100, 200, 300

i don't say this often, but yesterday was a lovely afternoon in downtown newark, nj. finally, in my third trip to the prudential center, i got to witness a devils' win.

but this win was far more satisfying than your average regular-season 2 points. a sunday afternoon devils-flyers matchup is hard to beat, but it's especially satisfying when it means the devils have opened up a 9-point lead over their closest division rival. add to that the thrill of the rock rocking to the [spectacular!] sights and sounds of brodeur’s 100th career shutout, as well as langenbrunner’s 200th goal and gionta’s 300th point and, well … it was a magical afternoon.

ok, perhaps “magical” is a bit strong. the devils’ power play looked weak and somewhat ineffective, and the ppu failed to convert on 1:11 of 5-on-3 play in the 2nd period. the flyers were the far more physical team yesterday and got in more and stronger body blows than the devils. no really good fights, either, which is usually a hallmark of a late-season devils-flyers game. still, the devils outshot the flyers 42-27, the pku was efficient and effective, and brodeur looked like the four-time vezina trophy winner (and perennial contender) that he is.

i [perhaps smugly] enjoyed pointing out the numerous division championship and stanley cup banners to my young companion [a misguided rangers fan, although perhaps misguided is redundant]. he was nonplussed, but somewhat mollified by the delicious bbq brisket sandwich that the pru center food concourse offers up. i never tire of looking up at those banners. seems about time we get another one up there, though – those three are looking kind of lonely.

In other news: watch out for the pittsburgh penguins! the defending eastern conference champs are 4-0 since sid the kid went down and they destroyed the dallas stars yesterday to jump into 8th place in the east. the young and incredibly fun-to-watch chicago blackhawks turned things around after a 3-game skid by holding on for a 4-2 victory over the hapless kings. maybe they need to bring barry melrose back?