Give David Clarkson some credit. Some guys would have sat for a few days if they were nursing a skate cut that required 18 stitches to close it. That’s exactly what happened to David Clarkson on Friday night in Tampa Bay but there he was on the ice for the Panthers game. Sure, the cut isn’t on the leg which if it were, he might have had to sit some games, but rather on his forearm.
Clarkson snapped a scoreless tie at 5:46 of the second period with his first goal in 18 games. It was his first since Jan. 15, also against the Panthers while the Devils were on the road. Maybe he’s just comfortable playing against the Panthers!!
Rolston followed up Clarkson with a PP Goal a 9:11 and the Marty Broduer and the Devils held on to beat the Pathers 2-1. The Devils finish their 4 game road trip 3-1-0 and remain 9 points behind 8th place Carolina. The Devils sit in 13th overall, 1 point behind the Pathers.
Jason Arnott – News came out after the game that if a team that has a lock on a playoff spot is interested in acquiring the veteran center, Arnott indicated today that he would be willing to go.
I’m really not happy about this and would like to see Lou just watch this day pass him by. The Devils are hot, hotter than any other team in the league right now and even one move can screw that up. Sure, Arnott doesn’t bring a lot to the table. 13 goals, 11 assists this season but he does do certain things on the ice well and he does bring size to the Devils. Trading him not, at this point in the playoff race doesn’t make sense at all.
I even fear what happens to this team when Parise is healthy enough to return. Chemisty, confidence and momentum can be such a funny thing that one change can throw all of it out the window. The bottom line, trading Arnott won’t return anything more than a draft pick to NJ and for me, its just not worth it.
Devils Next Game – The Tampa Bay Lightning head north to take on the Devils at The Rock on Wednesday night.
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