Ryan Malone is stupid.

EDIT #1: Chris Simon is not.

Comeeeeeeee ooooooooooon Islanders!

5-5 in the third. Do we dare ask for a Simon Hat? It would be wonderous.

Edit #2: Wow. Poor Banana Pads. That Crosby sure did let him down!

You know, I was just going to write a whole big rant about how annoyed I am with the Pittsburgh Penguins, but the New York Islanders took care of buzz-ness for me and scored two goals in like nine-millionths of a second to tie their game against the Pens at three-all on our Nation’s President’s Day.

Thank you, New York Islanders. You guys actually are good for something.

I love President’s Day hockey. It’s always good times.

I hope the Penguins lose. Seriously.

They’re winning too much. I don’t like it. Yeah yeah, from an NHL-this-is-good-for-the-league standpoint, I’m sure it’s dandy and all, but I’m a Devils fan damnit. My team is supposed to be the hot team, not theirs! Oh, I know, the Devils winning is more of a not-so-good-for-the-league type of deal, but boo. BOO.

Besides, as long as Marc Andre Fleury dons the Banana Pads, I reserve the right to be disgruntled. The NHL is not ready for a Stanley Cup goaltender wearing Banana Pads. It’s just not right.

Oh, the trade deadline is coming up. I still think there will be a few more trades than people think. Maybe not Devil trades, but trades nonetheless. By the by, what is up with Colin White? I’m telling you, anger problems create stress, stress creates sickness and injury. Give him Anger Management and he’ll be back in the lineup in no time. Otherwise, we might as well trade for Derian Hatcher.

…oh wait…

Here’s a math equation even I can understand:

It’s almost as if the Devils didn’t know what to do without their mighty wee-man. Although they managed to get 4 goals past/through McPiss Pads, the offense just didn’t seem to know what it was doing the whole night. Without Gionta, absolutely NO ONE crashed the net whatsoever. They somehow managed to grab a bunch of chances, but it was pretty obvious they just didn’t have their game last night.

As bad as the offense was, the Defense didn’t exactly do its part, either. And I thought playing without Colin White would be a good thing. Even worse than the coverage, was Marty’s play. Now, before anyone starts ranting and raving and getting their panties in a bunch, read this all the way to the point. Brodeur is the best in the game, and he’s more than excusable from the occasional off-night, but that doesn’t mean I can’t rip on him. I can’t imagine Brodeur allowing any of the goals he allowed last night during any other game. What bothers me the most, is that he was left to fend for himself after allowing 3 weak first period goals - after which it became blatantly obvious that he did not ‘bring it’. The man gets tired, ya know, and that is why teams carry a backup. Straight up: Clemmensen should have came in to relieve Marty last night.

Grumbling aside, the Devils shortened their Atlantic Division lead to only 5 points, and are going to have to work to get the big lead back. The Red and Black crew are on Long Island tonight, visiting the Mausoleum. I’m praying that Brodeur either gets his mojo back, or Scotty C gets his time to shine tonight. The Devils have had some success against the Islanders this season, but this could be is the most important meeting for both teams.

Hey Patrik - I think you’re gonna have to step it up tonight. Big time.

Mosey on over to the Battle of New York blog for some good stuffs. There’s this really good interview on there…man, whoever they interviewed really knows what they’re talking about. Oh yeah. Seriously. It’s worth a read if I do say so myself.

Ready? Read Me: CHECK IT OUT! (link opens in new window)

So, the Devils got their butts handed to them by Tampa Bay today. So sad.

I can’t say I appreciate the horrid display of “hockey” the Devils put forth today, but hey, it happens. I know, I really should be signaling the end of the world right now with a *gasp* Devils loss, but I just can’t get too upset. Can’t win ‘em all.

Let’s face it — the Devils fell apart when John Madden’s face fell apart. Damn, does that boy really put his face on the line though. I swear, I thought I was watching a replay of the ‘03 Finals when Madden came back out with the visor and the mangled mess of a face. Poor man. Poor, poor, bloody-mangled man. He really is a Mad Dog, eh?

On the other side of the chain linked fence (with appropriate Beware of Mad Dog sign, of course), we have Colin White, stinking up the joint for, well, not the first time with his obligatory dumb penalty of the game. And to boot, he added a few dumb plays as well. Come on Colin. Seriously. Come on.

Alas, I’m hoping we don’t see longterm problems with Johnny Mad Dog, as, well, that WOULD really suck. With the trade deadline approaching, an injured John Madden likely won’t signal a trade (hey, we do have Jim Dowd, a poor man’s Madden), and we really don’t have the money anyway. I’m gonna throw a bone out there and predict the Devils acquiring Forsberg, but who doesn’t see THAT one coming? Yeah yeah, I know, Larry Brooks I am not…

Soo.. any New York Post readers out there? I know, I know.. but according to this article (link opens in new window) New Jersey is interested in acquiring Boston’s Brad Stuart. The Devils offer? David Hale and two prospects in Rod Pelly and Barry Tallackson.

I don’t get it.

Unless Lou is seeing something that I’m not here, (which is very possible), this could prove to be a worthless trade. But then again, the season wouldn’t be complete without the obligatory deadline-deal for a worthless defenseman! (SEE: Dan McGillis, Vlad Malakhov) This story once again begs the infamous question: What about Richard Matvichuk? I thought the guy was cleared to play and ready to go? If it’s a cap-related issue, which seems to be the deal, then why are we going after Brad Stuart and his $2.1 Million salary? As far as performance goes, Stuart has been awful this year in Beantown and I don’t have much faith that he would be able to learn the New Jersey system, not to mention excel under it.

As for the Devils end of this deal, David Hale was once a big favorite of mine, but the kid has been given more than ample time to adjust and prove himself and he just hasn’t got the job done. He seemed to be improving last season but the injuries continue to hurt his chances. I hate to say it, but I guess I could live with him wearing someone else’s colors. Pelley was solid while he was up, and Tallackson hasn’t really done much all-around. Reportedly, the offer has been turned down by Boston, who is seeking something more than what New Jersey is offering.

In a nutshell, moving Hale, Pelley, and Tallackson is not exactly a bad move, but moving them for Brad Stuart is.

Richard Matvichuk > Brad Stuart

Joe and I were big Anna Nicole fans. We always enjoyed her crazy, wild personality and knew that under all the drama and drugs, she had a good heart. We would just like to take a moment away from hockey real quick and express our condolences to her family — especially her daughter, Dannielynn, who man, has a tough road ahead of her.

Anna had a lot of ups and downs in her life, seemingly more downs than ups, and it’s unfortunate to see such a beautiful, vibrant woman die so young. But hey, honestly, I think that she died when her son Daniel died. That kid was her life. Sure, she was a trainwreck, but she always made it her duty to tell her son she loved him and make sure he was okay.

At least they can be together again…

Rest In Peace, Anna. We hope your suffering is finally over.

I hate when hockey fans turn into assholes.

Seriously, guys, get over it. Your team lost. What, you’re all pissy because King Henrik finally faultered in the shootout, so you think you have the right to go and physically assault a rival fan?

Messed up, I’ll tell you what.

We’re all hockey fans here. Rivalries are great and all, but there’s no need to verbally and physically attack a fellow hockey fan. That’s just lame.

Okay, so Cam Janssen is back, Rod Pelley is gone, Brendan Mark Fraser is with the team again, and Richard Matvichuk is still nowhere to be found.

Poo.

Anyone think David Hale will be dumped at the deadline? I dunno about you, but I liked Andy Greene a helluva lot more than Hale.

Devils vs. Rangers tonight. Will Butt-face Avery be in the lineup? I sure hope so. Colin White is due for another asskicking of the little punkster. Oh yay.

See: Colin White Kicks Sean Avery’s Sorry Ass (link opens in new window)
Oh yeah.