Despite losing today and remaining winless for the season, the Devils probably played their best game today this season. Martin Brodeur played very well in the losing effort after two very tough games over the weekend. Now, the Devils must find some consistency and try to get their 1st win at Buffalo on Wednesday, which will not be easy.
The Devils lost 3-1 today to the Pittsburgh Penguins, a team they beat all six meetings last season. Pittsburgh struck first late in the first period on an Alex Goligoski goal and Mark Letestu struck early in the 2nd to give the Pens a comfortable 2-0 lead. Patrik Elias cut the deficit to 2-1 late in the 3rd, but former Devil Paul Martin sealed the deal with an empty netter.
It seemed like the Devils are almost where they need to be. They just have to establish some sort of confidence to get something going. I do not expect them to play well in October and parts of November, but I still think they will be a playoff team. There is no cause for concern with this Devils team, because where has a good regular season gotten the Devils the past three years? Out of the playoffs in the first round, so maybe this rough start is a good bonding mechanism for the Devils. It looks like they will finally sign Adam Mair tomorrow as they placed Pierre-Luc Letourneau-LeBlond on waivers and intend to send him to Albany. I think either Volchenkov or Rolston, maybe both will play on Wednesday, so hopefully they can get some sort of roster stability.
But for now Devils fans have to remain patient in the most impatient of times for the Devils.
Notes: The Devils only had 9 forwards and 6 defensemen today due to salary cap issues and injuries. That makes only 15 skaters. We should know more tomorrow about what the roster will look like for Wednesday, but its up to Lou.
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