Division rivals Devils and Penguins head in to Pittsburgh tonight with the guarantee of one team leaving with a division win. For both teams, this is a must-win situation for what has quickly become the division's two worst teams.
With an even matchup of 1-1 on the season, this game will pose as game three of an eight game season series for these two clubs. In the first meeting, New Jersey was victorious 5-4 in front of the Pittsburgh crowd, while the Penguins routed for their first victory at the Devils' new Prudential Center by the shutout score of 5-0. Dany Sabourin received his first NHL shutout that night, but has yet to really spark any such play since.
In fact, the only win this month for the Penguins has come against the Devils.
It would also seem these teams are both playing a bit out of character. The Devils, a team known for their intimidating defense and two way play have let in their share of goals. On a similar note, the Penguins, known for their offensive production and shootout approach, have been unable to tally more than two goals in their five losses this month.
Oh yes, and it's another record setting night. So far this season, that has not bode well for the Penguins. Carey Price won his first career start, Al Arbour won his 1500th start and tonight Martin Brodeur will try and win his 500th game. I almost want to say this game is over before it even starts...
But I'll remain positive not because I feel Brodeur won't win, but because I'm a self-righteous human being who never once believed in superstition anyways. It goes without saying that Brodeur will definitely get his 500th win and surpass Patrick Roy easily before the season's end, but I'm hoping it's not tonight.
On second thought - bring it. You know why? Throw all this crap at the Penguins now because they'll use it as a sense of accomplishment at the end of the season. This will all be for none when they pull themselves together and decide to play. And hopefully, a cup win this year will wipe clean any such instances of being on the receiving end of such records.
Puck drops 7ish...here's to a desperate Pens victory.
