Devils beat Flyers, regain top spot in Atlantic

The Devils beat the Philadelphia Flyers 3-1 last night at the Meadowlands. They are now 6-1 against the Flyers this season. They have one game remaining against the last place Flyers, next Thursday. The Flyers haven't had much success in the Meadowlands. They haven't won there in three years.

The Devils took a 2-0 lead late in the second period with goals by Mike Rupp (6 goals) and Travis Zajac (17 goals). The Flyers got on the scoreboard when Simon Gagne beat Martin Brodeur with 5:57 remaining. Jay Pandolfo score an empty netter with 15.6 seconds remaining.

The victory gave the Devils yet an other 100-point season and tied them for first place in the Atlantic Division, second in the conference. They hold the first tie-breaker because they have one more victory than the Penguins.

John Madden returned last night after missing time due to a groin injury. He played over 20 minutes.

The Devils returned David Clarkson to the Lowell Devils.


losing streak at home and first place
The win last night marked the end of a 5-game losing at home for the Devils. It was good to end this uncharacteristic trend since three of the four remaining games will take place on home ice. Besides if they end up with home ice advantage, you don't want to make it easy for teams to come play on your home ice.

100 points
The win also gave the Devils an other 100-point season. They have reached 100 points 8 times in the last 10 years (since 1997-1998). Their record for most point in a season is 111 points in 2000-2001. That year they went to the finals for the second time in a row only to lose in game 7 against Colorado.

Brodeur victory
Martin recorded an other victory, adding to his total and closing in on Bernie Parent's record. He tied Roberto Luongo for the most wins by a goalie this season. They both have 45 wins. If Brodeur wants the Vezina Trophy and to have a shot at the Hart Trophy, he definitely has to finish on top or tied in that category.


Injury to Gomez
After getting everyone back from injury, the Devils lost Scott Gomez after one shift in the second period. Apparently he suffered a bruised left thigh and is day-to-day.

The Devils got scared when Martin Brodeur appeared to be hurting during a goal-mouth scramble two minutes after the opening faceoff. He remained in the game and faced only 15 shots throughout the game.


"That's the bottom line, if we win, then we don't have to worry about them. ... They've been playing so good, but it's in our hands." (Source: The Bergen Record)
Martin Brodeur about tying the Penguins for first in the Atlantic.


The Devils face the Boston Bruins tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 pm at the Meadowlands.


Check out the Devils News and Notes. There are a few interesting articles about Marty Brodeur from NHL.com : For goalies, no * required and ESPN: Brodeur's not-so-crazy ride to the record books.
Also, Bernie Parent about the race for the record: Parent pulling for Brodeur, Luongo
The Hockey News has an analysis of Scott Gomez lack of production: THN.com Blog: Disappearing acts