Finally, the Devils return home.
More than seven months ago, the Devils were unable to force one more game at Prudential Center, dropping Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals in Los Angeles. Then, the team lost any control over the situation, waiting for the end of a lockout that threatened the entire season.
But tonight, months of optimism and patience finally will be rewarded as the Flyers come to Newark for the Devils’ home opener.
After playing at an energetic, sold-out Nassau Coliseum to begin the season, the Devils are confident the atmosphere awaiting them tonight will be as good as any in the league, given the crowd’s impact in last year’s postseason.
Forward David Clarkson said he didn’t think the fans realized how large their role was in the team’s playoff run. Martin Brodeur clearly did.
“Our fans have always been there for us, especially with the great run we had in the playoffs,” Brodeur said after yesterday’s practice. “They were tremendous. One of the reasons why we went so far was the support we had. We had never given them much to celebrate in this building before and when we [did], they really took it and embraced it. We definitely need these guys to come back and support us as well as they can.”
After a 2-1 opening-night win over the Islanders on Saturday, the Devils take on a team which has lost its first two games of the season and the last four of last season, when the Flyers were eliminated by the Devils in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Devils coach Pete DeBoer is prepared for an opponent more desperate than any team he’s used to facing in the second game of the season.
“That’s a given,” DeBoer said. “Playing the team that knocked you out of the playoffs and being in an 0-2 hole to start the season, we know exactly what we’re getting.”
Although the Flyers may come out with extra energy, it does not necessarily equate to better execution. Brodeur believes that may end up being beneficial for the Devils.
“You always want to get that first win under your belt,” Brodeur said, “so when you start two games in a row without winning, you’re definitely anxious, you press.
“It’s kind of a good situation because we know we’re going to have to be really good and we have to be ready for them. By the same token, if they get too anxious, we can take advantage of it.”
* Devils centers Travis Zajac and Jacob Josefson did not participate in practice, but DeBoer said he expects both to play tonight after getting a “maintenance day.” DeBoer said Zajac “tweaked something” on Saturday, but the coach said it is unrelated to the Achilles injury that sidelined Zajac for much of last season.