Let's Get Kinky!

It played out like a book I had read a 100 times before. Usually it was Cory Schneider manning the pipes, but recently rookie Keith kinked has fallen victim to the same tragic ending. One goal lead, game dwindling to it's conclusion, and the Devils give up a back breaking goal against a far superior opponent. I probably would have put my life savings on another Devils loss had you afforded me the opportunity at the end of regulation. There is just no possible way the Devils were supposed to win last night. Thank you Santa, Merry Christmas to the New Jersey faithful! 

I know the Devils are not very talented, that's why it is utterly unbelievable that are able to take leads on all of these teams. Let's look at the last three games Kinkaid has been in goal for. Blackhawks, Islanders, Tampa Bay. Three of the best teams in the league. Why must the Devils play so well for the first 50 minutes of games and drag us by that little inkling of hope that they can pull it out?  It's like they refuse to lose a game without it being completely soul crushing and demoralizing. Last night they had the perfect opportunity to do so again, and when they sent Zajac up 2nd and Patrik Elias up 3rd in the shootout I thought they were absolutely destined for it. Is it shame on me for not having faith, or shame on them for shitting on my faith so many times before?

BREAKING NEWS: Patrik Elias is indeed alive! A highlight reel goal and a shootout goal in the same damn game. Did Patrik wake up in 2011? Firing up the old time machine for the holidays? Listen, that backhand doesn't slowly find it's way into the back of the net without the help of the defenseman's stick, but we take our highlight goals however we can get 'em in New Jersey. It's the thought that counts….and the notch on the scoresheet (which have been so rare for St. Patty recently).  I think my criticism of Patty being selected as a 'Star Of The Game' against Ottawa must have struck a nerve. Maybe it wakes him up for the second half of the season, but for now I will settle for the high from last night.

Sidenote: Kinkaid standing behind the net prior to the Elias shootout goal fully encompasses the emotions of every single Devils fan at that moment. I bet if there was a shovel he would have dug a hole to hide in until the shootout was over.

I got to say I am feeling Kinkier than ever. Guy is a stud. Of course that means the mentally retarded fraction of the fan base has to create some goalie controversy in their head. Can't they just accept that our best two players can't play during the same game? Cory has proven to be a great goaltender, and Keith looks to be headed in the same direction. Can't we just be happy that we have one position tied up for the foreseeable future? This Devils roster has enough problems without creating unnecessary controversy. Good for Keith, good the rest of the team. They may not be headed anywhere this year, but wins like last night show that they still have a little bit of pride, and dare I say, a modicum of skill?