edge, especially with Brodeur between the pipes.  Good luck and good night everybody.

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