Pens Shut Out Devils

The roles were reversed as the Pens shut out the Devils 3-0. Ruutu, Christensen and Staal all scored for the Pens, the lattter two nice goals while Ruutu's was a freak delfection off a defenseman's stick.

The game started out like many New Jersey games: boring. The first period was as devoid of action as the arena was devoid of fans. Thibault had another good game, and I think Pens fans are finally starting to give the guy credit for his play. Yes, he was bad last year (as was much of the team) but a lot of people had already written him off. But now he has become a reliable backup, and while not a starter, is good enough that you wont feel totally paranoid should Fleury go down in the playoffs.

I'm also sad to report that Ouellet managed an assist last night meaning he will remain in the lineup at least five more games. Honestly, if anyone askes why Therrien should not get the Jack Adams award there are two very good reasons: 1) Ouellet 2) Melichar.

Game Notes:

-Why are people still surprised at the small attendences at the Devils game? What possible incentive do people have to go to see a boring team at an out of the way Arena and spend a lot of money doing it?

-Can Thibault get some respect? He's played about five good games in a row now.

-I'm surprised Rupp dropped the gloves. He normally tries to act tough during games but usually fails.

-Some people have said Jay Pandolfo should be considered for the Selke. Are you kidding me? If not for the Devils system, this guy would be a career minor leaguer. If he was truly that important, dont you think the Devils would pay him more than 850k for a 33 year old? Please, this guy just rides Madden's coat tails. He's to Madden what Warren Young was to Mario.

-Another solid game from pretty much the whole team (you knwo which two arent included in that).

-Staal had another nice goal, pulling the puck away from brodeur's poke check and putting it into an empty net.

-Christensen has the most wicked wrist shot of a Pens player since Kovalev.

-Ruutu continues his good play and I think it is in no small part due to Petrovicky. The two have very good chemistryand were on fire during the winning streak. Nothing against Laraque, but I just dont think him and Ruutu pair well.

-Despite taking only three penalties, the Pens played short handed for just under 22 minutes. How does that work?

• Ruutu 2 minutes for roughing
• Roberts 2 minutes for roughing (fighting major equalized by Rupps)
• Too many men on the ice 2 minutes
• Michel Ouellet 15:58 of ice time

That's right. I am officially counting all Michel Ouellet ice time as short handed for the Pens, because they sure as hell play like that when he's on the ice.

All in all the game didnt have a whole lot worth mentioning, but that's the Devils for you.

And Kudos to Eric who called in to XM Radio this morning with this lovely quote (or something pretty close):
"This is going to annoy John (annoying Devils fan that always calls in) in that all the people involved in the Penguins getting a new arena thanked the fans and said it was because of them; and that is never going to happen with New Jersey."

How very true.

Three Stars:
1) Thibault
2) Ruutu
3) Christensen