Ilya Kovalchuk was the most renowned Devils player to get selected. The Russian sniper has played in the tournament before and will help the Russians repeat as champions. The Russians won gold in 2012 with a 6-2 win over Slovakia. It will not be easy for the Russians to repeat because they are missing key players like Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, Alexander Semin, and Pavel Datsyuk.

Joining Kovalchuk on the Russian roster is fellow Devil Andrei Loktionov. It is Loktionov’s first Championship and will make an impact on the team. Other NHL players on the Russian squad include Ilya Bryzgalov and Artem Anisimov.

Feb 7, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Stephen Gionta (11) hits Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron (47) during the first period at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

One player not named to a roster shocked me, and that is Andy Greene. Greene was a great defenseman for the Devils this year and deserves to be team MVP. Why was he not named to the United States team is beyond me. But that is how it goes sometimes.

David Clarkson was not named to team Canada. However, I am not sure if he did not want to play or just was not selected, but I cannot imagine Canada not wanting Clarkson to play for them.

Mar 13, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Patrik Elias (26) celebrates his goal scored on Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov (30) during the first period at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Without playoff hockey in New Jersey, the Devils players need some way to play the game they love, and this is a great way to do just that.

During the pre-game ceremonies, the Devils showed their support for Boston with the singers of the national anthem wearing Boston sports teams jerseys and showing on the scoreboard “Jersey Stands With Boston”.

Along with the support for Boston, the fans cheered for Ilya Kovalchuk as he made his return from a shoulder injury he suffered against the Panthers on March 23rd. Chants of “Kovy!” spread throughout the stadium.

Devils support Boston after all of the tragic events over the past week. Mandatory Credit: David Garrison – Pucks & Pitchforks.

The Devils got their first power play opportunity on a hooking penalty to the Panthers’ Alex Petrovic. Patrik Elias netted the first power play goal in 22 opportunities at 14:22, bringing the game to within one.

Starting off strong in the second period, the Devils pressured the Panthers, giving them no opportunities. About two minutes into the second, Elias scored his second goal of the game, knotting the game up at two.

It was all Devils from there. David Clarkson regained the team lead of 14 goals at 10:45, putting the Devils in front 3-2. Less than four minutes later Steve Bernier made a great play setting up Ryan Carter’s sixth goal of the year, further extending the Devils lead to 4-2.

Mar 7, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils center David Clarkson (23) and left wing Patrik Elias (26) congratulate each other on scoring goals during the shootout at the Prudential Center. New Jersey Devils defeat the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 in shootout. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

The Devils would add one more goal when Dainius Zubrus deflected Adam Larsson’s shot. By now it was safe to say that the Devils tamed the Panthers.

The six goal performance is the most that the Devils have scored all season. The win also brings them within six points of the eighth-seed New York Rangers. With only four games remaining, the Devils need to win the remainder of the season and the Rangers to lose at least three out of four their last four games.

The Devils head across the river to take on the Rangers tomorrow at 3:00pm. It is another must-win game for the Devils.

Other Facts:
Attendance - 16,018

1st Star - Patrik Elias (2 Goals)
2nd Star - David Clarkson (Goal, Assist)
3rd Star - Stephen Gionta (Goal, Assist)