Morning Skate: Devil without a clue

by Casey Richey on Jan 26, 2011 8:05 AM CST in Game Preview

No, I'm not implying that the Devils are clueless (except for maybe contracts to overrated one-way forwards) but rather it's a song from my friend's band that just happened to pop up on the shuffle this morning.

The Devils have bounced back a bit lately, winning their last 4 and are 6-3-1 in their last 10, more of what the fans of the NHL have become used to. In those 6 wins, they've knocked off the Flyers, Penguins and the Bolts (twice) so they're not beating the Islanders for 6 wins (okay...the Islanders were one of the wins, but you get the point). That said, the Devils still have a bad offense at this point and rank last in the NHL with 2.0 goals for per game. The Wings are 2nd in the league in goals for per game and will need to put that to use against a New Jersey team that's starting to play better defensively.

The Wings, on the other hand, have played poorly of late alternating wins and losses while some of the star players and goalies have sat out with injuries. However, the Wings are hoping for good news on the injury front after this game as Pavel Datsyuk and Dan Cleary are both shooting for a return to the line-up after the All-Star break. The Wings will look up to win tonight's game and have a positive vibe going into the break.

In Lou We Trust is your SB Nation Devils' site, give it a look. Just don't make a deal with the devil.

Analysis, a birthday wish, and the form after the jump.

Jimmy Howard will start in net tonight, like he has so many other times this season. Hopefully he has a solid night tonight on VERSUS. No, I'm not getting paid for that, just reminding you all.
Did you know that the Red Wings already have more points this year (64) than the Oilers had at season's end last year (62)? So, there's that.
Ilya Kovalchuk has 14 goals so he's finally surpassed Patrick Eaves, who has 13. But, Kovy's goals are costing his team $428k right now while Eaves' are costing the Wings about $57k. I like Eaves.
Patrik Elias leads the Devils in points with 36 (13 G, 23 A) and is a selection for the All-Star game. Even at 34, Elias is quietly one of the better players in the league and is leading the Devils in the down year.
Happy birthday to former Winging It In Motown manager Christy! I owe Christy a big thanks for bringing me on board a little under two years ago and getting me really involved in this community. I thank her even more for establishing a great community and then trusting me with the reigns to that community. Happy Birthday, Christy! Hope it's a good one.
Score Prediction: 4-2 Wings. I think the Wings rev it up pretty high after a few poor performances and go into the break strong.
Player of the game prediction: Johan Franzen. Someday, I will be right. Make it tonight, Mule.

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Comments

3-1 Detroit - Filppula

It’s weird to be doing these again.

by J.J. from Kansas on Jan 26, 2011 9:31 AM CST reply actions

4-3 Wings - Helm

This is the type of game that just SCREAMS Darren Helm. I think he has a great game tonight. This should be a much better game than the last time these two played, since the Devils are actually kind of good now.

by Amerinadian on Jan 26, 2011 9:37 AM CST reply actions

You decided to go with"over" not “under” the 6 you threw out on TP:60, eh?

by Red, White and a Mile high on Jan 26, 2011 10:16 AM CST up reply actions

Haha

Absolutely – both in terms of the score and the beers (not really, since it’s a Wednesday and I’m watching my kids tonight – somehow being that drunk would not sit well with Child Services).

And I’m just glad you listened.

by Amerinadian on Jan 26, 2011 10:21 AM CST up reply actions

I love TP:60

except for Disch’s teeeeeerrrrrrrrible sound issues the last 2 episodes

by Red, White and a Mile high on Jan 26, 2011 10:22 AM CST up reply actions

i need to catch up

i’ve yet to listen to this week’s

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Jan 26, 2011 10:25 AM CST up reply actions

What?

I thought we were friends. It’s me and Malik, so once again it’s the “All-Accent” show.

by Amerinadian on Jan 26, 2011 10:25 AM CST up reply actions

haha i was busy making photoshops yesterday, you know this.

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Jan 26, 2011 10:28 AM CST up reply actions

so the Red Wings are going to give up three goals AGAIN?!

by uvgt2bkdnme on Jan 26, 2011 10:26 AM CST up reply actions

Oddly enough, we also have the same amount of points now that the Devils are on pace to have all season.

I feel bad for Brodeur. Really do. One of the greatest players the league has ever seen and also one of the most dedicated to his team (I can’t recall him ever saying he was displeased with them) and he gets to watch his team go up in flames in the final years of his marvelous career. He deserves better than this.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Jan 26, 2011 9:54 AM CST reply actions

part of the Devils' TERRIBLE season

has to do with Brodeur being complete **** in net for the Devils early on. he’s since (more or less) found his game.

by uvgt2bkdnme on Jan 26, 2011 10:27 AM CST up reply actions

3-2 Detroit (OT), Mule

I’d rather win a close game than a blowout. At this point, I think we all would love to see our defense win a game for us. We have proven that scoring goals isn’t a problem this season. Now its time to prove ourselves in the other end of the ice.

This is a little bit OT, but I am loving Yak’s (Kuba, Amazon) play as of late. He has been doing an awesome job of keeping it simple and I’m impressed. He also looks to be a fairly gifted puck-mover when he carries it through the neutral zone. What do you guys think of him?

by PavelsBabbles on Jan 26, 2011 10:00 AM CST reply actions

4-2 Wings - Z

end the pre all star half a good way…thanks

LETS GO RED WINGS!

2011 will be the year....better be....

Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."

by TuLoRocks2008 on Jan 26, 2011 10:12 AM CST reply actions

Every player I pick for PotG ends up having an awful game, and is often the worst Wings player on the ice. It’s like my picks are cursed. Maybe I should pick someone on the opposing team just to throw some voodoo at them. Brodeur…you will have an “awesome” game tongiht.

by Red, White and a Mile high on Jan 26, 2011 10:20 AM CST reply actions

me too brother, me too.

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Jan 26, 2011 10:21 AM CST up reply actions

cue Brodeur record-extending shutout

i will take all the blame for it if it ends up happening.

by uvgt2bkdnme on Jan 26, 2011 10:25 AM CST up reply actions

4-1 Red Wings, Helm

Darren Helm will eat Ilya Kovalchuk alive. actually, Kovalchuk will try to because Helm will frustrate him all night in a potential PP vs. PK matchup, but Ilya just wont be able to catch up.

glad to see at least ONE of my BOLD predictions still has a VERY GOOD chance of coming true. (10. Ilya Kovalchuk will not score 35+ goals.) why the hell did the Devils decide to start playing better hockey as they were about to face the Red Wings?

by uvgt2bkdnme on Jan 26, 2011 10:24 AM CST reply actions

Same Pick for me!

for very similar reasons!

Also – nice on the Ilya call tho he still could get it through garbage time

"A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day." ~ Calvin (C & H)

by Igorzba on Jan 26, 2011 11:30 AM CST up reply actions

for a while

as Kovalchuk was slumping through the 41-game first half (as opposed to the All-Star break first half), i thought i was being too conservative. but it looks like 35 will be a safe number, and kind of bold considering he’s scored 40+ over the last how many seasons in a row and was entering the prime of his career.

by uvgt2bkdnme on Jan 26, 2011 11:48 AM CST up reply actions

Same here

I thought 4-1 Z was going to be a popular pick, so I changed it to Helm.

by Elfuego51 on Jan 26, 2011 3:53 PM CST up reply actions

I don't think I've ever got POG right

Mule should be doing better for me.

by Gander on Jan 26, 2011 10:28 AM CST reply actions

Yea I feel you pain - I think i'm about the equivalent to Brett Lebda when it comes to making POTG picks

"A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day." ~ Calvin (C & H)

by Igorzba on Jan 26, 2011 11:31 AM CST up reply actions

Nah

You have positive 2 points. You’re kicking Lebda’s ass.

by J.J. from Kansas on Jan 26, 2011 11:33 AM CST up reply actions

at least

you dont get a -3 rating in a game your team wins 9-3

by uvgt2bkdnme on Jan 26, 2011 11:46 AM CST up reply actions

3-1 Detroit, POG Zetterberg.

Kovy will be a -2 tonight.
Lidstrom will be +2.

by Veihl789 on Jan 26, 2011 10:45 AM CST reply actions

4-3 Wings, Lidstrom for POG

I doubt the Wings will hold NJ to under three goals just because…well do they ever hold anyone to under three anymore? TPH will have a good game, put in a power play goal, and will also be perfect as usual

by HockeyGuy9125 on Jan 26, 2011 11:07 AM CST reply actions

not really related to the thread but...

puck daddy has an article on Shea Weber today. He is a RF at the end of this season and potentially UFA at the end of the next. Would/Should Detroit take a run at him if Lidstrom heads into the sunset this year or the next? I would think they should. He may like playing in front of fan base that gives a damn.

by Eric @ PRBU on Jan 26, 2011 11:14 AM CST reply actions

Not as an RFA

The money he would command would likely lead to us losing a 1st and 3rd round pick.

I really like Shea Weber, but I also really like not giving the Predators two of our draft picks for compensation. Ryan Suter has more to do with how solid Nashville’s D is than Shea Weber.

What I think will happen:

Listrom plays one more year and Weber gets locked up long-term by Nashville before it becomes an issue for us anyway.

by J.J. from Kansas on Jan 26, 2011 11:22 AM CST up reply actions

I'm doing it right this time.

Put a beer in the cold side of the fridge last night. I’m going to be SO prepared tonight.

by Papusica on Jan 26, 2011 11:22 AM CST reply actions

Outstanding

I myself have a 6-pack of 1554 in the fridge ready and waiting.

Think about how stupid the average person is, and then realize that half of them are even stupider! --George Carlin

by J_Stone on Jan 26, 2011 11:29 AM CST up reply actions

mmmmmm 1554

I prefer the O’Dells brews myself, but New Belgium got it right with the 1554. (Yeah, I live in the Fort, too)

by Red, White and a Mile high on Jan 26, 2011 11:36 AM CST up reply actions

2-1 (OT), Detroit

Z as PotG. The Devils have come on as of late, but the Wings have had more time off to practice/gel their cobbled-up lines together. Predicting a defensive struggle (obviously), but our forward corps overpowers New Jersey’s ability to contain them.

Think about how stupid the average person is, and then realize that half of them are even stupider! --George Carlin

by J_Stone on Jan 26, 2011 11:30 AM CST reply actions

Prediction Contest Points Update

Been a while since we’ve updated you all, but here goes.

DetroitSports leads the pack with 10.5 points thanks to a bonus pick, 2 score hits and 4 PotG hits (and the half point is for correctly guessing Auburn over Oregon in the BCS National Championship)

Right behind is onevilklown with 8.5 points, who holds the half-point advantage over Rock n Rye.

Within one correct score-and-PotG combo pick, Mardiros Efendi (7 points) and kylegroombridge (6.5 points) could take or tie for the lead.

Baroque sits behind them with 6 points and a razor-sharp mind for prediction.

Red, White and a Mile High has 5.5 points, while ElFuego51 and LeftWingLocked each have 4.5

Still plenty of season left to get your predictions in and right to win that fantastic end-of-season prize.

by J.J. from Kansas on Jan 26, 2011 11:31 AM CST reply actions

Cool and Thanks...

and soo gross :-/ — Must make this list by years’ end!

(predictions go thru playoffs or just regular season?)

~Welcome Back!

"A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day." ~ Calvin (C & H)

by Igorzba on Jan 26, 2011 11:33 AM CST up reply actions

You know, I’m not entirely sure whether we’ll run it through the playoffs. My gut says “why not?”

by J.J. from Kansas on Jan 26, 2011 11:35 AM CST up reply actions

Have I managed to get A point yet?

Dancing Datsyuk Decidedly Dazzles Dainty Defensemen

by Robocop on Jan 26, 2011 11:33 AM CST up reply actions

Sadly, no

I don’t even know how that happens.

by J.J. from Kansas on Jan 26, 2011 11:36 AM CST up reply actions

Apparently, I am terrible at predicting the score, and/or who will be our PotG.

Which means tonight is guaranteed to NOT be a 4-1 Wings win nor will Ericsson be the PotG.

Dancing Datsyuk Decidedly Dazzles Dainty Defensemen

by Robocop on Jan 26, 2011 12:47 PM CST up reply actions

picking Ericsson for PotG certainly doesn’t help your chances. He’s been playing like microwaved garbage.

by Red, White and a Mile high on Jan 26, 2011 12:53 PM CST up reply actions

This is true.

But picking guys who haven’t been playing like crap hasn’t been working.

So I needed to change SOMETHING. And I just can’t bring myself to enter a score that puts the Wings on the losing end.

Dancing Datsyuk Decidedly Dazzles Dainty Defensemen

by Robocop on Jan 26, 2011 1:05 PM CST up reply actions

Maybe you should write "X Ways To Get a Prediction Right"

by Elfuego51 on Jan 26, 2011 6:00 PM CST up reply actions

holy hell

I have ONE point. that’s pathetic.

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Jan 26, 2011 11:56 AM CST up reply actions

is there a point sheet of some sort?

i want to know how much i suck at this game lol

by Dubie on Jan 26, 2011 11:58 AM CST up reply actions

Check this out

JJ has hit the double-bonus twice, giving him 8 points, plus he’s got 1 score and 2 PotG right, for a total of 11.5 (because he picked Auburn). I have 4 scores and 3 PotG right and Auburn, for 7.5.

It’s all about hitting the bonus. You do that and you’re golden.

But Casey sucks at this.

by Amerinadian on Jan 26, 2011 1:21 PM CST up reply actions

Just bonus, baby!

by J.J. from Kansas on Jan 26, 2011 2:02 PM CST up reply actions

Also

In fairness, if you break the bonuses to their components, that means I have 3 score and 4 PotG to your 4 score and 3 PotG

Also, I’m only winning because I’m ineligible.

by J.J. from Kansas on Jan 26, 2011 2:04 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed

And again, to reiterate: Casey sucks at this, even without the pressure of being able to actually win anything.

by Amerinadian on Jan 26, 2011 2:12 PM CST up reply actions

you’re doing the pushups now.

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Jan 26, 2011 2:25 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs

Hahaha

That was awesome.

by Amerinadian on Jan 26, 2011 2:29 PM CST up reply actions

I don’t care if it’s an inside joke; that’s getting a rec.

by J.J. from Kansas on Jan 26, 2011 3:00 PM CST up reply actions

i assume i have at least 3 or 4???

LETS GO RED WINGS!

2011 will be the year....better be....

Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."

by TuLoRocks2008 on Jan 26, 2011 12:06 PM CST up reply actions

you sir are at 6

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Jan 26, 2011 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

ahh really...where is my name then Mr, J J

LETS GO RED WINGS!

2011 will be the year....better be....

Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."

by TuLoRocks2008 on Jan 26, 2011 12:22 PM CST up reply actions

I apologize for that

an oversight to be sure. Numbers can be confusing.

EVERYBODY! TULOROCKS2008 HAS SIX POINTS!

by J.J. from Kansas on Jan 26, 2011 1:02 PM CST up reply actions

haha

woo i feel special now lol

LETS GO RED WINGS!

2011 will be the year....better be....

Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."

by TuLoRocks2008 on Jan 26, 2011 1:21 PM CST up reply actions

Tell me I've got at least one point

What’s the bonus pick? Hitting on both score and POTG?

I'm expecting 100% improvement from the Lions this season.

by ahtrap on Jan 26, 2011 1:35 PM CST up reply actions

3 points for you sir.

And the bonus is either that or a streak.

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Jan 26, 2011 1:37 PM CST up reply actions

a streak, eh?

Too bad that would entail me actually remembering to fill out the form before every game.

I'm expecting 100% improvement from the Lions this season.

by ahtrap on Jan 26, 2011 4:37 PM CST up reply actions

Any idea what I have?

a ‘Φ’ ? a ö? a ßor is it some arabic numeral?

"I was in the pool! I WAS IN THE POOL!I was in the pool! I WAS IN THE POOL!"

by bharatwaj5 on Jan 26, 2011 3:27 PM CST up reply actions

3

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Jan 26, 2011 3:31 PM CST up reply actions

Ha ha ha

I thought I had only 2 points + the BCS for 2.5. I must get good interest on my prediction points.

by Elfuego51 on Jan 26, 2011 3:55 PM CST up reply actions

4-3 Wings, Bert

I got a feeling…

by Dubie on Jan 26, 2011 11:44 AM CST reply actions

A feeling deep inside?

Oh yeah.

by Amerinadian on Jan 26, 2011 11:48 AM CST up reply actions

we're quoting the beatles now?

by Eric @ PRBU on Jan 26, 2011 11:55 AM CST up reply actions

Actually,

I was going for….“that tonight’s gonna be a good night”.

But yours is acceptable as well.

by Dubie on Jan 26, 2011 11:58 AM CST up reply actions

That song was my first reaction too

But I honestly hope that Bert doesn’t get anywhere deep inside of me

by plopperrawr on Jan 26, 2011 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

if by acceptable you mean better...then yes

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Jan 26, 2011 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

i love me some beatles,

but like the above poster said…i hope bert doesn’t get anywhere close to deep inside me

by Dubie on Jan 26, 2011 12:17 PM CST up reply actions

that tonight's gonna be a good, good night?

That freaking song is everywhere.

by Elfuego51 on Jan 26, 2011 3:56 PM CST up reply actions

3-1 wings, drew miller

I Like Pie

by mrsunshine on Jan 26, 2011 11:48 AM CST reply actions

5-4 Detroit

I still dont think we’ve gotten over this 4 goals against per game. but i refuse to let the wings lose in any of my game predictions.

Oh also Filppula is potg. He will step up tonight, unless he still has the flu.

by holmstrom96 on Jan 26, 2011 12:42 PM CST reply actions

3-1 Wings, Z PotG

One day, my ship will come in. Problem is, I will probably be at the airport. Z has got to come through for me some day. The score, on the other hand, may just be wishful thinking.

by zfan16 on Jan 26, 2011 12:51 PM CST reply actions

3-2 Wings, Filpulla

Don't Panic!

by 42jeff on Jan 26, 2011 1:01 PM CST reply actions

5-1, Franzen.

I sadly won’t be able to watch tonite, as much as that kills me.. I have class.. dang class..

by kylegroombridge on Jan 26, 2011 1:18 PM CST reply actions

5-4 Wings, Eaves

Same here, class 6-whenever tonight. shakes fist

Harvester of tires, master of bad humor.
Troll nation unite!

by onevilklown on Jan 26, 2011 1:19 PM CST reply actions

4-3 Detroit, Franzen

Someday, Casey will be right about the Mule. Why not tonight?

Versus, eh? Might have to go home and try to finish up work from there. While watching a hockey game.

I'm expecting 100% improvement from the Lions this season.

by ahtrap on Jan 26, 2011 1:24 PM CST reply actions

Also.. watch out Mr. Chan... He's an alien waffle bodysnatcher!

Harvester of tires, master of bad humor.
Troll nation unite!

by onevilklown on Jan 26, 2011 1:24 PM CST reply actions

Wafflesnatching should be a capital offense

Leggo my Eggo!

I'm expecting 100% improvement from the Lions this season.

by ahtrap on Jan 26, 2011 1:31 PM CST up reply actions

But what if....

….you’re snatching the waffles in order to throw them at the Leafs?

Dancing Datsyuk Decidedly Dazzles Dainty Defensemen

by Robocop on Jan 26, 2011 1:45 PM CST up reply actions

well umm...

if you kidnap the waffle-in-chief and take him to another country… im sure you’d be in big poodo

Harvester of tires, master of bad humor.
Troll nation unite!

by onevilklown on Jan 26, 2011 1:59 PM CST up reply actions

3-1 Detroit Patrick Eaves has a big night. I think Franzen might be a poor pick, as was mentioned recently in the CSSI updates and comments that he is only giving 100% near the end of each game and might be taking it easier till playoffs.

by Kazoowingsfan on Jan 26, 2011 1:25 PM CST reply actions

Some free tickets just found their way into my paws, via the girlfriend. ALWAYS a good way to end the day.

by PavelsBabbles on Jan 26, 2011 2:54 PM CST reply actions

2-1 Detroit, Jimmy Howard

Most likely won’t be around for the LB, and I for sure won’t be able to see the game tonight. Got some bad news that my Grandma passed away Sunday morning at age 96. I was in Houston by Monday morning, and just got to Colombia yesterday. Hopefully we can pull out a nice win for my Abuela Marcela.

by NatiTalia on Jan 26, 2011 3:04 PM CST reply actions