In a game that was to showcase 2 of the NHL's biggest Russian Stars ended up being an Alexander Ovechkin show. Ovechkin had 2 goals, one on a penalty shot to lead the Capitals to a blow out win against the Devils 7-2. Jason Arnott and Henrik Tallinder scored the Devils goals. The Devils led twice in the game before collapsing in the 2nd period. They had a very good 1st period as Tallinder's goal was a short-handed goal.
But the tide turned in the second as Ovechkin took over and bested Ilya Kovalchuk in the contest. Kovalchuk was non-existent in the game along with his line today. Anton Volchenkov broke his nose off a Nicklas Backstrom shot, but he will likely be a game time decision on Monday. Brian Rolston suffered a back injury and Pierre-Luc Letourneau-LeBlond got an instigator for fighting and will be suspended for one game. So as a result the Devils could face man power crisis and might play 18, goalies included on Monday against Pittsburgh. There was almost a brawl late int he 3rd period as Kovalchuk and Mike Green dropped the gloves along with Pelley and Hendricks and Clarkson as well as LeBlond went after John Carlson.
Overall, the Devils must find some structure and Marty Brodeur has to regain his confidence in the process or its going to be a long season for the Devils. If there was one positive the Devils could take away is that they had a strong 1st period and must duplicate that kind of effort for a full 60 minutes. Also, you have to credit them for the fights since you know they were not going to leave DC without some scrums. The Devils will face Pittsburgh on Monday at 4 PM in a battle of winless teams. So, the Devils must find ways to win and I still think they will get it going, but Lou Lamoriello must clear cap space now, because 20 guys is just to tough to win with.
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