Looking to catch the red hot Senators at the top of the Eastern standings, New Jersey pumped themselves up for the Stars on Friday night. Facing Redden, Jagr and Andrew Raycroft, the Devils knew it would be tough. In the opening period however, it was anything but. The Devils out shot the home side 10 - 2 and dominated the play. Despite great chances, they could not solve Raycroft.
As the game wore on, the Stars found their legs and began matching the defending champs shot for shot. There was some wildly entertaining end to end action and both goaltenders showcased their talents. The 2nd period ended with the Devils up 2 - 1.
As all great teams do, the Devils found their 5th gear and continued to get stronger while the Stars seemed to fade. New Jersey scored 4 times in the final period chasing Raycroft from the net and ruining the night for the Dallas faithful. The final score was 6 - 2 for the Devils.
Hard working speedsters Antoine Vermette and Rico Fata were the heroes on this night. Vermette busted out with 4 points on the night while Rico Fata not only scored the game winning goal 1:26 into the 3rd period, he added an insurance goal only ten seconds later.
After last season's championship win, the Devils made changes to their roster but some think that they have evolved into an even better team. Devils captain Scott Neidermayer had this to say about their great start:
"Last season we were all fired up to win the Cup but we were not as close a team as we are this year. There is a much greater sense of friendship in our dressing room now and it makes it fun to come to the rink everyday."
Reporting for the Devils