March 11,2009, Calgary Flames-New Jersey Devils game story for Metro (NY) Newspaper
Balanced attack too much for Flames
NHL.
These are not the Jacques Lemaire Devils, the insomniacs’ dream who trapped their way to a Cup in 1995. Rather, this version possesses the firepower and skating ability that is the trademark of Gary Bettman’s new NHL, while retaining the defensive conscience that is the organization’s hallmark.
Since being hired on July 13, 2007, Brent Sutter has proselytized about the importance of puck possession, reasoning that it is tougher to defend a team that has the puck than one that doesn’t.
If looks are to be believed, the Devils have bought into Sutter’s system. In winning 3-2 over Calgary last night, New Jersey has won seven of 10 and are now six points behind Boston for the Eastern Conference’s top seed.
Coming off of Saturday’s 7-3 loss to the Islanders, the Devils came out flying against one of the odds-on favorites to represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals.
“You always want to respond when you have a tough game and you always say you don’t want to lose two in a row,” said Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner. “As long as you can do that, you can control your own destiny.”
Of course, it also helps when you have Martin Brodeur, who is two wins away from tying Patrick Roy for all-time wins (551). Brodeur made 35 saves last night.
Despite Olli Jokinen’s 21st goal of the season, it was an even first period. Coming out of intermission, the Devils began to assert their will on the Flames.
Langenbrunner’s 22nd of the season tied the game at one with a shorthanded wrist shot that went under Mikka Kiprusoff’s arm at 5:10. From that point, New Jersey’s speed and skill repeatedly forced Calgary back into its own defensive zone. The Devils’ puck possession forced the Flames to run around and take penalties.
With Jamie Lundmark in the box for hooking, Devils’ vets Brendan Shanahan and Brian Rolston combined to break the tie. Along the half wall, Shanahan took his time before throwing a subtle pass to the low slot. Standing in front of Kiprusoff, defenseman Niclas Havelid tipped the puck to Rolston, who was standing behind at the side of the net.
“(It was) a really smart play. He found the seam and put the puck towards the net. He was patient. That’s why he’s effective there,” praised Sutter. “(Brian Rolston) made a smart play there by creeping in on the backside.”
Zach Parise’s 39th of the season 1:15 into the third increased the lead to 3-1. Parise, Langenbrunner and Travis Zajac were creating havoc in front of Kiprusoff. With the puck loose in the crease, Parise jammed away until it slid under the Flames goaltender and into the net.
Afterwards, Keenan expressed his displeasure with referees Paul Devorski and Brian Pochmara for not stopping play.
“I thought they could have blown (the play dead),” said Keenan. “The puck was in (Kiprusoff’s pads), then out, then in and then out.”
However, the Flames coach had no issues with Parise’s play, saying, “I like guys who get their nose dirty.”
Immediately after Parise’s goal, Keenan pulled Kiprusoff. Kiprusoff, who has a chance to be the first goaltender to win 50 games in a single season, allowed three goals on 28 shots in 41:15 before being replaced by Curtis McElhinney. Notorious for a history of pulling goalies, Keenan said he pulled Kiprusoff in order to spark his team.
Curtis Glencross scored the game’s final goal with a second remaining.
posted by Denis P. Gorman at 6:23 PM
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