New Jersey Devils: The Top 10 Moments at Prudential Center
The Devils played at the Continental Airlines Arena (originally known as Brendan J. Byrne Arena) in East Rutherford, NJ from their inception in 1982 through the 2006-07 season before moving to Newark, NJ in the plush new Prudential Center. There were tons of memories in the old building, ranging from the obvious (three Stanley Cup championships and four Stanley Cup Final appearances) to the not so obvious (334 club - Jan 22, 1987.
The new building doesn't quite have the history of the old one just yet, but let's take a look at the brief history, and recap the top moments... and I will note how many of the ten I attended, which I have been fortunate enough to attend, which is most of them.
Keep in mind though, it only includes games at the Prudential Center, it does not take into account games that were played on the road, so games like Martin Brodeur's 551st win in Montreal, or Dainius Zubrus' four-goal game, or any other game the Devils played outside of the Prudential Center, was not considered here.
With the Devils' recent surge, it's possible some of the events of this season could work their way onto this list......
Did I leave anything out you think should have been included? I look forward to your comments below....
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10 February 15, 2009: Devils Defeat San Jose Sharks 6-5
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In what was a wild back and forth game, the Devils welcomed the San Jose Sharks to town for a matchup that did not disappoint. In a game that saw five ties and six lead changes, the Devils defeated the Sharks, 6-5. The scoring would start just 30 seconds into the game, when Brian Gionta would beat Evgeni Nabakov to give the Devils the early 1-0 lead.
The Sharks would respond to the Devils, matching a goal three straight times, before Devin Setogucchi scored a power play goal with just 13 seconds left in the second period to give the Sharks a 4-3 lead after two periods.
Patrik Elias and Jamie Langenbrunner responded with power play goals of their own early in the third to give the Devils a 5-4 lead. However, the lead would only last a little over three minutes, as Joe Pavelski knotted the score with a short handed tally.
David Clarkson would score the game winner on yet another power play, with just 3:32 left in the game, sending the home crowd, including yours truly, home happy. It was definitely a great game to enjoy at the Rock.
It was a game that featured six special teams goals, 61 shots on net and 11 total goals, and the Devils prevailed to move their record to 31-15-1 without Martin Brodeur, who was out at the time (and since a November 1, 2008) with a tendon injury to his left arm. With the win, his replacement, Scott Clemmensen, became the first Devils goalie not named Brodeur to win 25 games in a season.
One other side note was the return of Claude Lemieux to New Jersey. Lemieux, at age 44, was in the midst of making a short-lived comeback after being retired for five seasons. He received a nice ovation from the Devils faithful, who saw Lemieux win two Stanley Cups as a Devil (and four overall in his NHL career).
Three Stars of the Game:
1- David Clarkson
2- Jamie Langenbrunner
3- Patrik Elias
9 October 31, 2007: Devils Defeat Tampa Bay Lightning 6-1
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Because of the construction running a little longer than anticipated, the Devils were forced to start the 2007-08 season on a nine-game road trip. They held their own at 3-5-1, but looked forward to opening the new building, which they did on October 27, 2007, a game they lost 4-1 to the Ottawa Senators. The first win, would come four days later in their second home game, as they defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-1.
The game featured the first hat trick at the Prudential Center, as Jay Pandolfo netted three goals. The third goal was on a scoring change after the fact so the fans did not have the chance to litter the ice with hats, which normally happens after a home team player scores a hat trick. The Devils has been struggling some at that point of the year, and it seemed like this team took the Devils out of a scoring funk.
The normally "offensively challenged" duo of John Madden and Jay Pandolfo combined for four goals, four assists and a plus-eight rating. The other two goals were added by Zach Parise and Aaron Asham. The Devils outshot the Lightning 30-23, and were led by Zach Parise, who had seven shots on the night, along with six from Pandolfo.
You would think there might have been some association with the Halloween night game, but while I was only at home watching the game, I don't recall there being any type of promotion that coincided with the holiday. But, it is fitting to some that Pandolfo scoring a hat trick would be considered spooky.
Three Stars of the Game:
1- Jay Pandolfo
2- John Madden
3- Vitaly Vishnevski
8 March 1, 2009: Devils Defeat Philadelphia Flyers 3-0
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The New Jersey Devils hosted the rival Philadelphia Flyers on March 1, 2009 with goaltender Martin Brodeur in line to set another milestone, as he looked for his 100th career shutout. Unlike a win, a shutout is definitely less predictable, so it was not like fans could go into the game expecting a shutout, especially against a high powered offense like the Flyers. But, the fans who attended the game were in for a treat.
Things got off to a great start for the Devils with Jamie Langenbrunner converting on a one-time pass from Zach Parise to give the Devils a 1-0 lead just 3:51 into the game. For Langenbrunner, it was his 20th goal of the season, but also the 200th of his career.
Brian Gionta would give the Devils breathing room when he deflected a Johnny Oduya point shot past Flyers goalie Martin Biron just 37 seconds into the second period. Oduya would add his own goal in the third period, as the Devils defeated the Flyers, 3-0, giving Brodeur his second shutout in three games after returning from having missed 50 games due to surgery to repair a torn bicep muscle. Brodeur also became only the second NHL goaltender to post his 100th shutout, following in the steps of the great Terry Sawchuk (all-time leader then at 103 shutouts).
While Brodeur was called on to make some quality saves amongst the 27 he faced, the Devils dominated most of the action, peppering Martin Biron for 44 shots, and the outcome was never really much in doubt once the Devils had taken the lead. With the win, the Devils widened the gap in their Atlantic Division lead on the second place Flyers.
For Brodeur, it was a great milestone, but didn't come close to what lied ahead, as he would go on a couple of weeks later to set the NHL all-time win record. For the team, they were on a hot streak and feeling good about themselves after having Marty return healthy to the lineup, on their way to earning another Division title.
Three Stars of the Game:
1- Martin Brodeur
2- Johnny Oduya
3- Jamie Langenbrunner
7 December 12, 2008: Devils Defeat New York Rangers 8-5
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The New Jersey Devils have had their shares of ups and downs against the New York Rangers over the years. Since the Prudential Center was built, the Rangers have had the upper hand in the matchup. However, the night of December 12, 2008 won't soon be forgotten by the Devils and their fans.
It had been fifteen years since a Devils goalie not named Brodeur had beaten the Rangers, but on this night, Scott Clemmensen and the Devils endured the hardships and overcame a surge by the Rangers, and won 8-5, despite blowing a four goal lead. After Dainius Zubrus scored a goal at 11:33 of the second period, it gave the Devils a seemingly comfortable 5-1 lead.
By 11:18 of the third, Ryan Callahan had scored to knot the score at five, and put a lot of doubt in the minds of the Devils. However, it took just 11 seconds to erase that doubt as Patrik Elias banged home a feed from Dainius Zubrus to give the Devils back the lead. Under two minutes later, Brian Gionta would score off yet another Zubrus pass. And just over two minutes past that, Jamie Langenbrunner would add the icing to the victory cake.
The Devils, who had so many struggles in the previous games against Henrik Lundqvist, scorched him for eight goals on thirty-four shots. Travis Zajac netted two goals, while Zubrus, Gionta and Elias all had at least a goal and two assists, and Zach Parise had four assists.
In what was a back and forth game that saw tons of action, thirteen goals were scored, and their was no lack of physical play either, as four different fights took place. It was definitely a memorable night at the Prudential Center for Devils fans, and although I wasn't there that night, I can't see too many people who attended the game don't remember it well.
Three Stars of the Game:
1- Patrik Elias
2- Brian Gionta
3- Travis Zajac
6 January 30, 2009: Devils Defeat Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 in OT
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Doc Emrick is the voice of not only the New Jersey Devils, but many might say also of the entire National Hockey League. His work for NBC, Versus and for the Devils has helped promote the game to countless people across the world. For his work and dedication to hockey, Mike "Doc" Emrick was given the Foster Hewitt award and entry to the Hockey Hall of Fame. He was honored by the Devils for this award before the January 30th game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. From everyone who I've ever talked to that has been around Doc Emrick, he's as good a man as he is an announcer.
In the quick ceremony that took place, Emrick deflected as much of the attention as he could, but the fans and players gave Emrick the ovation he deserved. I know I was happy to be in attendence to celebrate his work, he is deserving of any and all accolades that may come his way.
As for the game itself, it did not disappoint either. The Devils overcame both 2-0 and 3-1 deficits to beat the Penguins 4-3 in overtime. in a game where Jamie Langenbrunner scored his second straight overtime winner in consecutive days.
Langenbrunner not only scored the game winner, but he also scored the game tying goal with just 31 seconds left in the game as well. Brendan Shanahan and Bobby Holik scored the other goals. Zach Parise and Langenbrunner both led the team with seven shots on goal, as the Devils outshot Pittsburgh by a 43-16 margin.
It seemed Pittsburgh may have sat back after scoring goals 20 seconds apart midway through the first period, and the Devils were able to come back and make them pay for it, in what was definitely another memorable night at the Rock.
Three Stars of the Game:
1- Jamie Langenbrunner
2- Evgeni Malkin
3- Sidney Crosby
5 April 23, 2009: Devils Defeat Carolina Hurricanes 1-0
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The resume of Martin Brodeur is quite special and puts him at or near the list of the all-time greats. His list of achievements is pretty extensive and he's put together many special performances. However, I'm not sure that any are better than he displayed on the night of April 23, 2009 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
Brodeur was coming off a Game 4 that simply didn't end the way Brodeur or any of his teammates wanted. After what he (and others) thought should have been goalie interference, Brodeur showed rare on-ice emotion and broke his stick on the boards on his way off the ice. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can get back to the top, and it seemed this was the case with Brodeur, who put together an unbelievable game, posting 44 saves in a 1-0 victory for the Devils.
I've seen looks of determination from many athletes over the years, but I've never seen one that matches the look Brodeur showed that night. It seemed that no matter how long the game would last, Brodeur was simply not going to give up a goal. Not on this night. Thankfully, David Clarkson scored a second-period power-play goal to give the Devils the only goal of the evening.
It's not to overlook the fine performance by Carolina goaltender Cam Ward, who also had a great game and probably deserving of a better fate, but he just went against a player that refused to be denied. Some might wonder why this selection was made, considering the downturn the series took after this game, but for one night, the Devils, specifically Martin Brodeur, put on a show that will never soon be forgotten.
Three Stars of the Game:
1- Martin Brodeur
2- David Clarkson
3- Andy Greene
4 February 5th, 2010: Devils Defeat Toronto Maple Leafs, 4-3
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The Devils made a huge splash on the trade front on February 4, 2010, acquiring Ilya Kovalchuk from the Atlanta Thrashers. The Prudential Center had a great atmosphere the next night when the Toronto Maple Leafs came to town, with a special buzz in the crowd as everyone anticipated how the superstar would fit in with his new teammates.
The night did not go well to start for the Devils, as the Maple Leafs held a 3-1 third period lead. That is when things really got interesting, as in the span of just two minutes and 45 seconds, the Devils scored three goals, including the game winner by Jay Pandolfo with just 19 seconds left to give the Devils a surprising 4-3 regulation victory.
Kovalchuk didn't score a goal, but definitely made his presence felt throughout the game, wowing the home crowd with a few dazzling displays of speed and stick handling. He would finish the game with two assist(s) and only one shot on goal, but the stats alone didn't quite tell the entire story of what Kovalchuk's arrival did to the imagination of the team and its fans of what his talents could add to the team.
There wasn't anyone in the building that night who didn't begin to wonder all of the amazing things that could potentially come to be with the addition of Kovalchuk to what already seemed a strong Devils lineup. And the great comeback didn't hurt matters either, capped off by a rare goal from Pandolfo to boot.
Three Stars of the Game:
1- Jay Pandolfo
2- Travis Zajac
3- Ilya Kovalchuk
3 April 3, 2009: Devils Defeat Tampa Bay Lightning 5-4
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After the mammoth achievement of setting the NHL All-time Wins record on March 17, 2009, the Devils looked for an appropriate time to honor Martin Brodeur and his 552nd win. The date of April 3, 2009 was selected which was intended to coincide with a scheduled night off for Brodeur. Sometimes, the best plans don't turn out as intended, as backup Kevin Weekes was injured just 57 seconds into the second period with a leg injury and the Devils trailing 1-0.
For Brodeur, it was his first relief stint in over 11 years, and I think the pregame ceremony may have took a toll to an extent as Brodeur stopped just seven of 10 shots, but was still able to pick up career win number 554, while playing a little over 4. For the Devils, it was the end of a rare six-game losing streak, and a much needed good offensive showing with the five goal output, as they defeated the Lightning 5-4 in overtime.
With the Devils down 2-0 in the second period, the clear momentum changer came when a penalty shot was awarded to the Devils when Tampa Bay goaltender Karri Ramo threw his stick to stop a puck, which is an automatic call. The Devils chose Brendan Shanahan to take the shot and he did not disappoint, beating Ramo between the legs, and seemingly instantly remove the burden of offensive struggles the Devils were carrying at the time.
Jay Pandolfo would end a 21-game goal less streak with a tally just 1:45 later, and Jamie Langenbrunner would give the Devils a 3-2 lead with a power play goal a little under four minutes later at 18:29 of the second.
Despite blowing 3-2 and 4-3 leads in the third period, the Devils were able to get the much needed victory when Zach Parise netted his 43rd goal of the year at 1:21 of the overtime period.
In what was a very topsy-turvy game, the Devils triumphed and ended their six-game losing streak in what was a very exciting game. I ended up buying seats to this game outside of my season ticket package, in order to enjoy the ceremony for Brodeur, and was rewarded with the great comeback started by the Brendan Shanahan penalty shot, which along with the Brodeur ceremony, made it the third most memorable game in the short history of the Prudential Center.
Three Stars of the Game:
1- Zach Parise
2- Martins Karsums
3- Jamie Langenbrunner
2 March 17, 2010: Devils Defeat Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2
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With today being St. Patrick's Day, it's a great time to reflect on last year's "Turn Back the Clock Night," when the Devils wore their red and green jerseys for the first time since the 1992-93 preseason, which put the end to the "Christmas tree jerseys." On this night, the Devils paid homage to their past with a big 5-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The only player on the Devils who had originally worn the red and green was goaltender Martin Brodeur, who wore a replica mask of the one he wore back in his rookie season. He also had the number 29 painted on the back of his mask, which was the number he wore when he first came up as a Devil. With the old school uniforms and mask, it made for quite an atmosphere to experience.
As for the game, the Devils finished off a season sweep of 6-0 against the divsion rival Penguins, moving into a first place tie in the standings. The Devils capitalized on several Penguins turnovers, turning them into breakaway goals by Dainius Zubrus, Paul Martin and Patrik Elias (shorthanded) to give the Devils a 3-1 lead.
Zach Parise would add a goal, and with the outcome not much in doubt, the game turned more and more into a party and celebration for the fans, compounded by both the St. Patrick's Day holiday and retro jerseys. It was a game I was extremely pleased to attend, and a game I definitely won't soon forget.
Three Stars of the Night:
1- Patrik Elias
2- Paul Martin
3- Martin Brodeur
1 March 17, 2009: Devils Defeat Chicago Blackhawks 3-2
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It was a night most Devils fans won't soon forget, March 17, 2009, as two long time Devils made history, one league-wide, and one team-wide, in what was a very festive St. PATRICK's Day at the Prudential Center. Martin Brodeur set the all-time NHL win record with his 552nd career victory, and Patrik Elias set the Devils team record for most career points with his 702nd career point.
The Chicago Blackhawks were in town and there was a special buzz in the air. Between the holiday on the calendar, and the buzz around Martin Brodeur on the cusp of setting the all-time record, you could feel it at Prudential Center that night. Just 38 seconds into the game, Jamie Langenbrunner scored off a feed from Zach Parise to give the Devils an early 1-0 lead, a lead they would not relinquish.
Just past the six minute mark of the first period, Travis Zajac would double the margin to 2-0, also off a feed from Zach Parise. Brian Gionta would add a shorthanded goal at the 16:56 mark of the second period. Gionta was set up by Patrik Elias on the goal, and for Elias, it was the 702nd point of his career, besting the previous mark of 701 career points by John MacLean.
The Blackhawks came back with a quick goal to make it 3-1, but the Devils held on for a 3-2 victory, despite a Dustin Byfuglien goal with just over two minutes left in third. At the end of the game, the crowd broke into a frenzy and a big party like atmosphere filled the arena. Martin Brodeur ended up cutting the net off the goal, with help from Kevin Weekes (above) and Jamie Langenbrunner.
It was one of most prominent regular season games in Devils history, and easily the best night in the short history of the Prudential Center and I feel very privileged to have been there.
Three Stars of the Night:
1- Martin Brodeur
2- Patrik Elias
3- Zach Parise
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