Brodeur Carrying Devils

**milatown** · 17th November 2006, 11:48 PM

By Rich Carlson
Contributing Writer

How can a team that has allowed more goals (43) than it has scored (41) be in first place in its division? It¢s easy if you¢re able to win close games and have future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur as your starting goalie. And the only team that fits that profile is the New Jersey Devils.

Despite being outscored by their opponents, the Devils have surged to the top of the Atlantic Division thanks to the steady play of Brodeur and their ability to win tight games. So far this season New Jersey has played in seven games that have been decided by a single goal, and they have won six times. Brodeur has been one of the main reasons for their success in tight games as his league-leading 10 victories, 2.50 GAA and .912 save percentage indicate. If you throw out a couple of bad early-season losses, Brodeur would be among the league leaders in goals against average and save percentage.

The Devils' offense has been mediocre at best as it scores an average of 2.38 goals per contest. RW Brian Gionta and C Zach Parise lead the team with 7 goals and 13 points apiece. C Patrik Elias has also been a valuable contributor on offense with 11 points.

As long as Brodeur is between the pipes, the Devils will be a playoff team. However, if the Devils want to make a run deep into the playoffs, they will need to find some additional scoring punch to take some of the pressure off Brodeur and the defensive corps.

Burnin¢ Down The House
The Anaheim Ducks set an NHL record by going unbeaten in regulation for the 16th consecutive game with a 6-0 shutout of Vancouver on Nov. 9. ... Detroit G Dominik Hasek recorded his second straight shutout in the Red Wings' 3-0 victory over Nashville on Friday. ... The Buffalo Sabres have won 9 straight road games, including three shootout victories.

Cold As Ice
Boston G Hannu Toivonen is currently last in the NHL in save percentage (.869) and goals against average (4.20). ... The Phoenix Coyotes are 2-8-0 in their last 10 games, while the Chicago Blackhawks are 2-7-1.

Significant transactions
None to report.

Injury Report
Toronto G Andrew Raycroft left the Maple Leafs' 6-4 win over Boston with a groin strain. Raycroft is one of the main reasons behind Toronto¢s early success, and his injury could be devastating to the Leafs. Buffalo G Ryan Miller is listed as questionable for the Sabres' game Monday night against Carolina with an undisclosed lower body injury (the Sabres are +$110 on WagerWeb.com). Miller has been one of the league¢s best goalies early in the season and has helped propel Buffalo to the top of the Northeast Division. NHL betting fans should keep an eye on the progress of both Raycroft and Miller.

Odds Update
The Devils began the season as +1000 favorites to win the Stanley Cup. With division rival Buffalo off to a hot start, the Devils are now +1800 on WagerWeb.com, which is still a good bet.