The only positives you can find in the preseason so far after three games out of the Devils is that the new Parise, Zajac, and Kovalchuk unit continues to shine. Also, Henrik Tallinder and Alexander Urbom continue to form some chemistry together and its getting to be more of a possibility that Urbom will make the team along with Adam Mair and possibly Marcus Nilson.
After losing to the Rangers in overtime for a 2nd straight time, the Devils need to fix their Power Play and Penalty Killing along with secondary scoring, something that has plagued them down the stretch last year. Defenseman Matt Taormina bounced back somewhat after a disappointing showing on Thursday, but made some costly turnovers yesterday in the 3rd period. All 3 games this preseason for the Devils went to overtime, but they lost in a shootout on Tuesday in Philly.
Last nights game featured a lot of major penalties and plenty of Kovalchuk-Avery run ins. Look for a lot of that between the two teams this season. The Kovalchuk, Avery rivalry began in the 2007 playoffs, when the Thrashers were swept by the Rangers mostly due to the fact that Avery got under Ilya's skin. The Devils blew a 4-2 lead in the 3rd to lose in overtime and all 5 Ranger goals were on the Power Play.
Notes: The Devils did not practice today as coach John MacLean gave the team a day-off. They will resume practice on Monday and take on the Flyers on Tuesday at Prudential Center. Its expected prospect Jacob Josefson will play after missing the last two games due to a "sore-foot." Also, Mattias Tedenby needs to pick up his game as he battles for a spot on the team.
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