Position by position breakdown of Super Bowl XLII between the Giants and Patriots:

Quarterback:

Patriots: Tom Brady

Giants: Eli Manning

Despite a fancy new arena, the Devils are still struggling to capture large audiences.  Last night was a prime example. An announced attendance of 13,595 filled the Prudential Center doors. It's not the first time this season and historically the Devils were unable to fill merely 80 percent of their seats. Hopefully, it's the last time though as each upcoming game is critical to New Jersey's postseason chances.

The Devils have celebrated their three Stanley Cup Trophies with a ticker-tape parade through New York City parking lot parade.

The New Jersey Devils are starting to play like the team that most critics expected. As Jeremy pointed out, in his very accurate piece on the Devils progress so far, they cannot put the puck in the net, as expected. During a stretch spanning November and early December, the Devils seemed almost unbeatable, going 9-0.

No offense, a weak defensive corpse, an inability to beat a team who was without seven starters. Lately, that's how it's been going for the New Jersey Devils. People are calling for a trade, release, something to my dear friend defenseman Johnny Oduya. His recent nickname Johnny Oh-No-Duya is indicative that he's Oh-No fan friendly in New Jersey. Why single out Oduya who's making $600K this season and not Elias and his $7.5 million or Gionta's $4 million, our supposed top guns?

­If the Devils ought to win the Atlantic Division, they must not lose focus. They must not allow divisional foes to come back from two separate one-goal leads. When Pittsburgh visited the Prudential Center after the All Star break, the Penguins were lacking their own firepower. Penguins captain Sidney Crosby crashed into the boards in mid-January and will miss 6-8 weeks with a high ankle sprain. The Devils had a lead not once but twice, before collapsing late in the second period, eventually losing 4-2.

Football may be dominating the headlines, but there has been quite a bit of action thus far in the MLB off season.  A-ROD resigned with the Yankees for 10 years, the World Champion Red Sox kept Mike Lowell, and the Twins continue to dangle ace Johan Santana, hoping that a team will meet their asking price.

Watch the Devils tackle mighty Pittsburgh minus Sidney Crosby. The game is at 7 pm on FSNY HD, WFAN 660 AM with a 30-minute preview at 6:30 p.m. Jamie Langenbrunner, whom I did not mention as ill against Philadelphia, apparently got sick but played against Montreal two nights later. He did not practice on Monday and will miss Tuesday's game, Tom

The Devils are back in action on Tuesday night. They host the Penguins at the Prudential Center at 7 o'clock. Beginning with the pregame show at 6:30 pm, the discussion will likely focus on Devils goalie Martin Brodeur and head coach Brent Sutter. Brodeur was absent from the All Star Game, resting his 35-year-old body with his children. Sutter returned home to Deer Park, Alberta to spend time with his family as well.

Martin Brodeur is 35 years old. He is a 13-year veteran goalie. In the NHL, this is unheard of, less for Hasek, Roy, and a few others. This season, critics did not expect Marty to perform like a warrior, like a three-time Stanley Cup Trophy winner. But, that's exactly how Brodeur has turned out thus far. He has dispelled any rumors of wear and tear that affect professional athletes by rendering highlight-reel performances. Is Marty’s clock ticking? Maybe, but he’s not lost a beat.

Whether it was the game-winner by Marc Savard, the hat trick by Rick Nash, or the MVP truck awarded to Eric Staal, the Eastern Conference sent a message to the West come playoff time. Despite the absence of Sidney Crosby and the New Jersey Devils from the Eastern Conference's star-studded lineup, they were still able to come away with the 8-7 victory.

The NHL will open the 2008-09 season in Europe, NHL.com reported. The players’ organization has yet to ratify the league's decision, which will affect four eastern conference teams. I apologize about not posting this story two days ago, when it was first announced. I just returned from winter vacation and I had to revert to my academia. The league will attempt to replicate its success with Anaheim and Los Angeles opening the current season with two games in London.

Ever watch fights in other leagues?  This one from a Finnish league got over a few thousand views on Youbtube last week.

In the NCAA D-I men’s basketball, there is parity.  Apparently in tennis as well.  There may be “popular” powerhouses comparable to tennis' Federer, but after Saturday’s scoreboard, only numbers one and two, Memphis and Kansas, remained undefeated, unblemished and unperturbed by their opposition.

What a two weeks it has been.  We just witnessed some of the best tennis in the Australian Open.  Serbian-born Novak Djokovic earned his first Grand Slam Title last night, defeating unranked Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets.  Down an early set, Djokovic came-from-behind 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) to capture the 2008 Australian Open men's singles title.  Getting to the finals was not an easy task for the No.

The New Jersey Devils had just defeated their archrival Philadelphia Flyers, 7-3, supported by a season-high five power play goals.  That lasted two more periods though as Montreal quickly and painfully ripped apart the Devils' weak defensive corps.  The Canadiens entered last night as clear underdogs, having last won in New Jersey on Feb. 5, 2002, nearly six years ago.  The Canadiens were 1-7-2 before their come-from-behind 4-3 win over NJ, behind a three-goal third period.

I pride myself on being more than the fan of a particular team; if I am a fan of a particular sport, I love the sport first, the team second. Despite being a New England Patriots fan, I try to view events in the NFL as objectively as possible. However, I am confused by the lack of respect shown to the Patriots for their accomplishments this year. Don’t get me wrong—people have given the Patriots their “props” for the unblemished 18-0 start.

Johnny Oduya, who had a career high four points in the Devils 7-3 showing over the Flyers, doesn't think that the All-Star Game will interrupt momentum they recently generated.

While the New Jersey Devils look to increase their Atlantic Division lead tonight when they host the Canadiens tonight, the New York Rangers have their own business to handle.  Tonight they will honor one of their greats, raising defenseman Brian Leetch’s No. 2 jersey to the rafters.

The 2008 NHL All-Star Weekend is already underway in Atlanta, GA.  The sold out events have been absolutely phenomenal.  Later tonight, check out the Dodge/ NHL SuperSkills competition at 7pm televised on Versus.  The Eastern and Western Conference All-Stars will battle for bragging rights on Sunday at 6pm.  Versus, CBC, RDS and NHL Radio will broadcast the 56th Annual All Star Game at Phillips Arena in Atlanta.  Have f

Hmmm...  I mentioned Devils and scoring rampage in the same sentence or title for that matter.  It's the truth.  On Tuesday the New Jersey Devils pounded seven goals on their Atlantic Division rivals, led by defenseman Johnny Oduya's career high four point night.  Tonight, they hope to make some more magic on the ice when the Montreal Canadiens come to town, downtown Newark that is.  The last time the Habs visited, they left wondering how to stop All-Star snub Zach Paris

There are three types of forwards usually found on NHL teams: the grinder, play maker and goal scorer.  Let me explain all three to you, while Jeremy discussed the Devils UFAs already.  Don't jump the gun.  Then there is Alexander Ovechkin, who may in fact comprise all three genres.  If there is an Oscar for best NHL player, he may win it.  Yep, he's that good.

I have researched the list of the New Jersey Devils unrestricted free agents after the 2007-08 campaign.  There are only two players that I am overtly concerned with, winger Jay Pandolfo and defenseman Karel Rachunek.  Pandolfo, 32, earned roughly $836,000 this year but has been out of commission since Nov. 28 with a pelvic/abdomen injury.  Before suffering the injury, Pandolfo scored 13 points in 24 games and was on pace to easily surpass his career high in goals and points.

End of the day updates.  NJD, Sid the Kid, All Star Game INS and OUTS, NHL Trade Deadline rumors.  Lots to discuss, not much time to discuss them.  Time flies when I’m having fun.

I apologize for being misinformed.  Contrary to popular belief, the New Jersey Devils will not have any representatives in this year's All Star Game.  Head coach Brent Sutter and Martin Brodeur were selected respectively for their achievements thus far; however both men will not participate in the event.  Brodeur informed GM Lou Lamoriello last week, who finally announced his decision to the media today.  Devils beat writer Tom Gulit

Philadelphia - The New Jersey Devils entered tonight's meeting with Philadelphia as the lowest scoring team in the NHL, also ranked 28th on the power play.  They left the City of Brotherly Love with seven goals, five on the power play, tying a team-record, in their 7-3 win.  Zach Parise, who, reportedly, will be added to the Eastern Conference All Star roster, snapped a 9-goal drought with two marks and Johnny Oduya had the first multi-point game of his career, as

The New Jersey Devils will have a representative in the upcoming All Star Game, Tom Gulitti reported on his blog.  Gulitti said that Devils GM Lou Lamoriello has not revealed who will head to Atlanta, but Zach Parise is the likely candidate.  He leads the team in goals, assists and points, plus minus, power play goals and power play assists entering tonight's critical matchup at Philadelphia.

The New Jersey Devils travel to Philadelphia for a crucial matchup with the Flyers tonight.  The game is on FSNY HD and broadcasted on WFAN 660AM for those in the car, like Gabi Secempski who attended the Patriots AFC Championship Game on Sunday, although his Giants-Packers prediction did not hold water.  Then again, the majority of fans and oddsmakers believed the Packers would win by seven.  He’s a Patriots fan and I hope his pick for t

The New Jersey Devils learned last week that goalie Martin Brodeur will not start in the upcoming All Star Game.  He will start tonight in Philadelphia, which I discussed here.  The NHL made the official announcement today, replacing him with Tim Thomas.  The Eastern Conference management, which includes Devils rookie coach Brent Sutter has not determined who will start in his place.  Then again, Sutter himself may not participate in the game,

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The New Jersey Devils have struggled recently, winning one of three during their most recent homestand.  Tonight, they leave the Garden State for Pennsylvania, the "Keystone State."  The Devils visit the storming Philadelphia Flyers winners in 7 of their last 8 games, the only loss coming in an overtime to Boston.

Before I recap the games, I must applaud the fans for both Championship Games--to the 68,756 in Foxboro for the Patriots-Chargers AFC Title Game, and the 72,740 in Green Bay for the Packers-Giants NFC Title Game. I was in attendance for the Patriots-Chargers game, sitting in section 307, row 15, and it was miserably cold. Despite wearing three pairs of socks, two sweatpants, thermals, a winter hat, gloves and heavy coat, the cold and wind shook me to my core.

The Pittsburgh Penguins placed Sidney Crosby on injured reserve, after he suffered a high ankle sprain in Friday night's 3-0 loss to Tampa Bay.  Crosby will miss 7-8 weeks, according to the Pittsburgh Sports Insider quoting sources close to the team, includi

First, it was Eli Manning's older brother Peyton, who advanced and consequently won the Super Bowl last season over the Chicago Bears.

Now, it is Eli’s turn to dance and avenge a regular season home loss to the perfect 18-0 New England Patriots, who defeated San Diego in the first half of the championship round on Sunday afternoon.

Nobody gave Eli and the New York Giants a chance in the preseason after RB Tiki Barber announced his retirement and DE Michael Strahan threatened retirement.

Since fellow New Jersey Devils bloggers focused their eyes and ears on the New York Giants 23-20 thrilling NFC Championship win over Green Bay following the Patriots win over San Diego, the posts were shorter than usual, as expected.

The New Jersey Devils knew they were missing the services of John Madden, but until tonight, they did not know how much.

Madden scored two goals, the second held up to be the eventual game-winner, as the Devils held off the Toronto Maple Leafs, 3-2, in front of 15,291 at the Prudential Center.

Well, this was expected. Right?  The New England Patriots on one side of the Super Bowl, representing the AFC.  It was closer than many expected, including oddsmakers, who favored the Patriots by 14 points.  Even with quarterback Tom Brady's two-touchdown yet rare three-interception performance, they held on for a 21-12 victory over the San Diego Chargers, who were limping into this game.

When the New Jersey Devils entertain the Maple Leafs in a few hours, you may find some changes on the ice.  Veteran John Madden is likely to return after a lacerated right ankle kept him out for two games, both losses for New Jersey.  The Devils also welcomed back defenseman Karel Rachunek versus Florida after he missed 10 games with an ankle injury.

The New Jersey Devils, who are hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs at 5 o'clock, did not expect the New York football Giants to be playing today at 6:30.  To accommodate Devils and Giants fans, myself one of them, the Prudential Center will broadcast the Gmen's NFC Championship Game on TVs throughout the arena and the Bud Light Goal Bar, Restaurant, and Fire and Ice Lounges will stay open for the entire NFC title game in Green Bay.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain and reigning Hart Trophy winner Sidney Crosby left Friday’s contest with a high-ankle sprain versus Tampa Bay.  He carried the puck into the offensive zone, fell to the ice due to a slash by Tampa Bay defenseman Paul Ranger, and collided feet-first with the end boards, unable to protect himself.  The similar injury sidelined teammate and goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury for over a month and possibly longer.

Although the New Jersey Devils were hosting a backup goaltender and several minor leaguers, they flopped against the Florida Panthers.  The Devils, who played in front of 15,203, failed to capitalize on five power play opportunities, en route to their second consecutive home loss.  The Panthers defeated the Devils 2-1 behind spectacular play by reserve netminder Craig Anderson, timely scoring and strong penalty killing.

As everyone in the metro area will be tuned into the Giants-Packers NFC Championship Game this Sunday night, the Devils have plenty of work to do at home.  Beginning with the 2-1 loss to the New York Islanders on Wednesday night, the New Jersey Devils have begun an 18-game stretch, 15 of which will take place at the Prudential Center.

The New Jersey Devils enter tonight's fourth meeting of the season against the Florida Panthers as one of the healthiest teams in the league.  There I said it.  You might hate me for saying this, but it's the truth.  Only Jay Pandolfo remains on injured reserve with his ligament injury.  Relative to the rest of the NHL, that is good news for the Devils, who are battling for the divisional lead.

For only the second time in the last eight years, the New Jersey Devils will host the Florida Panthers Friday night without two of its best defensive forwards.  While Jay Pandolfo is still nursing a pelvic bone ligament he suffered on Nov. 28, linemate John Madden will miss the fourth meeting between these two teams this season with a laceration on the inside of his right ankle dating back to Jan. 11(TG).

Last night, after eating supper, I flipped on Sportscenter knowing that those bumbling idiots are not talking about college football these days. Instead, ESPN gave hockey some coverage.  Then again this morning, Sportscenter showed NHL highlights.

Hey all, my name is Gabi Secemski, and I am new to Devilsdaily.com. Jeremy K. has asked me to blog about football and baseball, my sports of choice, to provide some variety among the blogs.  I love both sports and am a fan of the Patriots and NY Mets respectively.  My e-mail is gscempski@yahoo.com if anyone has comments, feedback, etc.  My first blog will be to look at the upcoming AFC and NFC Championship Games, both of which are rematches from week two in the NFL.

While I was on vacation, the New Jersey Devils went 2-1.  They were victorious  in both road contests before falling at home to the NY Islanders last night.  I am sure that everyone wants to know how London was, but, more importantly, we need to discuss the Devils current events.  A lot has taken place, including John Madden’s leg injury, special teams updates, shots on goal and the Prudential Center’s attendance figures.

Anyone who has watched a New Jersey Devils game this season will have most likely seen the standings for the "Hummer Metro Ice Challenge".  It's a competition between the three metro area teams, including Devils, and the Rangers and Islanders representing New York.  Check out the standings and you will find the Islanders in first place and Devils, surprisingly at the opposite end.

Ethan's recap was right on about the game Saturday night as our New Jersey Devils beat the Buffalo Sabres (again, again and a third time) in another shootout 3-2. 

Even though the Buffalo Sabres had already scored merely 58 seconds into its third meeting this season with the New Jersey Devils, it was still not enough to defeat one of the hottest teams in the NHL.  The Sabres' Brian Campell sent a bouncing pass to Daniel Paillem, which eluded Devils goalie Martin Brodeur.  Brodeur was clearly stunned by the puck's odd movement.

Less than 10 minutes later, Paille was at it again, as he fooled Brodeur on another bouncing puck from a bad angle to give Buffalo an early 2-0 edge.

The New Jersey Devils have been red hot of late. The Devils, currently sitting first in the Atlantic Division, have scored 15 goals, are 4-1 (7-2 in their last 9) and have yet to surrender a power play goal since the start of 2008.

The New Jersey Devils seem to amaze the hockey world night after night.  Tonight was no different as they dismantled the Southeast Division leading Carolina Hurricanes 4-1 (Just as Ethan predicted they would). 

The Devils seem to get scoring from everyone this season.  Last night four different New Jersey players tallied goals as the Atlantic Division's hottest team collected two more points (some may argue that Pittsburgh is hotter considering it has won eight straight).

Alexander Ovechkin has agreed to a 13-year contract extension with the Washington Capitals worth a record setting $124 million. 

ESPN is reporting that Ovechin signed the record contract "working out the details himself in negotiations with owner Ted Leonsis and GM George McPhee."

THURS 1-10-08
New Jersey Devils lead 1-0 over Carolina
Shots on Goal: Devils lead 9-6
New Jersey came out flying in the first period after a big win against Buffalo Tuesday night.  The Devils are riding the momentum of a 2-1 shootout win into tonight's game against the Hurricanes. 
New Jersey dominated play for the most part, outshooting Carolina nine to six. 

Carolina took a pair of penalties which really opened it up for the Swamp Things. 

I just wanted to thank everyone for his hard work to make this site work.  I will be out of the country from tomorrow night (10pm flight) until next Thursday morning.  In the meanwhile, please enjoy our guest bloggers and various Devils blogs, which will continue to post in my absence. I will do my best to access the internet in London and at least edit and post once or twice per day.  If not, please enjoy the vacation and the posts of Joel, Bill and Ethan, as I will be in the United Kingdom, while visiting family and touring the country.

Even though the Devils were not in action today, their loyal bloggers provided us with creative and original content, as always.  The Devils practiced today before they fly out to Carolina for a 7:00 p.m.

Unlike the Presidential election and last year's "Vote for Rory" scandal, there were no miscalculations this time around.  No illusions, aberrations, or inaccuracies.  The 2008 NHL All-Star Fan Balloting results were as successful as the Winter Classic.  You can't ask for much more for that.

The Devils were clearly frustrated after they allowed the Sabres to to tie the game with 1:37 remaining in regulation, preventing goalie Martin Brodeur from earning yet another shutout. Instead of succumbing in the last 90 seconds plus overtime, they regrouped and captured the 2-1 shootout win.

Teamwork can be defined as "cooperative or coordinated effort on the part of a group of persons acting together as a team or in the interests of a common cause." I feel the New Jersey Devils have taken in this concept and used it towards their success in the National Hockey League.

Mark Everson of the New York Post, spoke about giving the Devils their due.

Instead of sleeping last night, I worked hard to locate the New Jersey Devils broadcast information.  It wasn't easy.  I had to assassinate four dead monkeys and two live chickens to find all of this information.  Just kidding.  Only one chicken.  In all seriousness, this is the most accurate non-official timeline dating back to 1986.  Unfortunately, I am not sure who broadcasted Devils games on the radio and on television before the year of the NY Mets last World Series Win.

The New Jersey Devils welcome Buffalo to the Prudential Center tonight for a standard 7 o’clock start.  Tonight's contest will air on FSN-NY (HD) and as usual, on WFAN 660 AM.  The television pregame show begins at 6:30 p.m., a time when most people are still at w

The New Jersey Devils definitely slept well last night.  Even though they lost to Boston on Jan. 5, they looked at the standings and realized they remained in first place.  Despite injuries and offseason departures, they have managed to hold down the fort for the first half of the 2007-08 campaign.  They have done so with timely scoring, superior goaltending, and the addition of some new arrivals.

I should have brought this to your attention earlier this season, but here are the most expensive contracts in the NHL (listed below).  Some are ridiculously stupid, overpaid, and out of control.  If I were a team owner, the general manager would have been fired immediately after seeing these outrageous signings.  Then again, how many GMs are worthwhile in sports today?  I have found eight successful organizations in the four major sports in America.

Here are my picks (not in any order).

Throughout the past decade, there has been a common theme among many American-born NHL players.  While they can all skate, shoot, pass and hit, the more obvious similarities, there is one more that many ice hockey coaches and players overlook: roller hockey.

While viewed as a trend that died out in the late 1990s, many professionals initiated their game on blades.  I too started my hockey career on roller blades, and while I never advanced to the professional realm, I vouched for the game that developed my stick handling ability and built my youthful confidence.

Yes, I sat through nearly 16 hours of the NFL's wild card round.  I enjoyed the games, but definitely not all 240 minutes of action, or lack there of.  Similar to Shawn Michael's theme song, I will it break it down for you.  Not the highlights of course.  I do not, cannot and will not, for that matter, compete with ESPN, the No. 1 leader in sports non-professional sports, such as World Series of Poker.  Pack your bags, enjoy the show.

Later this month, the world will experience some peace and quiet with the  2008 NHL All-Star Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.  Well, not exactly.  I hope the Philadelphia Flyers are not invited though.  They are not friendly creatures.  NY Islanders' Chris Simon is not welcome either.  Can someone encourage him to do rehab?  I am not certain that a 30-game suspension will suffice for someone who broke his own 25-game record established back in March for a dangerous and violent stick-butting inci

After the New Jersey Devils' 45th shot on net tonight, the final buzzer rang, and both teams were definitely exhausted.  Unfortunately, goaltender Kevin Weekes, who spelled Martin Brodeur in net for the first time since Dec. 10, seemed uncoordinated, and allowed three first-period goals in the Devils' first loss in a week.

In recent years, goal scoring and television ratings have been the main topics of discussion around the National Hockey League.  Mostly, the discussion has been how to increase scoring which will in turn increase ratings (I believe this to be false as any true/old school hockey fan would rather see a 1-0 low-scoring affair with great goaltending and many scoring chances).

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.

The New Jersey Devils came away last night with a victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.  Patrik Elias returned from a groin injury to pave the way with a goal and a helper.  But, what surprised fans, the media, and everyone occurred in the second period of the Devils 3-0 blanking of the Flyers.

The fans spoke.  After several months of deliberation, they voted for Crosby, Levacalier, Markov, Chara, and Martin Brodeur to lead the east.  Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Lidstrom, Phaneuf, and Luongo received the most votes for the Western Conference.  The NHL will officially release the starting line-ups Jan. 8.

At this point last season, the New Jersey Devils entered the New Year with a 47-26 double-digits lead in points over their Turnpike rivals Philadelphia Flyers.  While the Devils were on their way to another Atlantic Division crown, the Flyers could not wait for the season to end and to clear house (they fired GM, coach, involved themselves in several large transactions during the offseason).

Since our first edition of Devils Late-Night Statistics was a great success, we will continue with round two, just earlier in the evening.  We will focus on the Devils' special teams, scoring (or lack there of), goaltending, attendance figures (yikes), and a quick glance at the standings (much better), not in any particular order.

ESPN reported that Mike Babcock of the Detroit Red Wings, Ron Wilson of the San Jose Sharks, John Paddock of the Ottawa Senators and Brent Sutter of the New Jersey Devils will comprise the 2008 All-Star game coaching staff. 

The last time New Jersey scored a first-period goal was in a 3-2 loss to Washington on Dec. 10, a loss that snapped the Devils’ 10-game point streak. This time around, the Devils walked away with a nail-biting 3-2 win over the Florida Panthers at the Prudential Center.

With Patrik Elias out of the lineup due to a tightened groin, someone had to step up in his place.

The National Hockey League really found its niche in sports, in my opinion.  Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to attend the NHL Winter Classic in Buffalo, New York.  The NHL really put on quite a show at this game and the sellout crowd of 71,217 could not have been more excited and even too enthusiastic (guys, you had to go topless, c'mon).

The Devils host Florida tonight at the Prudential Center.  If you are not attending this contest (shame on you), catch it on FSNY, WFAN 660AM, or NHL radio. By the way, tickets are still available, but the names of back of the Devils' jerseys may seem unfamiliar at first.

The New Jersey Devils want you, not to join the army, but to attend some games this year, especially weekday matchups. Tonight, they host the Florida Panthers at the Prudential Center, their third meeting of the season.

The New Jersey Devils have roared into 2008 with wins in three of their last four games and a first-place hold in the crowded Atlantic Division.  They have climbed aboard goaltender Martin Brodeur's shoulders as he leads them into the New Year.