Tonight the Devils played, in my opinion, their best overall game of the season. They overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Predators 3-2 in a shootout. Here are the most important things to take away from the victory:
Questionable Call - David Clarkson was sent to the box with a 5 minutes boarding major when he was said to have checked a defenseless skater from behind. However, replays show it was more from the side and looked worse than it actually was. Nonetheless, the Devils eventually surrendered 2 goals at the end of that penalty (even though one was technically an even-strength goal).
Moose is the Man - Johan Hedberg, starting for the banged-up Marty Brodeur, was brilliant yet again. He saved 29 of 31 shots including a penalty shot when the game was still scoreless. Moose also made a save as time expired in regulation earning the Devils a trip to OT. And the two goals he did give up he had no chance on.
Devil Dominance - After the Predators went up 2-0, the Devils kicked their game into a whole 'nother gear. Their passing was crisp, their shots were plentiful, and their overall energy was electrifying. If it wasn't for Pekka Rinne's outstanding goalkeeping, the Devils would have scored 10 goals tonight.
Ugly PP - The Devils' first goal came on one of the ugliest power plays they have had this season. They had no control, no cohesion and yet Kovy wristed one past a screened Rinne. Finally the Devils had life.
Unsung Hero - Coach DeBoer made some subtle changes to the lines that ignited the offense in the late-second and third period. When teams were at 4 aside, DeBoer used his 3 best forwards and a defenseman to try to get more offense (something old Devils coaches would never flinch at trying). He also swapped Zubrus and Sykora on the 1st and 3rd lines which ended up resulting in Sykora's new line creating a turnover and tying the game at 2.
Tedenby - Mattias Tedenby has had one of the most consistent seasons of any player. His stats wouldn't tell you that but if you watch the game, his puck possession and vision have been exquisite. Tonight he took a turnover in the offensive zone and set up Clarkson for the game-tying goal with beautiful pass across the slot.
Deja Vu - The game eventually went to a shootout and it was Thursday night all over again. Kovy and Parise netted their attempts and Moose stopped both shots on him. The only difference was that both Kovy and Parise fooled Rinne by faking the backhand that they scored with on Thursday and scoring on the forehand. Those two are so skilled it's just not fair for opposing goalies. Anyone remember Kovy's attempt @ Buffalo last year? Well maybe, but it seems like old news nowadays.
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