NEWARK -- Patrik Elias skates into the neutral zone, but trips when he chases after a loose puck.  Martin Brodeur attempts to play the puck behind his net, but it jumps over the blade of his stick.

If you have seen these two occurrences or other similar ones at the Prudential Center this season, you are not alone.  The ice has been rather "average" to say the least thus far into the 2007-2008 season.  The $375 million arena was supposed to include seats, locker rooms, and a state-of-the-art refrigeration system for the ice  Right?.  That's what I thought as well.

Tom Gulitti of the Bergen Record broke this story, one which I discussed in depth as well that the ice has not lived up to is expectations so far.

Today, Jeremy Cothran of the Star Ledger confirmed our thoughts about the Rock's playing surface, in "The Rock is a jewel, but it has some flaws."  He talked about the arena's luxurious amenities, but spoke to some players, who voiced their complaints about the arena.

"Prudential Center ice manager Michael Stuever said game-quality ice is dependent on a variety of conditions: permanence of the ice fixture, outside weather conditions, humidity and the subtle art of freezing the brinewater at the desired thickness (around seven-eighths of an inch)." Cothran said.  "A quick shave of the ice by the Zamboni before games and after periods will give it a mirror-like sheen, but poor ice is often too soft and carved up by skates.

Not to question Cothran's authority, but he raised this issue over a month since the inaugural game on Oct. 27th against Ottawa.  The Devils had won six straight at home before today's pathetic loss to Phoenix.  Also, when the Devils moved into this building, crews had to deal with 10 Bon Jovi concerts, Devils games, and other events in a short period of time that could have affected the quality of the ice.

Anyway, the ice seemed a lot smoother today, not the players though, as they were defeated by the Coyotes 4-1.

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