Not Just Another Game For The New Jersey Devils

Saint Patrick's Day is a day when we celebrate the patron saint of Ireland by consuming large amounts of green beer, kissing random strangers without actually verifying whether or not they are actually Irish, as their shirt claims, and by eating corned beef and cabbage...not exactly a good compliment to the green beer.

This year, however, Devils fans have an extra special reason to celebrate.

Tomorrow night, for the first time since the last game of the 1991-92 season, the Devils will wear their red and green uniforms.

You can get a sneak peek at what the uni's will look like here .

What's almost forgotten in all the excitement of St. Patrick's Day, and the retro look, is the fact that the Devils will be facing the Pittsburgh Penguins, who they are fighting for first place in the Atlantic Division.

The Devils are only two points behind the Penguins for the division lead, and still have one game in hand.

The Devils are 5-0 this season against Pittsburgh, and this game could mean the difference between second in the conference, or fourth/fifth. The Devils have a much easier schedule than the Pens down the stretch, facing only three teams that are currently playoff eligible in their last 13 games. Of course, for the Devils, that may be a bad thing.

But this game is different. The "Christmas Tree" uniforms will bring back some great memories for me, even if it's only for one night. It will bring back memories of my first live hockey game. November 14th, 1986.

That game, against these same Penguins, was a 5-4 win for the Devils. I don't remember who scored; I don't care. It'll bring back memories of how fast those guys were on the ice. Memories about how I instantly fell in love with this game which, compared to all the other sports I was watching as an 11-year-old, offered non-stop action, excitement and fighting!

This is an important game for the Devils. But because of the refusal by the organization to break from tradition, this game is just as important to the fans.  By not unveiling a third jersey, a new color scheme every few years, logo changes,  and other silly ploy's to get their fans to purchase a new jersey every year, they have made this night special. Special because of tradition.

For the older, true fans, it will bring back those memories. The memories of seeing some young, new goalie wearing No. 29.

For the younger, newer fans, it will give them a chance to see the only other uniform the team has ever worn in New Jersey. A true look back at what was worn 18 years ago, without the distraction of all those other silly uniforms to think about.

In the end, every Devils fan in attendance will be rooting hard for a Devils win, especially against Crosby and the Pens.

Win or lose, tomorrow night is already a win for me.