Devils drop opener to Dallas Stars 4-3 in OT

The Devils dropped their season opener in overtime to Dallas 4-3 tonight in Newark. In what could best be described as a surprisingly good game for an opener, there was a lot of ebb and flow for both teams. The lack of those annoying holding and hooking and tripping calls often prevalent in the opening games of a season allowed for some open play. The Devils jumped out on top early 2-0 in the first period on goals by Travis Zajac and Zach Parise (Both powerful names on a Scrabble board). Dallas responded to tie it at 2-2 by the end of the first period. Dallas had the jump in the second period outshooting the New Jersey Six 12-5 yet allowed a Jason Arnott goal before scoring seconds later to tie it at 3.

It WAS troubling to see a third of the building empty on opening night. The Devils have some offensive skills people. Those who love offense will enjoy John MacLean's hockey club. Johnny is actually of the mind that adding a true offensive defenseman would benefit the Devils immensely. On the game winning Dallas rush it began with Andy Greene mistiming a jump up into the play which sent Dallas the length of the ice on a 2-1 which Loui Eriksson held onto and snapped past Martin Brodeur. Johnny thinks the Devils need a real whip smart offensive quarterback who knows when to jump in and when to stay back. A guy who can start New Jersey's lightning quick forwards up ice with a sharp first pass. Volchenkov was a brilliant signing in the offseason. A tremendous defensive defenseman who is always at the top of the blocked shots stats and eats major minutes.That aspect is covered. An offensive defenseman will be needed to play MacLean's up tempo style.

We'd love to hear what exactly the brouhaha was in the upper level midway through the second period. SOMETHING big was going on to the point the Dallas bench was fixated on whatever was happening. Their backup goaltender couldn't take his eyes off of it. If you know please pass it along.