Devils Are Better Off Without Gomez

It seems as if things are getting back to normal and the world order is falling back into place. After a long stretch where the Devils were dominated by the Rangers the tides have turned back to way they should be with the Devils frustrating the Rangers into submission. The latest 4-2 win, not only made it two-in-row but the Devils stormed Lundquvist for four goals which could seem like 20 after he posted a 1.19 GAA in the last ten games against the Devils at the Garden.

After being shut-out two games in-a-row and setting the franchise record for longest streak with-out a goal, the Devils got on the board 2:54 into the game on a Brian Rolston goal. Rolston's goal was his 3rd in the past six games and his first on the power-play. The Devils also got goals from their top three goal scorers Elias (17), Parise (19) and Zajac (10). And the Rangers just never seemed as if they were in the game at all from the drop of the puck.

Scott Gomez was held off the scoreboard and is not living up to the huge salary that he received two years ago. While leading the Rangers in ice time with near twenty-three minutes a game, Gomez has 23pts. (6G-17A) and is playing at a minus-11 rating. So is he missed? No way, no how.

The Devils top two centers of Zubrus and Zajac have combined for 46pts. (18G-28A) and are playing at a combined plus-21 rating. Not too shabby, especially considering Gomez makes 3.6 million more a season than does Zajac and Zubrus combined. I will take that production instead of an overpaid center who can't score goals or play defense any day. So the next time the Devils play the Rangers, don't booo Scotty, just thank him for being just another overpaid center who the Rangers took from us.

Notes:
-The Fourth Period web-site is reporting that Devils are still an option for Brendan Shanahan. Shanahan is looking to stay close to the New York area and the Flyers and Rangers do not have the cap space to sign him. He would be a great fit and could possibly move into the 3rd line with Holik and Rolston, letting Clarkson play with Madden and Pandolfo. The longer though he goes without signing, the less effective he may be in his return. So if the Devils are gonna make the move it must be sooner than later.
- A feel good story in Barry Tallackson is happening. After surgery during camp to relieve an irregular heartbeat, Tallackson returned to the Devils but was not ready and got sent down to Lowell. After struggling through his first 8 games without a point, Tallackson has started to find the back of the net and now has 4 goals in his last 4 games. So good for him and maybe we will see him somehwere in the NHL soon, whether it is with the Devils or on another club.
- Speaking of Lowell, the AHL affiliate has won their last two games after a long losing streak. They now sit at 13-14-4 and are 6pts. out of a playoff spot with at least one game at hand on everyone in the Eastern Conference.