26. february 2013 / The Patrik Elias Weekly Recap (February 21 to February 24)
Patrik records three points in three games despite his team’s struggle to find offense as the Devils drop 2 of 3 this week.
DEVILS AT CAPITALS
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Score: Devils 3, Capitals 2
A Threat on Both Ends
On February 21, in the first installment of a 2-game away series with the Capitals, Patrik made an impact on both sides of the special teams spectrum. In the second period, with the Devils down 1-0 and on the penalty kill, he and Adam Henrique pinned Washington in their own zone and exchanged passes along the end boards until Henrique found him wide open in front of the net to bury his fifth of the season. Patrik later set up Ilya Kovalchuk’s game winning power play goal; a blast from the point that gave the Devils the 3-2 edge.
DEVILS AT CAPITALS
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Score: Capitals 5, Devils 1
The Devils wouldn't fair as well two nights later, losing 5-1 thanks in part to an Alexander Ovechkin hat trick.
JETS AT DEVILS
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Score: Jets 4, Devils 2
Patrik Cools the Jets
On February 24, the Devils hosted the Winnipeg Jets for a pre-Oscar Sunday showdown at the Rock. Patrik once again made a dent on the score sheet, setting up Travis Zajac on a 2 on 1 in the first period. Patrik carried the puck into the Winnipeg zone and after drawing a defenseman towards him, shuffled a tape-to-tape pass in front to Zajac who slammed it home. The tally tied the game at 1-1, but the Devils would wind up losing the contest 4-2.
New Jersey won’t have to wait long to avenge their loss however as they head to Winnipeg Thursday night to take on the Jets at 8 pm.
The Numbers Say it All
Through 21 games played, Patrik is keeping pace with the league’s elite scorers. His 24 points (5 goals, 17 assists) puts him just outside the top ten, his 17 assists is good enough for 4th in the NHL and his impressive +11 rating has him in 6th. Thus far, Patrik has proven that he is showing no signs of aging as he continues to dominate on all sides of the ice.
(Dan Altano)
