Last week, I had made a comment suggesting that in order for the Devils to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference, yet alone the Atlantic Division, the next four games were essentially must win games. At worst, I felt they needed three of four.
I predicted the Islanders would be as they have been lately, pains in their asses. But after a solid effort Thursday night against the panthers, a hard physical battle Saturday against the Isles and an offensive explosion Sunday against the Lightning, the Devils seem to be getting back on the right track and then some.
The first line is playing like the premier line that they should be. Zubrus seemed to have a mean streak today and launched an assault on the back of the net and both Lightning goaltenders. Now, before people fire back that Tampa is in turmoil right now, it is Dainius Zubrus and he is finally starting to hit some form of a stride for the team. Streaks need to start somewhere so why not against a bottom feeder to build momentum going into another game vs. the Panthers followed by the defending conference champion Penguins. While only have 6 points over the past 5 games, Zubrus has the four goals to his credit and assists on two big goals against the Panthers.
Brian Gionta has seen his goals drop steadily since his record setting 2005-2006 campaign where he scored 48 goals and amassed 89 points, all in the final year of his contract. He was rewarded for his efforts with a 3 year, $4 million extension which he has not lived up to that career year. This season, Gionta is playing for another contract. Going into last weekend’s match ups against the Capitals, Gionta had only tallied two goals and seven assists. While it is a fair point to add the entire offense was struggling, Gionta, for the money he was given, should be producing more. During the past 5 games, however, he has been earning his keeps by netting four goals and four assists, including three games in a row of a goal and an assist each.
The last part of that front line, and the most often criticized for a disappointment in regards to production is alternate captain, Patrik Elias. After losing both Scott Gomez and Brian Rafalski, the Devils in a knee-jerk reaction signed Elias to a contract as quick as possible by throwing money at him and giving him a lot of time on it. Currently, the contract has 5 years left with an average of $6 million a season. A player with solid skills but needs a compliment to help him along with the points. The shuffle to spark Elias has been an on going process since losing Scott Gomez, Petr Sykora and Jason Arnott. While the latter two players have long since departed New Jersey, Elias has not really been the same player he was when on the “A-Line” with Sykora and Arnott. During the same span as Gionta, Elias also tallied 9 points, 4 goals 5 assists. Over the past 5 games: 4 goals and 7 assists, including four multipoint games in a row.
The three players combined have tallied 25 points, 12 of which coming in the form of goals. I know I am not alone when I say that it is about time someone on this team is finally giving Zach Parise a break from carrying the scoring workload.
The trickle down affect as not only hit the forwards, with rare but welcomed contributions from the likes of Mike Rupp and David Clarkson, but on the defense as well, with a pair of goals from Paul Martin and even tough guy Bryce Salvador finding the twine. Which leads me to my slice of humble pie section.
I, again, owe Salvador a major apology. Early on the season, I could not help but fall victim to the “place the blame on a signing that I did not fall 100% in love with” virus. I didn’t particularly like the move, even though, as has been pointed out to me on more than one occasion, he is making below league average for a defenseman. I didn’t like his performance late in the season nor out of the gate this year. However, as soon as the injury bit this team in the rear end, I saw the true value of Salvador. He is physical, all the time, and smart about it. He has great defensive awareness, but also is able to contribute on offense, as is noted by his game winning goal against the Islanders. By stepping up, he has not only proven to be a solid leader and a great teammate, but also a much needed relief for Paul Martin, who has been the one carrying much of the workload on his back. I’ll fully say it now, I’m impressed.
As long as the Zubrus line, [I’m working on a nick name for them, ZEG line doesn’t seem to work, nor goes the GEZ line], maintains even half their current rate of nightly production, I will feel more and more comfortable with the progress of this team.
Nearly two weeks ago, I didn’t like the way this team was looking, especially on the offensive side. Elias and Gionta were disappointing, the team was in turmoil. Now, with two lines firing on all cylinders, the offense can shoulder some of the turbulence from the wake of Brodeur’s injury.
Sure, Tampa gave the team a scare with their early attempts to rally, but with Zubrus’ stick absolutely on fire, the team seemed to skate with an air confidence in their strides. Thus, giving goaltender Scott Clemensen support when he needed it the most, in the third period to preserve his third win in a row.
Next stop: Florida on Wednesday night.
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