Kovy Set to Debut Tonight vs. Leafs

Tonight the Devils will be taking on the Maple Leafs for the third time in their last four games. They have split the last two games played and tonight’s game is a special one indeed. It will be the debut game for the Devils newest acquisition, Ilya Kovalchuk. It was breaking news that got out last evening that the Devils had acquired the three time all-star for Niclas Bergfors, Johnny Oduya, prospect Patrice Cormier and a first round draft pick. Jersey also received D Anssi Salmela and each team swapped second round draft picks in the next Entry Draft.

Kovalchuk comes to NJ and is already leading the team in goals with 31 and 27 assists for 58 points. This is by far the most explosive player the Devils have ever had on offense. I am not discrediting the talent in which Elias has been and the up and coming play we have seen from Zach Parise, but Kovy is in another element than these guys. He is not known for his defense, but the Devils seem to have that area of their game under control, what they desperately need is someone who can take a game under their wings. Kovy is just that kind of player and he was brought over from Atlanta in hopes to stop the recent Jersey bleeding. The Devils have allowed the Caps to vault past them in the East standings, as well as let the Sabres and Pens creep ever so close behind them.

Who exactly Kovy will be paired up with, I am not certain. I would like to see him play with Parise and Lags, but we shall see who Lemaire puts him with tonight. This is a dire time for the Devils. They have shown for the first time in years an aggressive attitude which sets a precedent across the league that they are in it for more than just a first round appearance this year. The Devils will look to finish up strong heading into the Olympic break and what would have the Devs feeling better then an offensive spurt from their newest teammate?

As far as tonight’s game goes, it will be at 7 EST at The Rock and after getting shutout by an Eastern Conference bottom feeder, 3-0 to the Leafs, the Devils should be hungry tonight, thinking of nothing but victories from here on out. Each team is 1-4 in their last five games, for the Leafs,that is expected, however the Devils will be turning things around starting tonight hopefully. The starters for tonight will be a well rested Martin Brodeur and Johan Gustavsson for the Leafs.