New Jersey Devils @ Colorado Avalanche Pre-Game Thoughts

Beasts from the East?

Not just the New Jersey Devils, but the entire trade frenzy that is going on in the east. I’ve never been so happy to be one of the better teams in the weaker conference. My sports life lives in the AL East (Blue Jays) for baseball and AFC East (Dolphins). I’m very accustomed to most of the games my teams play being against just as good or better opponents. Even for the Avalanche, the central, while weaker this year, has been a grind on their rise to the top of the mountain. Though, it’s nice when at the top of the mountain sits Lord Stanley’s Cup.

Anyways, I’m looking at the Devils, sitting second in their division, third in the East and I want to see what the Avalanche have to offer one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The Devils are 7-2-1 in their last 10 and they’ve been active on the trade market. The front office has told the players they are in it to win it. How will the players respond? The Avs win against the Golden Knights was as much a statement win as the Devils beating the Avs on the road would be a statement for them. The playoff atmosphere starts now, how is the look & flow of play going to change?

Give the Glove Some Love

Alexander Georgiev looked solid in net against the Golden Knights, even when the net was off its pegs. He is on a 5 game-win streak, just had a shutout, and is 10-1-1 in his last 11 games. I’m not looking for anything specific, I just want to give Georgiev a mention in the pre-game thoughts because I think he has been an incredible find this season. He wanted to be a full-time starter, got the job, and has performed for the Avs. I love not thinking about the goaltender spot. The last two seasons of steady goalie play have been a wonderful contrast to the few years prior when injuries took their toll.

Sit Back, Relax, & Enjoy the Show

Winning games in hand are important. Depth scoring took a game off, will they be back tonight? How does Jack Johnson fit in game 2 back with the team? Will Mikko make 50?

There are a lot of little questions out there right now. None of them stand out to me going into tonight’s game. I like the team hockey we’ve seen over the last ten games. No Notes, No Worries, not today.

Programming Note: I will be living life this evening. Sadly, that means no complete coverage today. Get the win boys! GoAvsGo