Penalty Kill Or Death Penalty? Jag Tits To The Rescue

First of all, very cool scene pre game. Ottawa Strong. Rest in peace to the victims and thoughts and prayers to their  families.

Second of all, whewwwwwwww. Thank God. Needed that one. The Devils have not brought their best hockey the last two games. It would be hard to say they didn't steal a point of the other night against Dallas. Ya know, before inevitably losing another shootout in anti climactic fashion. Whatever. At this point I am just resigned to a shootout being a loss. Surprise me one time Devils. Just one time. They had some good stretches tonight, mostly in the second period. Honestly, probably should have had more than 2 goals in the second. Pretty sure they hit another 45 posts tonight. 

The penalty kill is a fucking abomination. Ready for a little numbers game. The Devils were 1/3 of the way into the season last year when the 11th power play goal against them was scored. This year it took 8 games. For you mathematically handicapped that's over one power play goal against a game. Insanity. I wish I knew how to fix it. Volchenkov would definitely help, but I was all for buying him out so I don't want to be a hypocrite.  Reality is, Volchenkov only got bought out over Salvador because he was making more money. Smart business decision. One thing is evident, Greene has been bad on the penalty kill. He hasn't been too much better anywhere else, but it's increasingly more evident shorthanded. 

Elias must have had a hell of an offseason. I'm not sure what they put in the vodka in the Czech Republic, but it must be pretty strong. No way you can convince me Patty hasn't been drunk since game one. At 4-2-2 I am content with the start, but we are going to need are best players to be our best players sooner rather than later. Elias, Greene, and Salvador all have letters on their chest. Right now they are doing the farthest thing from leading by example. 

I'm not sure this is a fixable problem because of the lack of center depth. However, I would like to see Henrique with Elias a bit more. They definitely have some chemistry together, and maybe Rico can light a fire under Elias' drunk ass. Henrique is easily one of the most talented players on the team. Kid's got hands. Unfortunately, he needs a lot more than hands to diddle himself waiting for Clowe and Ryder to get into the zone. Went from playing with Kovalchuk and Parise to Clowe and Ryder. God bless that beautiful man for signing long term. I swear Ryder only has so many career goals because he's 40 minutes late to the play and the defense forgets he even exists.

Amazing how the 4th line actually has possession time when Tootoo is nursing a sore foot. Definitely a coincidence though. DEFINITELY. He'll be back in the lineup when healthy. YUCK.

I love how involved the defense has been in the scoring. Love it. It is a bit worrisome that our offense is having trouble netting some. Hopefully it balances itself out. I'm so gay for Seversen it is unbelievable. My heart flutters when he winds up. I'm only half kidding. He is so crafty beyond his years. It is honestly making the rest of the defense look bad. Merrill is Paul Martin-lite. I swear he does something once a game where I forget that he isn't Paul Martin. I mean that in a good way. Especially for a second year player.

Last but not least. Jagr. Jag tits. What a beautiful, beautiful bastard. Let him play until he's 60. I don't care. Love his nonchalant cellies after OT goals. Just business as usual for 68. 

Way to keep 'em at bay Schneids. Literally and figuratively.