New Jersey Devils: Top 20 Moments in Continental Airlines Arena

Ben Schwartz by Scribe Written on June 15, 2008
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This Article is one for the fans of the New Jersey Devils & New Jersey Nets.

When we look at New Jersey sports history, we think of Exit 16W off the New Jersey Turnpike, also known as the Meadowlands. In that sports complex lies Giant Stadium and the Brendan Byrne/Continental Airlines Arena (I refuse to call it the Izod Center).

While many critics call the arena dull and say it is in the middle of nowhere, to the many Devils and Nets fans, it is our second home, a place where memories were made. Here are the top 20 moments in this arena's sports history.

Number 20: Devils win first game in history

(10/08/82)

Who better to get the first win in franchise history against the team that tried to block you from coming to New Jersey in the first place? The Devils defeated the New York Rangers 3-2, earning the first win in Devils history.

Number 19: Devils vs. Rangers Game 6 Bench Clearing Brawl

(04/29/92)

There were no signs of friendship in the Devils' first ever playoff series with the cross-town New York Rangers. The high point of that feisty temper came during Game 6 at the Brendan Byrne Arena. The Devils won the game 5-3, but as the game ended the benches cleared and the fighting began.

Scott Stevens, Claude Lemieux, Ken Daneyko, and even Marty Brodeur were some of the Devils players who squared off against the Ranger's Tie Domi, Mark Messier, Joey Kocur, and Adam Graves. While the Devils did end up losing Game 7 at the Garden, the game remains the last game to date where there was a bench-clearing brawl in the NHL.

Number 18: Devils raise 2000 Championship Banner

(10/06/00)

The Devils raised their second championship banner in dominating offensive style. The game was an 8-4 win over the Montreal Canadiens. They got goals from seven different players (Mogilny 2, White, Kelly, Stevenson, Nemchinov, Holik, and Sykora)

Number 17: Devils play their first game against Penguins

(10/05/82)

The Devils finally played their first game in Devils history—a 3-3 tie against the Pittsburgh Penguins. New Jersey captain Don Lever scored the first goal in Devil history. Fans chanted "Chico!" during the ending seconds of the game, in reference to Devils' goaltender Glenn "Chico" Resch, who now serves as the Devils game analyst on MSG+.

Number 16: Devils raise 2003 Championship Banner

(10/16/03)

The Devils raised their 2002-2003 Championship banner and tied the Toronto Maple Leafs in dramatic style. Just like the prior season, this Devils team did not give up as Sergei Brylin scored with 2.2 seconds remaining. The four current Devils who won all three championships (Brodeur, Niedermayer, Brylin, and Stevens) helped raise the banner during pre-game ceremonies.

Number 15: Devils and Sabres Duel in Game 7 of Eastern Conference Quarter Finals

(04/29/94)

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written on June 15, 2008 History

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