Hockey played by adults, that is. For some reason the Devils seem to play at an energy level somewhere between “lethargy” and “sloth” in the matinee slot. Maybe it was the big shutout over the Islanders, maybe it’s just a time when the Meadowlands is usually amping up for Disney on Ice. Either way, it was an ugly loss to Tampa Bay today.
Yes, the Devils had to lose at some point after reeling off four in a row, and there will be games that are just plain ugly to watch, but this was bad. Like lack of offense bad. Even Gomez’ goal was kind of a half-shot; it was more of a pass that bounced in.
Everything will be beautiful again on Valentine’s Day, because it’s supposed to be that way. And Les Habitants arrivees, and the only thing that looks more run-down than the Devils did today is Alexi Kovalev.
Hockey was ugly in the daylight today. But it was equally stunning tonight.
Ice Dragons 7, Americans 4. Yours truly notched his first-ever multi-point game, with a goal and an assist, although the assist deserves equal credit to the referee who was generous with the helpers tonight. It helps that the ref is a former teammate of mine, who was also a teammate of Zdeno Chara’s back in the Czech Republic, although more than 25 years and lots of hockey separate the worlds. It was a night of strange bounces, including one that our goalie tipped into our own net, and one that my line’s center clanged off the crossbar, hitting the Americans goalie in the back, and falling into the net. It was a thing of Rocket Power cartoon dynamics, and just as much fun.
With the Czech connection, a pair of snowmen on the scoresheet, and some good natured kidding all around, it was a beautiful night of hockey. Although my one attempt at a breakaway was so slow that even Kovalev could have caught me. While limping. From Russia.
