16. october 2009 / STELLAR ROAD TRIP REDEEMS FLAT START

A perfect road trip has the New Jersey Devils back on track. After a decisive loss to the Flyers in their home opener followed by 3-2 loss to the Rangers, the team bounced back with three dramatic wins on the road to get above .500 for the first time in the 2009-2010 campaign.

The road trip began on Thursday, October 8th in Tampa Bay where Travis Zajac’s tying goal in the last second of regulation set up a 4-3 win in shootout fashion. Two nights later, it was David Clarkson’s turn to play hero as the blossoming offensive threat broke a tie late in the third period to help his team defeat the Florida Panthers 3-2. After falling behind 2-0 to the Washington Capitals on Monday night, Clarkson came through again, this time scoring the tying goal with 6:26 left to go in the third period to send the contest into OT. The Devils were once again successful in the shootout and skated away from Washington with 6 points in 3 games.

The Devils will get a boost in the upcoming weeks when star winger Patrik Elias returns to game action. The Czech star has been skating hard in practice and hopes to rejoin the team soon. It remains to be seen where Patrik will fit into the current roster, but an extra offensive punch will be welcomed on this young team with a lot more left to prove.

Jersey’s team, now 3-2-0, will return to home ice on Friday, October 17th to face the Atlanta Thrashers. (Dan Altano)