On The Road Again

By Joe Bechtel
for 2ManAdvantage.com

Published: January 10, 2008

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Joe amped makes Joe happy. Fresh off their second shootout victory over the Buffalo Sabres in less than two weeks, the Devils are back on the road again, this time storming into Carolina to take on the Hurricanes.

Up until only a few hours ago, I was not aware that this will be the first meeting between these two playoff-rivals in almost a full calendar year. Perhaps that’s the reason I am so juiced for this game? Or maybe it’s the fact that I just can’t stand the whiniest team in the league…either way, I’m amped!

The Hurricanes have been having some trouble on the back-end this season, giving up an average of three or more goals per game. That, my friends, is good enough to earn the Hurricanes one of the worst defensive percentages in the entire NHL. (Party on, Garth!) But, then again, that’s what a 76.4% PK will earn you.

OMG! As much as their woes on the blue line grow, they may have relieved some of the pain as they recently acquired Blackhawks-reject Sergei Samsonov off of re-entry waivers this past Tuesday. Samsonov is a bit of a gamble given his recent production and (lack of) work ethic – but I feel that surrounded by the veterans that Carolina has in their lineup, he may surprise a few people before the All-Star game.

As far as the Devils are concerned, tonight’s trip to Raleigh will be business as usual. Brent Sutter has openly stated that there will be no lineup changes from Tuesday’s victory over Buffalo. Karel Rachunek will miss another game due to a sore knankee. (knee+ankle…anyone?) Sheldon Brookbank will be a healthy scratch yet again, (no surprise there) and his brother Wade will not dress for Carolina due to a wicked flu bug – probably the same one that had me on my deathbed for about a week.
So much for that much-heralded Brookbank showdown we’ve all been waiting for!

It’s always a fun, scrappy game when these two get together so be sure to check back with 2MA after the final horn for a breakdown of what happened, what should’ve happened, and who should be traded as a result!

Enjoy!