Devils beat Bruins 3-1, regain top spot in Atlantic

This game against a non-playoff team meant a lot to the Devils. Last night the Pittsburgh Penguins took sole possession of the division's lead to the idled Devils despite a 5-4 shootout loss to Toronto. Meanwhile the Devils after last night's action slipped from second in the conference down to 5th place. That's how close things are in the Eastern Conference. Losing a game in regulation or even in overtime/shootout can make you go from home ice advantage and facing a low seeded team to fifth place and starting the playoffs on the road against the Senators.

The Devils understood what was at stake and they responded with a win tonight against the Bruins. They have now won twice at home after losing 5 in a row at the Meadowlands. The win gives them a 2-2 record against the Bruins this season.

Jay Pandolfo opened the scoring early in the first period. Petr Kalus tied the game for the Bruins in the second after beating Brodeur. Gionta's power play goal gave the Devils the lead at 11:29. It was Brian Gionta's first game back after missing 19 of the past 21 games with a groin injury. That goal on his first game back just proved the void on New Jersey's offense that his injury created.

Pandolfo scored his second goal of the game with less than 6 minutes to go in the third. John Madden and Erik Rasmussen assisted on the two goals Pandolfo scored. The Devils had 24 shots on goal while the Bruins had only 18.

The Devils lead the Atlantic Division with 102 points. Pittsburgh is a point behind. Both teams have three games remaining.


It is always good to see Jay Pandolfo score. He has sacrificed a lot of his offense since he joined the NHL. Scott Gomez even said he could be a great goal scorer. He scored his 13th goal tonight. His record for goals scored stands at 14 in the 1998-99 season. He has 78 goals in 649 NHL games. He score 38 goals in 40 games in the 1995-96 season for Boston University. So he once used to score a lot. His role now is very defensive and he tries to shut down the best line of the night's opponent with the help of John Madden.

Brian Gionta has been waiting for this day for a while now. After having missed 19 of the past 21 games, he returned tonight and of course he scored. Gionta not only brings offense but you have to appreciate his attitude night in night out. He is relentless and has so much energy. So he is back and he scores and that's all the Devils need.


Scott Gomez injured his thigh on Friday night against the Flyers. He had to leave the game and didn't practice yesterday. Apparently it was a game-time decision and he is probably day-to-day. It is Ironic he missed today's game when Brian Gionta, his linemate on the EGG line was returning. Let's hope he will be able to play against Ottawa on Tuesday.


Despite the loss, Boston players did very well today. That is of course Jay Pandolfo and Brian Gionta, who both played for Boston in College. Jay Pandolfo played four years at Boston University while Gionta played four years at Boston College.


"he didn't want to play with me. No, just joking."
Brian Gionta on the possibility Scott Gomez would miss the game.