10:27 PM: That’s going to do it for me tonight.  Don’t forget Devils @ Stars tomorrow night, 8:30 PM eastern.  If I don’t get here to say it before then, Happy New Year Devils fans!  Goodnight!

10:26 PM: Wow, that’s a funny stat.  Since November 15th, Scott Clemmensen has 13 wins.  That gives him the most wins in the NHL in that time span.  Hot diggity!

10:25 PM: Jeeeeeebus that was close.  Clemmer and the Devs weather another late flurry but come away with the 4-3 win.  Phew.

10:23 PM: Ugh.  Clemmensen with one of his usual ginormous rebounds, and Alex Steen pops it home.  27 seconds left and it’s 4-3 Devils.

10:22 PM: Err, with Gionta unable to put it into the yawning net, I’ll just take any Devils goal now…

10:21 PM: Empty net for St. Louis.  Anyone else looking for a Zachtrick?

10:20 PM: I…I don’t know how to explain what I just saw.  A beautiful play…by Mike Rupp…to Jay Pandolfo…for a goal!  I’m highly confused, but I’ll take it!  4-2 Devils!

10:18 PM: I’m sorry, but the St. Louis crowd sounds so funky chanting “Let’s go bluuuuues”.  It just doesn’t roll off the tongue right.

10:13 PM: Bryce Salvador picks up the secondary assist against his old team.  Parise’s goals are his 21st and 22nd of the year.

10:12 PM: GOAL!  I have no idea how it wound up in, but Zach fights for a loose puck in the crease off a Langenbrunner re-direction of a Salvador shot.  3-2 Devils!

10:08 PM: Need I say the PP ended with nary a decent chance?  I need not.

10:07 PM: Halfway through the PP we find out that it’s a too many men on the ice call against St. Loo.  And our PP, again…not so stellar.

10:06 PM: Devils are on the power play, but we have to hear John Davidson talk instead of find out what happened…I’m not liking Versus tonight.

10:03 PM: NOW we’re waking up…good pressure by the Devils in the offensive zone, then a few up-and-down rushes each way.  Nothing doing in way of goals, but more entertaining at least!

9:59 PM: Oduya with a wide open shot that flies high and wide.  We’re pressuring now at least…

9:57 PM: Five minutes into the third and not a whole lot by way of action.  It’s like the Devils are sitting on the lead, but…well…there’s no lead to sit on.

9:55 PM: Wow, Clemmensen just had WAY more trouble that he should have with a Hinote/Janssen scoring “chance”.  Meep.

9:51 PM: Third period is on.  Let’s pick up some goals, yes?  The Blues are 13-2-1 when allowing less than three goals according to Versus’ little graphic deal.  And currently we’ve scored less than three.

9:33 PM: Second period = over.  Score = tied.  I = back in a few.

9:32 PM: The last few minutes of the second period are always Clemmensen’s time to shine, apparently.  Another good stop tonight, as Clemmer again remembers that scene from Willy Wonka.

9:30 PM: This game’s getting kind of boring now.  Not good, seeing as it started an hour later than I’m used to, and work tomorrow does NOT start an hour later.  Sigh.

9:37 PM: Parise swipes at the puck as he’s going down face-first.  Nothing comes of it as Legace makes the stop, but still.  If that went in, it would have been a pretty sight.

9:22 PM: …and by I feel sick, I mean HOLY GOD TWO ON ZERO SHORTHANDED CHANCE.  It’s a good thing BJ Crombeen doesn’t believe in, y’know, passing or anything.  That could/should have been very bad.

9:21 PM: This power play, thus far, is not particularly impressive.  And by not particularly impressive, I mean I feel sick.

9:20 PM: David Perron goes to the box for interference, and the Devils hit the power play again.

9:16 PM: Again, a penalty coming, but Versus again feels the Whopper Virgins are more important than letting us know even what team the penalty is against.

9:16 PM: Holik tries to take out Janssen but Janssen wound up taking out Holik.  It amused me some at least.

9:15 PM: God Zach Parise is awesome.  Just sayin’.

9:12 PM: The Pandolfo/Madden/Elias thing apparently is over, as Rupp is back out with Pando and Maddog now.  Weird.

9:08 PM: Rolston springs Clarkson on a sorta-breakaway, but Clarkson fires high and wide.  If he was behind the net, he would have known what to do.  But coming straight-on like that, I think David was confused…

9:04 PM: Long-reaching Clarkaround actually provides some offense!  Clarkaround itself doesn’t work, but Rolston shovels home the rebound and we’re tied at 2!

9:03 PM: You’re killin’ me, Smalls.  And by Smalls, I mean Langenbrunner.  Another tap pass easily picked off by the Blues.

9:01 PM: Aaaaaand we’re back.

8:44 PM: 2-1 Blues heading into the first intermission.  See y’all in seventeen.

8:43 PM: Cam tries to cream Mottau as time runs out on the period, and who should be first to Mikey’s defense?  Why, Brian Gionta of course!  It’s a good thing it was just a run of the mill scrum and not a fight…

8:42 PM: Elias is out there with Madden and Pandolfo.  Hmm…

8:39 PM: Gio gets a nice jump on a loose puck but is stoned by Legace.  Parise can’t get a handle on the rebound.  I kind of wish Legace was mic’d up for this game like he was for the All-Star Game last year.  He’s a funny dude.

8:36 PM: Zach Parise in the sin bin, St. Loo on the PP.

8:34 PM: Shot by Cam Janssen.  Awww.  Devils penalty, but Versus feels it unnecessary to tell what it is until after Jose Cuervo advertisements.

8:33 PM: Ohhhh what a move by Parise, only to catch the post.  Langs and Martin both got pretty heavily creamed by hits just before and just after Zach’s post shot, respectively.

8:29 PM: Power play over, and we’re still down 2-1.  Lame I say, lame.

8:28 PM: For not yet scoring a goal, it’s not a bad power play so far.  This may not be the awesomeness of our power play so much as the lameness of the St. Louis penalty kill.

8:25 PM: Our…uhm…thrilling(?) power play gets to go to work, as a hooking call goes against Bergland.  The Blues apparently play an organ version of Love Potion Number Nine when they get penalized.  Odd.

8:22 PM: Ugh.  Two-on-one for the Blues results in a goal for David Backes, and it’s 2-1 Blues.  A bad defensive breakdown in the offensive zone as Salvador tried to shoot a loose puck and missed.  We got schooled.

8:19 PM: Zubbie with a little razzle-dazzle.  At least as razzley-dazzley as Zubbie gets anyway.  A nice rush up the middle of the ice, gives to Gionta for a shot handled by Legace.

8:15 PM: The lead?  Short lived.  Someone finally capitalized on Clemmensen’s ginormous rebounds, and Brad Boyes jams it home.  In fairness to Clemmer, the initial shot from the point was a rocket that was probably very hard to control.  Score’s tied at 1.

8:13 PM: I know I always complain about the other team’s jersey, especially when it’s a third, so I’m going to shock everyone tonight:  I actually REALLY like the Blues’ third jersey!  It’s very nice, and involves no vertical piping or shorthand spelling on the team’s nickname.  I approve.

8:11 PM: That was quick!  Zach Parise darts in along the boards, fires it from the left face-off dot, and squirts one through Manny Legace.  1-0 Devils 1:02 into the game, and our Versus goal drought is over!

8:10 PM: Puck’s on the ice in the Gateway city.

8:06 PM: Not playing tonight: Colin White.  In his place, Bryce Salvador.  This is Sal’s first game back in Saint Loo since the Salvador/Janssen <s>swindle</s> trade.  While I love that we got a top-four defenseman for a fourth-line-at-best goon, I still miss Cam.

8:04 PM: So tonight’s game is on Versus.  This does not bode well for us.  In two games on Versus thus far this season, the Devils have lost both and scored a grand total of…ZERO goals!  God I’d very much like it if we broke the Versus Curses tonight.

8:01 PM: Yes, I feel tonight is a very good night for a LiveCap!  Here goes nothing…

10:06 PM: So a five-game winning streak for NJ after nearly losing the game in a poorly-played few minutes in the third. Nothing like a little tension to head into turkey day. That’s it for me tonight. Check back in the next few days for the launch of a major initiative from the 2ma! Goduya! Happy Thanksgiving!

10:01 PM: Johnny mothereffin’ Oduya!!!!! After botching a 2-on-1 just minutes ago, the reborn defenseman rips one through Anderson to win the game for New Jersey! Devils win! 3-2 in OT.

10:00 PM: Penalty killed, Devils on the attack. Thankfully the Panthers are still playing like little more than an AHL squad.

9:56 PM: OT underway and hot jesus on a hammock, they throw the puck over the glass and draw a penalty. Would somebody please find the Devils from 90 minutes ago?

9:53 PM: Damn. David Booth puts one home with 7.8 seconds left. We’re going to OT folks! Major Buzzkill is undoubtedly laughing from the bench, twirling his evil mustache. I completely blame this on my girlfriend, who wished against the shutout so her fantasy team would do better.

9:52 PM: Stop by Clemmer. Good pressure by the Panthers though, under 30 seconds left.

9:51 PM: Buzzkill pulled. Less than a minute to play.

9:49 PM: Ooof. Out of nowhere the Panthers put one in on a quick bang-bang play to Bouwemeester in the slot. 2-1. Two minutes to play.

9:43 PM: Major Buzzkill strikes again. Anderson stones Parise on a great breakaway chance. I feel like Anderson was stroking his Snidely Whiplash mustache under his helmet after that one.

9:41 PM: And now what it would have looked like if it were 1943! Anyone else getting sepia-tone replays?

9:38 PM: The Panthers look like the mighty mites on the 5-on-3 and Clemmer shuts them down when they get their act together for the subsequent 5-on-4. Still 2-0 in the second half of the 3rd.

9:35 PM: Ooooh boy. Now it gets interesting. Gio takes down a Panther and is called for tripping in what was a far more legitimate infraction. 5-on-3. The Panthers have “Right Now” by Van Halen on in the arena to boot. This sh*t’s about to get intense, hair band style.

9:33 PM: BS roughing call on Colin White. Nathan Horton comes up high on a hit on Whitey in the corner and he retaliates and gets called for a minor.

9:28 PM: 7 minutes of unremarkable hockey is broken by an absolutely absurd pair of saves by Clemmer! He made a solid save on an initial shot and I think somehow detached his spine to catch the rebound with his lower back. Johnny Oduya backs him up by kicking the puck out of harms way near the goal line. Whew! That woke me up.

9:22 PM: Back at it here in the third. Man, I agree with Josh, this Craig Anderson character is a bummer.

9:01 PM: Clemmer’s looked great during a bit of pressure from the Panthers at the end of the second there. Might be time for Weeksie to find that crossword puzzle book he was working on last year. Devils still up 2-0 after two.

8:58 PM: It even looks like the refs are taking pity on the thus-far hapless Panthers. Jay Leach gets called for a questionable interference minor and the Panthers are on the PP.

8:53 PM:Man, Patty and Gio are playing like it’s ‘05-’06. Every shift has just been gold for them lately. A great give and go gets stopped by Anderson, who admittedly has done well to stonewall the Devils here in the second.

8:47 PM: And another powerplay without a goal. Still, as MSG-1294 just flashed up on the screen, the scoring chances are 16-1 at this point, so I’m not going to throw a pissy fit over it.

8:43 PM: Another penalty to the Panthers!

8:42 PM: My girlfriend, who has been affectionate to me in the comments arena tonight, just pointed out that Clemmenson is quite intimidating in net. I never noticed it, especially since there’s been no focus on him whatsoever tonight, but the dude seriously looks Devilish in net with his dark pads and mask.

8:39 PM: Another strong powerplay by the Devils with nothing to show for it. Still, the Devils look like they’re in a different league than the Panthers, who might have stayed a little too long out in the sun today.

8:36 PM: 17-4 is the shot total right now in favor of New Jersey. 17-4! Clarkson takes a spill (which I’m convinced has more to do with the fact that his skating ability is akin to Happy Gilmore than a trip) for a penalty and we’ve got another Devils powerplay!

8:29 PM: Back again for the second to find that Thomas Voukon has made a hasty exit in lieu of Craig Anderson. That’s two games straight that the Devils, the New Jersey Devils mind you, have chased goalies in consecutive games. What’s going on here? I ain’t about to question it.

8:11 PM: Hahaha. Doc ends the period with the most uncomfortable “whoohooo” ever to announce the Devils next Nathan’s hot dog night.

8:09 PM:Wow! A beautiful tic-tac-toe passing play from Parise to Cap’n Langs on over to Zajac and it’s a 2-0 game. All four lines are looking great heading into the final minute of the period down in Florida.

8:06 PM: Man, the boys are buzzing tonight. I’m almost terrified at this point that Rolston and Holik coming back will upset this magnificent chemistry that’s been stumbled across.

8:03 PM: Some good puck movement on the powerplay but nothing to show for it. The Devils are outshooting the Panthers 9-2 so far this period, so I’m not gonna complain. Are we on MSG-153 tonight? This looks like it’s being filmed in a cave.

8:01 PM: Penalty on Florida! Looked like a hook as Elias is taken down. Devils PP!

7:55 PM: Back and forth hockey here, nothing too spectacular. We could invent some Devils drama in the process I suppose. Bryce Salvador totally just rejected Parise’s stick after he broke his in the defensive zone. Is there trouble in paradise?

7:51 PM: The Devils really have a zip to their game again tonight. I dunno what Grumpy McMonkey Ears behind the bench has been saying to them lately, but he better keep it up. Is it injuries? Is the road to Lord Stanley paved with sports hernias? No probably not.

7:47 PM: Gionta scores!! The streak continues! Five straight games with a goal for Gio on another beautiful deflection setup by Mr. Johnny Oduya, who has looked freakin’ phenomenal this year.

7:45 PM: Elias just barely fans on an opportunity in front. Chico points out that this is in fact hockey and not soccer and Elias would not have been able to kick the puck into the net. Whew, that’s a load off.

7:43 PM: Penalty killed. Jesus, are the Devils really only 68 percent on the penalty kill at home? WTF? Devils powerplay as the Panthers take a minor!

7:40 PM: After figuring out some dual live-cap madness we’re underway! And less than 2 minutes in we’ve already got a penalty to Elias. Devils on the PK early.

7:35 PM: I think this truly must be a 2ma first.

7:32 PM: Oh! Dueling livecaps!!!! Damn you Burnett!!

7:30 PM: P.S. I had some trouble finding the game tonight on my cable. If you’re having the same problem, this is where I found the info on what asscrack of television the devils broadcast is on tonight.

7:25 PM:So Scottie Clemmensen gets the start tonight as we continue to work through the weird and wild post-Brodeur apocalypse. We’re still working on fixing the Zubbie Counter after last night’s explosion, but those repairs could be helped along by some continued stellar play (ahem).

7:19 PM: Hey all, it’s been a while I know. I’ve been giving a little too much love to my other wordpress baby lately (i sorta get paid for it), and I apologize. But OMG, two livecaps in a week?! We’re totally spoiling you. Let’s go Devils!

7:36 PM: Alright, so I’m gonna go get something to drink, then start my 2MA overtime shift, updating the ZUBBIECOUNTER four times over. See everyone soon!

7:34 PM: Final statline:
Zubrus - four goals
Elias - three asists, eleven points in the last five games
Salmela - two assists
Leach earns his first NHL point with an assist
Rupp notches his first goal of the year
Gionta has scored in four consecutive games

7:32 PM: And that’s the game! 7-3 Devils - save for a harrowing couple of minutes late in the second, a very well played game all-around.

7:30 PM: One minute remaining in this splendid game.

7:28 PM: Lost in the ZubbieMadness is the fact that Elias currently sits with three assists, adding to his insane point totals in the last five games.

7:26 PM: Anssi Salmela with a pretty blatent trip and the ‘Ning head to the power play.

7:35 PM: ZUBBIE AGAIN! Holy ZUBBIECOUNTERMELTDOWN BATMAN! 7-3 Devils, FOUR goals for Zubrus!

7:21 PM: Not much going on right now. Probably a good thing, my heart can only take so much.

7:19 PM: I’ll take Tampa’s use of Ole! by Bouncing Souls as a good sign for us. Because I liked Ole! as our goal song, I don’t care what anyone else says.

7:15 PM: My goodness, this game oughtta be like 10-3 right now. Elias with a wide open net, can’t get much on the shot and Ramo gloves it down.

7:11 PM: ‘nother Clarkaround try, nothing doing. Man the ZUBBIECOUNTER is gonna be back in full force tonight.

7:09 PM: ZUBTRICK! ZUBTRICK! ZUBTRICK!!! Beautiful breakaway backhand and DAINIUS ZUBRUS HAS SCORED A HAT TRICK!!

7:06 PM: Oh jebus. Langenbrunner with a rather wide open net, sends it high.

7:02 PM: We’re not looking good this period. Luckily, however, neither are the ‘Ning.

6:59 PM: Okay, we’re back for the third period. Again, we’re pretending the last seven minutes of the second period were a terrible nightmare and nothing more. Let’s get it on.

6:42 PM: Okay, end of the second period. I’m willing to act like the last seven minutes didn’t happen if the Devils are as well. Let’s just keep in mind that it’s still a two goal lead going into the third period. I’ll be back then.

6:40 PM: I miss Kolzig.

6:37 PM: Another goal would be REAL nice right now. I liked Tampa Bay as a place better when the building was silent.

6:35 PM: …who scores on it. 5-3 Devils. Uhm…this ain’t good.

6:34 PM: Pando! That was not kosher! Pando breaks up the breakaway, but not in the usual Devils manner, and now it’s a penalty shot for Malone.

6:31 PM: Oh dear. St. Louis with a goal on the 4-on-4 and now it’s 5-2. Okay guys, that’s enough feeling bad for Tampa now…

6:30 PM: Devils penalty now, Zajac for interference. Sigh. Four-on-four now. for about a minute and twenty.

6:29 PM: Hey, penalty on the Bolts. Good deal! Too many men on the ice.

6:28 PM: Damn. Radim Vrbata taps one in and it’s 5-1 Devils. Oh well.

6:23 PM: We’ve still got over seven minutes to go in the second. Gionta’s goal is his sixth on the year and makes it four straight games that he’s potted a puck.

6:21 PM: 5-0 DEVILS! Beautiful screen by Zubrus and Gionta gets the goal. Kari Ramo is now in net for the ‘Ning, as the red n’ black have chased Olie the Goalie.
6:19 PM: Clemmensen with a couple of good saves. Actually, our D looks real good tonight too. We just look good all around. Weird, huh?

6:17 PM: Salvador goes to the box for hooking. He feels shame.

6:15 PM: Couple of nice stops by Clemmensen. I’m rather impressed with Clemmer’s play since Marty’s injury. But his amazing play almost makes me sad, because I feel terrible for Kevin Weekes. However, I’ll take a non-sucky Clemmer over a sucky Clemmer any day.

6:12 PM: Penalty kill’t.

6:10 PM:Devils PK hits the ice as Colin White (who got an assist on the second Zubbie goal) goes off for tripping.

6:07 PM: Oh. My. God. ZUBBIE AGAIN! Zubrus fights the puck past the pads of Kolzig and it’s 4-0 Devils. ZUBBIECOUNTER is working overtime today.

6:03 PM: Zubbie! ZUBBIE! CRAP I DON’T HAVE THE COUNTER READY! 3-0 Devils and the World-Famous ZUBBIECOUNTER will notch up one more when this game has ended!

6:02 PM: They’re reviewing it, though it’s pretty clearly no goal.

6:01 PM: Oh myyyy some beautiful passing on the PP but Kolzig stones Zajac with his stick. Good looking power play so far.

5:59 PM: Devils remain on the power play to begin this period.

5:58 PM: We’re back y’all. Second period, underway.

5:42 PM: And a very good first period is in the books, Devils lead 2-0. See you in seventeen.

5:39 PM: Devils hit the power play, holding on…a Bolt. Less than a minute left in period #1.

5:38 PM: BIG save by Kolzig on Langenbrunner.

5:36 PM: Whoo! Clemmensen makes a wicked save on a deflection, play comes up to the other end. Clarkson draws a penalty, passes to Salmela who threatens to shoot multiple times but dumps it off to Leach, who passes to Parise coming off the bench. Parise with the blast and it’s 2-0 Devils! A beautiful play from beginning to end.

5:33 PM: I think Clarkson just tried a Clarkaround without even having the puck on his stick…

5:27 PM: Clarkaround try! Missed entirely. You keep trying though Clarkie. Someday…Someday…

5:25 PM: Big blasts from the defense by Martin and Salvador. We almost look like we’re on a power play right now. It’s kind of weird, seeing a team not called the Devils play like we usually do.

5:23 PM: Ten minutes in, and not much interesting going on since Rupp’s goal. A nice chance for Zubrus/Elias, but the pass was not on target, so nothing doing there.

5:21 PM: Bryce Salvador is a defensive BEAST. To think, we got this guy for Cam Janssen. I love-ed Cam Janssen, but…man did we ever win on that trade.

5:19 PM: I would LiveCap a game that MSG+ seems to have issues with broadcasting. Eesh. All is well now though. I think

5:17 PM: Scott Clemmensen’s been wearing 35 this year, but the back of his helmet still says 40. This amuses me for some reason, that he hasn’t bothered to get it re-painted.

5:14 PM: Third jersey rant time: If you’re gonna go with writing out your name, write out YOUR TEAM’S NAME! NOT SOME LAME NICKNAME! I’m looking at you, “Bolts” and “Sens”. Thankfully we’ll never have to see a third jersey that says “Devs” on it.

5:11 PM: Holy crap Mike Rupp scores! Deflects a shot/pass from Anssi Salmela five-hole through Kolzig. Beautiful tip. 1-0 Devils.

5:09 PM: Puck meets ice and we’re underway. Olaf Kolzig’s in net for the ‘Ning.

5:07 PM: Oh, and Jay Leach is up to replace Mottau. Yippie.

5:02 PM: To get us all up to date: Mottau’s suspended for tonight’s game as well as Wednesday’s. Madden remains out with a sore foot. Clemmensen’s in net after Weekes posted the win Friday. The Lightning’s third jersey is muy ugly. We good? We good.

4:43 PM: Devils take on the ‘Ning, 5 PM eastern. Stick with us!

Crikey, it’s getting old. Brian Gionta just got pushed off the puck hard, and it looks like he hit both shoulder and head against the unforgiving Detroit boards. He skated off on his own power, but has yet to return to the game, which currently sits at 2-1 Detroit after two periods, on the strength of a pair of Marian Hossa goals. Parise notched a deflection off an Oduya slapshot for the Devils only tally so far.

Edit: As the third period is starting, it becomes apparent that Bryce Salvador has not returned to the ice either. Salvador was hit by a puck in the second period, leading to Hossa’s goal. Sigh.

So, the updated injury counter:

Martin Brodeur, torn bicep
Brian Rolston, high right ankle sprain
Bobby Holik, broken pinkie
Andy Greene, broken hand
Paul Martin, upper body soreness
Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, cracked orbital bone
Brian Gionta, unknown head/shoulder injury
Bryce Salvador, some kind of puck-to-knee injury

Add to that Matt Halischuk’s apparently serious leg injury suffered in the L-Devils game at Wilkes-Barre the other night, and the Devils are short EIGHT players, less than one calendar month into the season.

Ouch.

9:44 PM: Brent Sutter: “Ankle sprain. He’ll be fine.” Uhhhhhh…yeah. Kay. Thanks, Brent, you’ve been quite informative.

9:41 PM: Alright, so no word on Rolston yet. If they say anything that actually means anything, I’ll post it up here. I’m expecting “lower body injury” (or possibly “head cold”) with no actual idea as to how long he’ll be out. If it’s different, I’ll let you know. If not, goodnight all!

9:24 PM: And, like the game itself, the first LiveCap of the season is in the books, it wasn’t pretty, but it happened. I’ll stick around a bit longer to see if we get an update on Rolston’s condition, but I’m not holding my breath…

9:22 PM: GAME! 1-0 Devils. It wasn’t pretty, the offensive production still sucks, the power play still sucks, but it’s a win nonetheless. Marty’s now 10 wins from tying Patrick Roy for most all-time by a goalie (11 from breaking the record), and six shutouts away from tying Terry Sawchuk for most shutouts of all-time., seven from breaking the record.

9:22 PM: BEAUTIFUL defensive play by Martin to prevent a shot on goal on the rush. Twenty seconds to go.

9:21 PM: Empty Thrasher net.

9:17 PM: Ice is tilting Atlanta’s way with two minutes to go. Meep.

9:15 PM: ANOTHER two-on-one featuring Jay Pandolfo, another non-shot-on-goal. At least no one crashed in a heap into the boards this time, though, so, y’know, take what we can get, yes?

9:13 PM: No updates on Rolston (what, you expected the Devils would reveal anything ever at any time?), but the replay reminds me a little Sidney Crosby’s crash into the boards last year that resulted in his high ankle sprain. Let’s hope that’s not the case here…

9:12 PM: Still 1-0, seven minutes to go in the game. Zubrus is now centering Elias and Gionta, so I guess the great line shake-up of the second period has ended. The 32 fans in attendance are chanting! It sounds impressive for 32 people.

9:09 PM: Rolston hit the boards after losing an edge, Chico says he needed help getting into the locker room because he couldn’t put much weight on his foot. Me no likey.

9:07 PM:Elias and Rolston two-on-one gets broken up, and after the play, Rolston is down and looks to be hurting…crap. Just…crap.

9:05 PM: Shorthanded two-on-one for Madden and Pando, Madden passes, and Pando fires it directly into Lehtonen’s pads. Another two-on-one, Elias and Pando, again nothing doing. But it’s chances, at least! …right?

9:04 PM: Atlanta’s on a power play and I have no idea why. Either I wasn’t paying attention or MSG didn’t think it was important to tell me. Neither would be surprising. Atlanta hits the pipe on the power play.

9:01 PM:Penalty kill’t. Big save by Marty (and then again possibly by Salvador’s backside) at the end of the Thrasher power play. Our power play may be awful, but at least the penalty kill’s holding up it’s end of the bargain…

8:58 PM: Paul Martin going off for a holding-the-stick penalty, Thrashers to the PP again.

8:55 PM: Marty with a save on Bogosian. Come to think of it, has Bogo scored yet in his pro career? Marty seems to like giving up first career goals…

8:52 PM: Third period’s on, goal credited to Rolston after all. Zubrus and Gionta on the assists.

8:35 PM: And that’s the end of period #2, 1-0 Devils. 20 shots on goal (I still refuse to believe that). Third period coming up soonish.

8:33 PM: The official announcement at the arena is giving the goal to Langenbrunner from Rolston and Zubrus. Lehtonen with a huge glove save on Elias keeps it a one-goal game.

8:31 PM: FINALLY! Rolston, let off the point at the power play, forces his way in front of the net and jams home his own rebound. Devils lead 1-0, Rolston notches his first of his second Devils go-round, and the Devils power play finally picks up another goal. Alllll right.

8:30 PM: Exelby takes the roughing penalty for his tackle of Langenbrunner, the ever-dangerous Devil power play takes the ice.

8:27 PM: Now it’s Rolston, Langenbrunner, and Zubrus. And hey, even a little scrummy-ness involving the Cap’n and Garnet Excelby. The most life I’ve seen tonight. The 32 fans in attendance even seemed to wake up.

8:26 PM: Rupp/Zajac/Parise? Really?

8:24 PM: Cangelosi just said the shots for the second are 13-5 Devils. I refuse to believe this. There is no way I’ve seen thirteen Devil shots on the night, let alone this period.

8:19 PM: Clarkson wraparound try! Gasp and shock, it’s not even close.

8:15 PM: Zubrus charging in on a three-on-one, opts to shoot…and misses the net entirely. Blast.

8:13 PM: I wonder how we managed to win two games so far this year considering I can’t recall ever actually scoring any goals…

8:06 PM: Hey hey, something interesting! Brodeur with a stop on the big blast by White (not Colin, Todd), leaves a huge rebound and manages to get in front of the follow-up shot as well. Stellar stop by Marty. The 32 fans in the building agree.

8:04 PM: I think Sutter’s futzing with the lines again. Clarkson was just out there with Holik and Rupp. Zubrus is centering Rolston and Elias at the moment as well.

8:01 PM: God, Lehtonen is leaving some juicy rebounds. However, in shades of last year, the Devils can’t do a damn thing about it. Penalty’s over, though. Devils have killed three of three of ‘em tonight now.

8:00 PM: Okay, second period on, Devils still on the PK. A little bit more…something, this period? Anything? Please?

7:42 PM: Aaaaand that be the end of a very boring first period, scoreless after one. See you in seventeen for what can only be a more interesting second. I hope.

7:39 PM: Welp, least they killed that one. Holik gets booed by the 32 Atlanta fans in attendance tonight. Yet another Devils penalty coming up, Zajac for hooking. Less than a minute to go in the period.

7:36 PM: See, this is why I miss Doc. Cangelosi lied to me, it’s actually Atlanta on the power play, not so much the Devils.

7:34 PM: And just as one penalty expires, and new one commences. The Devils get their turn on the power play, again. So in two minutes, the score will still be zero-zero, again.

7:31 PM: And so Colin White goes off for interference. This game is rather boring. Sorry. Last year’s early-season game in Atlanta was all kinds of crazy. I miss that game. A little.

7:26 PM: Even Chico’s mentioning how few fans are in the building. And is also touting the Thrashers “Buy a ticket, eat all you want for free” sections deal. Chico Eats: HOTlanta Edition!

7:23 PM: How they managed to not get it in, I don’t have the slightest. Good pressure again, but once again, nothing doing as far as scoring. Devils PP is now 0-for-2 on the evening, and 1-for-13 on the year. Ouch.

7:22 PM: I say it every time the Devils play Atlanta, but DAMN the Thrashers have ugly jerseys.

7:20 PM: ‘nother penalty on the Thrashers, this one interference on David Clarkson. Don’t the Thrashers know they don’t have to interfere with David Clarkson, that he’s perfectly capable of stopping his own progress? Regardless, Devils PP again.

7:17 PM: You know, as a Devils fan, I should be used to empty arenas…and yet, I keep finding myself strangely drawn to the swaths of empty seats whenever the camera catches the stands. It’s almost hypnotizing.

7:15 PM: A nice chance in front for Pandolfo, who sends a backhander at the Atlanta goal with the speed of a honey-soaked tortoise. Sigh.

7:13 PM: Surprisingly strong on the puck deep in the zone, but Atlanta manages to clear each time. We’re not looking stellar tonight boys.

7:11 PM: Schneider with a puck-over-the-glass deal and the vaunted (ha!) Devils power play hits the ice. Oh boy oh boy.

7:09 PM: Puck’s on the ice in Atlanta. You wouldn’t know it from the crowd though. My goodness, and they say we don’t draw in Jersey. Hot damn.

7:01 PM: Oh dammit. First LiveCap of the year, and Doc’s sick. Sigh. Get well Doc. Other Devils news for tonight: Salmela’s hanging out in the press box tonight, and Andy Greene gets into his first game of the year. He’ll be paired with Johnny Oduya.

6:45 PM: What’s that coming over the hill? It it a LiveCap? It it a LiveCap? Ahhh musical references no one will get…see you in 15!

Second Intermission - A little better. Slow start once again, and another goal for the Rangers made it look bleak, but they came back strong late in the period. Madden’s goal was a thing of beauty for this team right now. Rugged, standing his ground in front of the net, digging the puck out of Lundqvist’s pads and putting them OVER Henrik. Novel idea, right, shooting HIGH on the guy with refrigerator doors for pads? It happened late enough in the period that hopefully it carries over into the third.

Voros’ goal pissed me off a little. Not the fact that he scored, but the way he reacted made me sick. He got jostled a little as he scored, and got up and got in Colin White’s face, then kind of backed off and raised his arms, but in a really aggressive, “F-you” kind of way. I wish Colin would have just decked him right there, but of course not.

Alot more offense later on, actual pressure and sustained offensive chances. To borrow a Doc-ism, the Unseen Hand certainly turned in the Devils’ favor starting around the halfway point in the second.

I may or may not be back with a game recap, as I should be in bed already. Regardless, if they keep playing like they did in the last few minutes of the second for the rest of the game, they’ve still got a chance.

Oh…and SHOOT HIGH!

First Intermission - That was not the start I expected. All the talk of not being a doormat, remembering what happened last year, getting revenge - what did it bring? Five shots on goal, six tops? Whatever the final tally, there was a gigantic stretch of time in the middle when they couldn’t get a single shot on Lundqvist. There’s just no excuse, not in the first game against a team you could only beat twice in thirteen games last year. This is supposed to be a statement, and right now, it isn’t one.

I wish I knew what was up with Marty in Ranger games, but he seems good for one major gaffe against them every other game or so. Yes, the puck was deflected by Oduya, but it’s like football - if you can get your hand on it, you can catch it. Methinks Marty was thinking too far ahead in the play - who he was going to get it to on the breakout, perhaps - and forgot to actually catch the thing.

All that said, it’s still only 1-0. The Devils have been in this situation twice this year, and twice they’ve come back from it, so there’s every reason to believe they will do it again. See you during the second intermission.

Pre-game - My original goal tonight was to do the first LiveCap of ‘08-’09, but I just got a phone call telling me to be in work at 5 AM tomorrow. So, since I’ll likely be in bed before the end of this evening’s game, please watch this space for between-period updates, opinions, and so on and so forth. I’ll update at least after the first and hopefully after the second as well. Enjoy the game and LET’S GO DEVILS!

Click Here for tonight’s Devils/Rangers LIVECAP! (LiveCap will launch in new window)

9:54 PM ET: And that’s game. Rangers with the 2-0 lead. Not good folks, not good. Horrible ending to the game, thanks to the officials. Way to ruin a pivotal moment.

9:53 PM ET: Can anyone explain to me why an icing was called when, uh, the Devils are shorthanded? Lame.

9:53 PM ET: Aaaand Cap’n Langs takes a penalty. Wow. Way to ruin everything.

9:51 PM ET: Lundqvist with a huge save, time out Rangers.

9:49 PM ET: GOAL! FINALLY! MADDEN! THERE’S HOPE! EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!!

9:46 PM ET: Empty net with a little over 90 seconds left. Time out time, me thinks.

9:45 PM ET: Desperation has once again set in, yielding unfavorable results thus far. We’re closing in on two minutes. It’s going to take a miracle.

9:33 PM ET: This is starting to look like a lost cause.

9:28 PM ET: And as I put the finishing touches on the last update, Jagr nearly nets another one. Oh my goodness. The Rangers are really controlling the play now.

9:38 PM ET: Review over a potential goal proves to be less than favorable for Black ‘n Red. No goal. Ugh.

9:28 PM ET: We’re hittin’ about ten minutes left in the tilt. Boys need to get some stuffs goin’ on real soon.

9:23 PM ET: I need beer. Now.

9:20 PM ET: Epic fail. 2-0 Rangers. Avery scores. Sigh.

9:19 PM ET: WHAT THE BLOODY HELL???? I hate Jaromir Jagr. He’s a butt. 1-0 Rangers.

9:18 PM ET: Whew! Marty with the splits, huge glove save. Man, it hurts — that’s how nice that save was on Backman.

8:56 PM ET: Period done. Red ‘n Black start the third on the man advantage. I see a trend here.

8:55 PM ET: A-hole Avery conveniently “falls” on Marty. Have fun in the penalty box, buddy.

8:54 PM ET: Aaaaand, one minute left in the period!

8:50 PM ET: Ha! ZUBBIEMONSTER gives King Henrik a snow shower, King Henrik returns with a chop to the skates. More

8:48 PM ET: Boys are still trying to get the puck through those pesky pads of King Henrik. I still maintain they should go high on the jerk.

8:44 PM ET: Something to think about: What kinds of fun painkillers is Zach on right now? Inquiring minds (and a few druggies) would like to know…

8:42 PM ET: Ergh. Shortie two-on-one goes vacant for the Maddog and the Panddog.

8:41 PM ET: Upon further review, the hook is phantom. Lame.

8:39 PM ET: And that’s how you do it! Pandolfo with a huge shot block, Devils finish off the kill. Play whistled dead, ‘nother penalty to come. Hook on ZUBBIEMONSTER. Aw hell. Way to be a boner kill.

8:37 PM ET: And once things quiet down, Cap’n Jamie takes a swing at Gomez! The crowd roars with absolute glee and jubilation. I love it.

8:37 PM ET: Scrum! Shanny-hanny goes at it with White and, uh, anyone else who will take hi on. Lots of face smearing and high sticks.

8:35 PM ET: That bugger Sean Avery draws a penalty after ZUBBIEMONSTER takes a chop at him. Boo.

8:31 PM ET: Four minutes of marginally decent chances. No goals. That was kind of a big letdown.

8:24 PM ET: BREAKING NEWS: ZACH PARISE HAS LOST HIS FRONT TWO TEETH. Nasty crosscheck to the face by Backman, Parise is painin’. Poor pretty boy. He’s goin’ off for some work, the boys are goin’ on some major man advantage time.

8:17 PM ET: Poor Zajac is pressing. KEEP SHOOTING HIGH, BOYS!

8:16 PM ET: Okay, updates might get a little hairy here. I’ll keep on this though, no fear. So, uh, lots of nothin’ basically. The pee-pee was annoying at best. Holy passing and fake shots, Batman!

7:53 PM ET: Nice flurry to end the period. Langenbrunner is absolutely stuffed by King Henrik. Period over. We’re scoreless after one. Minute and change on the pee-pee to start the second.

7:52 PM ET: Cap’n Jamie helps draw a penalty, Staal to the box, Devils to the power play to end the period. Holler.

7:50 PM ET: Borrring….

7:47 PM ET: Not all that much going on in the closing minutes of the period. We’re down to four minutes.

7:42 PM ET: Dubinsky with a quick turnaround shot, nearly surprises both Marty and myself. Lucky for us, Mr. Brodeur seems to be on his game tonight.

7:40 PM ET: Girardi throws a decent chance at net, Marty holds his ground though. Drury attempts a rebound, but Black ‘n Red make sure their net keeper is not to be messed with — they know what’s up.

7:39 PM ET: A muffled “Let’s Go Devils” chant emanates from the stands, in hopes of amping the boys. Back and forth action continues. Sean Avery also continues to be a piece of poo. Oh, and I kind of have to pee.

7:35 PM ET: Clearly, I picked a real winner to make my comeback. This game has been nuts. More cluster-fluckin’ action goin’ down. King Marty matches King Henrik save-for-save. This game is feisty.

7:34 PM ET: HOLY CHRIST HOW DID THE PUCK NOT GO IN THERE?? Okay I’m officially sad.. About 9000 Devils chances, puck does not find itself behind King Henrik’s bum. WHAT GIVES?

7:32 PM ET: Kind of a cluster-fluck going on here. Yes, I wrote fluck. Let’s keep this semi-family friendly here.

7:30 PM ET: Gomez with a sharp angle shot, Marty with the nice stop. Little bit of a scrum ensues, but nothing fun enough to report on. I feel like I’m going to be writing the name “Gomez” a lot tonight. I’m not happy about this.

7:29 PM ET: Clarkson and Mara go at it a bit. Nothing really comes of it. Gomez continues to be booed by fans far and wide.

7:28 PM ET: DELAY DONE! HOCKEY!

7:23 PM ET: Delay continues. In-game(?) skate commences. Who knew plexiglass could be so…complexi? Thank you, thank you — I’m here all night.

7:22 PM ET: Shoddy glass gives way to Yoggi Berra cameo on the television. Silver lining folks, silver lining.

7:21 PM ET: Large delay thanks to shoddy glass. Prudential Center fails.

7:16 PM ET: The boys look a bit desperate, and I like it.

7:15 PM ET: Thank you, Johnny-cakes. You totally saved Paulie Martin’s ass there. Huge block.

7:13 PM ET: Boys can’t really get much going here. Late push at the tail-end of the man advantage, but nothing comes of it. At least we can marvel at the beauty of a helmetless ZUBBIEMONSTER.

7:11 PM ET: Straka barely clips Mottau, Devils get a pee-pee. We’re, like, a minute into the game. This is, naturally, do or die here.

7:10 PM ET: HOCKEY! Let us pray for a strong start for Black ‘n Red.

7:03 PM ET: Hey! I’m here! Scott Gomez has sore baby back ribs. Chili’s, anyone?

6:04 PM ET: Ladies and gents, it’s true. Yours truly, Patricia Diane Greuter, has come out of live-cap retirement to (sort of) live-cap tonight’s game! While updates will be sporadic, expect those grand, witty quips that you’ve grown to love from your faithful 2MA Editor! Check back around puck-drop, I’ll be here servin’ up burgers, fries, and some good ol’ fashioned *Rag-ass-kicking!

*NOTE: Rag-ass-kicking not included with the price of purchase. Void where prohibited. Dear Lord please let the Devils win this game. Standard rules and regulations apply.

9:30 PM ET: I’m not happy, so I’m leaving now.  G’night all. 

9:25 PM ET: Dawes with the empty netter after a decent attempt with the pulled goalie.  4-1 Rangers and that’s the game.  Not the way to start it. 

9:23 PM ET: Devils timeout, they’re pulling Marty for the extra attacker.  Gulp. 

9:22 PM ET: Zubrus blasts one that hits the pipe!  1:30 left in the game.  Not gonna get a better chance than that this late. 

9:20 PM ET: Oh goddammit.  Turnover at the blue line, Gomez drives and Marty’s taken out of position, Avery’s left with an open net to drive it home and it’s 3-1.  Ugh. 

9:19 PM ET: Penalty up, some chances but not much.  Less than four minutes to go in the game.  C’mon guys! 

9:16 PM ET: Jamie Langenbrunner takes a stick to the face and goes down in a heap.  He’s okay it seems and the Devils go to the power play.  No blood, two minutes. 

9:11 PM ET: Good sustained bit of pressure there.  But nothing by way of rubber meeting cotton.  Or rubber meeting giant goaltender pads either for that matter, as most everything was wide or blocked in front. 

9:10 PM ET: Not a whole lot of chances either way since the shorthanded goal. 

9:03 PM ET:  Oh jeez…Shorthanded chance for the Rangers that Marty stops, but Brodeur doesn’t see Calahan driving around heind the net.  He goes to play it but Calahan knocks it off the stick and into the net.  2-1 Rangers on a rare Marty flub.  Dammit.

9:01 PM ET: Langenbrunner with a beautiful chance on the doorstep stopped by Lundqvist!  Dang. 

9:00 PM ET: Elias would have had an excellent chance had his stick not been held behind the net.  Luckily the refs see this as well and Rosival goes away for holding the stick.  Devils back to the PP! 

8:58 PM ET: Shots on goal are 5-0 Devils in the period, only 5 minutes in.  Good pressure, I like. 

8:56 PM ET: A little slower pace, but a couple of nice shots on goal.  That counts for something.  Right? 

8:53 PM ET: Period three now on! 

8:49 PM ET: I could swear there’s a commercial with our very own Mr. Joe Bechtel in it.  Or at least his long lost twin… 

8:35 PM ET: And that’s the end of the second and it’s 1-1 after two.  Whoooooo boy it’s gonna be a fun third period.  Come back and see! 

8:34 PM ET: Crazy glove save by Marty in the last minute of the period.  Yeah Marty.  Yeah. 

8:32 PM ET: GOOD GOD THE CHANCES!  Parise/Elias/Langenbrunner with chances on the doorstep galore and nothing doing!  You gotta bury one of those guys! 

8:29 PM ET: Asham rings one off the pipe!  He thought it was in and even put his arms up in victory.  But we all should have known better, it’s ARRON ASHAM. 

8:23 PM ET: Straka with a broken stick and Devils have essentially a five on three!  Crazy chances and Martin with a crazy stutter step, then shoots and scores!  1-1 game and a beautiful little move by Paulie Martin for the goal! 

8:22 PM ET: Scott Gomez says something on TV that you can’t say on TV.  And takes a penalty.  Not for the bad word though.  For hooking, it is.  Devils on the PP. 

8:20 PM ET: I would kill for some shot accuracy at this point in time.  Seriously. 

8:18 PM ET: My stomach is in knots. 

8:12 PM ET: Martin just misses the net on a slapshot, Calahan gets a rush up the other way and crashes in on Marty, dislodging the net.  Protect Marty guys, please. 

8:11 PM ET: FRANTIC penalty kill , but it’s killed nonetheless.   

8:08 PM ET: Nice chance by Gio but again he shoots it too high.  Tripping call on Pando when he loses an edge and again the Rangers go to the PP. 

8:03 PM ET: Shanahan with a shot, Gomez with either a screen or a tip and it’s 1-0 Rangers with the power play goal.  Dammit.  Shanahan gets the goal.

8:00 PM ET: We’re back, baby.  Period 2 underway.  Rock You Red seems to be a pretty big deal up there.  I approve also.  Devils remain on the PK due to Martin’s interference penalty.  First period shots were 8-8, and hits were 18-11 in favor of…well, I dunno, Doc didn’t say. 

7:43 PM ET: And thus is the end of period #1 of the 2008 playoffs.  I’ll be back in 17, will you? 

7:42 PM ET: A couple of wonky shots on Marty but he gets a piece of each.  Paul Martin takes a penalty for interference on Chris Drury in front of the net and with 10 seconds left in the first, the Devils go to the PK.

7:39 PM ET: Rangers with turnovers galore in their own end, the last taken away by Gio who misses high!  At least they’re aiming above the refridgerator doors on Lundy’s legs. 

7:38 PM ET: Oduya with a huge slapshot and bodies fly to the ground.  I don’t know how many he actually hit but it looked like a warzone for a minute there.

7:36 PM ET: Bryce Salvador’s back in, by the way.  He replaces Vitaly Vishvenski, who’s spending the evning in the press box. 

7:32 PM ET: Avery’s back in, though probably pissed that he’s less pretty now. 

7:30 PM ET: Penalty kill’t!  For those who are interested, Pittsburgh leads Ottawa 1-0 in the first. 

7:28 PM ET: This game is nothing if not exciting so far.  A post shot for each team and nothing but end to end hockey. 

7:27 PM ET: Sarge with a breakaway off a shorthanded turnover, nails the crossbar!  Oh jeez that would have been sweet! 

7:24 PM ET: Avery takes a puck to the face and is bloodied!  Avery heads off the ice and Oduya takes a slashing call simultanious to Avery taking rubber in the kisser.  Rangers PP. 

7:19 PM ET: Holy end-to-end hockey Batman!  Rangers get a three-on-two, Jagr clangs it off the post!  Nine minutes already played and scarcely a whistle.  Oh my, I don’t know if I’m in playoff livecapping shape just yet! 

7:18 PM ET: BIG drives by Andy Greene and John Madden turned away by Henrik.  Hello playoff hockey! 

7:17 PM ET: For two teams that enjoy play number 1-2-2, this game has been pretty wide open so far.  I’m impressed. 

7:14 PM ET: Devils power play, so far, not so pretty.  Sigh.  And that’s the end of that.

7:12 PM ET: Penalty on the Rangers - Paul Mara hooks Parise off a loose puck, and it’s time for a PSE&G Power Play! 

7:11 PM ET: The Devils are firey for sure tonight.  Gio went for a big hit on Gomez that just missed it’s mark. 

7:09 PM ET: Playoffs are underway! 

7:02 PM ET: Whoa Nelly, Chico’s taking the Rock The Red campaign seriously.  Why am I not surprised that Chico has such a…loud shirt?  Hah.  I approve nonetheless.

6:01 PM ET: Hark!  What spendid wonders await?  ‘Tis a livecap coming at thou this very eve!  Huzzah!  Stay(ith) tuned!

5:48 PM ET: Damn did we ever need that win.  I would’ve liked it to end about 45 minutes earlier, but you can’t beat that drama.  This series is setting up to be one for the ages. Devils with the home ice advantage will take on the Rangers starting later this week.  I can’t wait. Keep it here for post-game commentary, playoff preview action and of course, hilarious graphics featuring Sean Avery and Scott Gomez.  Til then, have a good night!

5:47 PM ET: Zach Parise and Patrick Elias: Clutchest players on Earth.

5:45 PM ET: Rangers stopped and Elias scores!!! Top shelf right over the shoulder of Lundqvist! Devils win! Devils win! Patricia is saved! Wooo!!!!! The streak is broken!

5:44 PM ET: Gomez scores. but Parise answers right back!!!!

5:43 PM ET: Lundqvist stones Langenbrunner. Scotty Gomez will have the 3rd and perhaps final shot on Brodeur.

5:43 PM ET: Brodeur stops the Devils-killer Nigel Dawes!

5:42 PM ET: Shanahan stopped. Gionta shanks it high.

5:41 PM ET: Shanahan will start for the Rangers, Gio for the Devils.

5:39 PM ET: Now Clarkson is getting in on what must be a fierce round of yo mamma jokes. The refs, who are standing in between, are just sitting there and almost look like they’re judging. Screw the shootout, insult contest!

5:39 PM ET: Gah!!! The Devils pile on the pressure for the last 30 seconds but cant put it home. Madden and Avery are jawing at each other on the bench as we head to a shootout.

5:37 PM ET: Pando breaks in and gets a shot on Lundqvist which is stopped, but he draws a penalty in the process. I heart Pando and Madden. They’ve been awesome today.

5:36 PM ET: The Devils once again controlled the puck, but couldn’t get a shot on net. Boo.

5:35 PM ET: 48 seconds to go in the powerplay for the Devils, which has once again looked like poop.

5:33 PM ET: Devils kill off the remainder of the penalty and the Devils draw an interference call! Powerplay for New Jersey! Come on guys!

5:32 PM ET: Oh yeah, and Patricia will totally have to wear a Rangers jersey for the first week of the playoffs. If that’s not an insta-jinx, I don’t know what is.

5:30 PM ET: It may seem marginal, but the Devils need the win here in my mind. There’s a big pride and momentum issue here; I don’t think anyone wants to lose 8 straight to a team headed into the playoffs

5:29 PM ET: Drury wins it clean, but there’s no one there and it goes all the way back to the Rangers zone. We’re headed to OT, which means the Devils have secured home ice for the playoffs.

5:28 PM ET: Elias to take the draw in the Devils zone. Drury for the Rangers.

5:27 PM ET: Brodeur stops play with 7.5 to go. Yikes!

5:25 PM ET: Jeeeeeeesus. Penalty on Madden with just under 30 to go. Rangers look like they’re gonna go with the 6-on-4 for the final 28 seconds of the game.

5:25 PM ET: Empty net, 30 to go.

5:23 PM ET: Two minutes to play and we could see Lundqvist head to the bench soon for the extra attacker. Remember, the Rangers need a regulation win to secure home ice for the playoffs.

5:21 PM ET: Parise with another great chance but shanks it wide! Great powerplay by the Devils but Lundqvist was superhuman for most of it. Still a tie game.

5:19 PM ET: Parise has a wide open net on a rebound, knocks a good shot on net but is absolutely robbed by Lundqvist. Parise can’t believe it and neither can I.

5:16 PM ET: Clarkson draws a holding call with just over 5 to play in the third and we’ve got a powerplay. He nearly breaks in with a great chance, but instead takes a cartoonish fall that only David Clarkson could pull off. Powerplay coming up!

5:14 PM ET: Not a lot of action here. It’s a chess game now, each team waiting for the other to make a mistake.

5:09 PM ET: Zubrus is back but gets blasted by Marc Staal shortly after taking the ice. He seems alright but boy is he gonna be aching tomorrow.

5:04 PM ET: Penalties cancel, even strength hockey.

5:01 PM ET: Whoa! a 5-on-5 fight breaks out behind Lundqvist after a flurry of Devils shots! That’s what I’m talking about! It looked more like a rugby scrum than a boxing match, but its something.

5:00 PM ET: There hasn’t been much fire to the Devil’s play since the first and the Rangers are pouncing on it. They’ve really got to turn it up if they want the W today.

4:57 PM ET: @#($)$^%! Zubrus gets clocked in a collision and is slow to get up and not more than 30 seconds later Jagr is left wide open in front for the goal. Tie game 2-2.

4:54 PM ET: Back in action for the third.

4:35 PM ET: That’s it for the second. We’ve still got the lead but the Devils have got to turn it up for the third if they hope to keep it. 2-1 New Jersey after 2.

4:30 PM ET: Madden with the hustle-of-the-year just flies down the ice and smacks a loose puck in on Lundqvist. Close but no cigar as Lundqvist just barely gets it with his shoulder.

4:27 PM ET: Clarkson is out of the box but the Rangers are putting on a lot of pressure in the Devils zone. Marty makes a couple of solid saves and the Devils are able to get it out for an icing. Wow, Madden and Pando good on the PK? Marty solid in net? I’m really revelatory here today.

4:25 PM ET: Madden and Pando break in for a 2-on-1 but Pandolfo shanks the shot. These guys have been amazing on the PK lately (what else is new), but can we get them on some lessons in performing under pressure? They haven’t converted on one of these short-handed odd man rushes yet, and they get like 4 a game!

4:23 PM ET: Clarkson takes a slashing call and the Devils are on their first PK of the game.

4:21 PM ET: Jagr took a little swipe at Colin White there. Considering the last time I saw him take a swing at a Devil he dislocated his shoulder during the first round of the playoffs a few years back, I for one say by all means break out the boxing gloves.

4:18 PM ET: A scrap breaks out after Brodeur stops Shanahan from the point. Despite the fact that the Rangers have been playing better, that was just their 7th shot overall.

4:17 PM ET: Langenbrunner is back on the bench and is A-Ok. whew.

4:12 PM ET: Parise snatches a clearing attempt by Lundqvist clear out of the air but can’t get it on net in time to catch him out of position. The Rangers momentum appears to have subsided for the moment. Langenbrunner is apparently not on the bench, but word is the equipment guy isn’t either. Fingers crossed.

4:08 PM ET: Dawes nearly breaks free again (this time with stick in hand), but fortunately gets stuffed by Oduya at the last second. What’s the deal with this guy?!

4:05 PM ET: Nigel Dawes gives his best effort in trying to recreate his shoulder goal from last time around chasing down a loose puck with no stick. Devils still looking like they took a pile of Xanex between periods.

4:02 PM ET: The momentum has swung in the Rangers direction early in the second. They’re putting a lot of pressure on and seem to be far more in sync so far.

3:59 PM ET: So uh, we’re back, but evidently no one told the Devils. Nigel Dawes sets up Chris Drury who slams one past Marty just 19 seconds in. 2-1 New Jersey.

3:41 PM ET: That’s it for the first period and minus their powerplay poopyness, you couldn’t really ask for a much better period. I won’t say Patricia is breathing easier since she has Bronchitis, but things so far are looking up for her Rangers jersey bet so far. Devils outshoot the Rangers 11-2 in the period, but keep in mind, our boys are yet to really play a full game against these guys and the record thus far reflects that, so let’s hope they keep it up. Back in a bit.

3:37 PM ET: Pretty crap powerplay by the Devils, which Gionta put an exclamation point on by having what appeared to be a large hunk of toilet paper hanging off the back of his pants.

3:35 PM ET: Devils Powerplay! I totally missed what it was, but evidently Martin Straka took a holding call. No matter though, we’ve got another man advantage.

3:33 PM ET: Martin shanks a one-timer on a 4-on-2 rush by the Devils. The pressure continues with about five to play at the Rock in the first period.

3:27 PM ET: And we’ve got another Devils goal! Rupp fires one that catches Henrik off guard and it’s a 2-0 Devils lead. Looked like Lundqvist was expecting a pass to Clarkson, who was breaking in on the opposite side. Have we named this line yet? Cos they’re proving to be pretty awesome.

3:23 PM ET: Lundqvist is really holding the Rangers up here. Devils are putting tremendous pressure on him and he’s coming up with a number of big saves. Charging penalty on the Rangers! Devils PP coming up!

3:20 PM ET: Madden, Pando and Gio break in on a 3-on-2 but Pandolfo just can’t get a handle on the puck with a wide open shot on King Henrik. Good back check by the Rangers.

3:20 PM ET: The Devils have come out with a lot of energy to start this one, but are also playing with a very calmed confidence. They’re not overdoing it or making a lot of mistakes. Its still early but a good sign nonetheless.

3:16 PM ET: Woo! Brodeur stuffs Jagr and Vishnevski just blasts a blueshirt for the second or third time in the game. Way to show up guys!

3:15 PM ET: Madden scores! A gritty hard-nosed goal as he pushes in a a rebound try for his 20th of the season. 1-0 baby!

3:13 PM ET: Parise gets a nice little takeaway but gets stuffed by Marc Staal inside the blueline. Elias rips one in on Lundqvist but he makes the glove save.

3:12 PM ET: Energetic start to the game here, although there have been a lot of stops and not a lot of shots. But everyone’s skating really well!

3:07 PM ET: And we’re underway! And what’s that? I can actually hear the crowd at the Rock! A miracle! Let’s get em boys!

3:02 PM ET: Last game of the season and a home-ice decider and we get Steve Cangialosi?! Come on! Doc better not be doing a freakin’ Pirates game today.

2:54 PM ET: Well as a bit of a primer for this one, I’m pumped. I really didn’t (as I’m sure many of you didn’t) want to get the Rangers for the playoffs, but now that it’s settled in I’m excited. I think it’ll be a great series, SO LONG AS we get this losing streak against these guys out of our system.

2:53 PM ET: Ok so it’s been 20 minutes and I’m a total failure as a graphics guy, so you guys will just have to do without once again. Sorry. BUT, the incredible imagery I paint with my live-capping skills should be enough right? right?!

2:33 PM ET: Hey all, getting started in a little because I’m testing out the graphic insertion lesson I just got from Professor Josh. So uh.. if I turn the site into an advertisement for Head-On or something, just check back in a few minutes I should (that’s a big should) be able to turn it back in no time.