The Devils had a tough loss to the Philadelphia Flyers last week right before beginning their Christmas break. The Flyers, a bitter rival, are leading the season series 2 - 1 so far.
New Jersey did come back strong tonight against the second rate Washington Capitals who gave their phenom 30 minutes of ice time. He had 6 shots on Brodeur and while he failed to score, he made the hall of famer look behind a couple times.
December has been a colorless month for the defending champs. Any progress the team made was quickly lost. They barely got past the Rangers 5 - 4, and took out the Pittsburgh Penguins 5 - 1. Losses to the Mighty Ducks, 6 - 3 and Carolina Hurricanes, 5 - 2, ruined the momentum.
The big trade for Todd Bertuzzi and Mike Fisher shook things up. Losing Kovalev and Ryder was costly but the general consensus around the locker room is that the team is a lot tougher now.
Scott Neidermayer on the deal: "Ryder and Kovalev are talented skaters and we lost some scoring. Our team needed muscle and bringing in these guys makes sense. Bertuzzi is a giant of a man and will help our smaller forwards. Fish is a great kid and no one tries harder."
The Devils will be looking forward to the New Year and gaining on the leaders. Their plan is simple, start to play they like were last season.
From the Devils Organization
Best Wishes in 2006