Thanks To The Evil Rival

For doing their part in dealing the Canadiens their fifth consecutive defeat, 5-2 at The Swamp with Steve in attendance. Didn't you predict 5-1? Not bad.

Was there really any doubt that the Devils would win over Montreal? It's like Bill Murray seeing his shadow in Groundhog Day. Even without John Madden, they took advantage of a total lack of discipline by the Habs in the second to pull within four of Buffalo for the top overall spot in the East. Brian Rafalski tallied twice on the power play and Patrik Elias actually found the back of the net. The Devs did lose Brian Gionta due to a shoulder injury suffered on a check into the boards late in the second. His status is uncertain.

Meanwhile, at Mellon Arena, the red hot Pens overcame a missed Too Many Men On The Ice call to post a 5-4 shootout win and stay within striking distance of the Devils for the Atlantic- meaning that showdown on Friday will be intriguing. The Pens are seven out but if they find a way to win, it becomes a race again. Should be interesting to see what happens there.

Rangers visit Carolina tomorrow in a huge match-up. Look for Pascal Dupuis to make his Ranger debut on the third line with Matt Cullen and Jed Ortmeyer while Petr Prucha shifts to the fourth line with probably Blair Betts and Ryan Hollweg...Rangers also placed backup Kevin Weekes on the IR and recalled Stephen Valiquette to backup Henrik Lundqvist. There's little doubt that The King will once again be in net. When does the Broadway version of No.30 start turning into dat other guy who never takes a night off across the river? It's headed that way.