One Down, A Lot More To Go

Last night's Devils victory, to me, felt magical.  There were so many positives to take from the game:

• Ilya Kovalchuk produced his first two-goal game as a NJ Devil.
• Martin Broduer was solid throughout the entire game, especially in the 3rd period, to record is 113th career shutout
• Brian Rolston, just hours after clearing through waivers, played a very strong and active game
• Patrik Elias was all over the ice
• Dainius Zubrus was a bull in the middle of the ice and made things happen
• Mattias Tedenby was very close, on a few occasions, to adding to his impressive, albeit small, rookie resume
• Anssi Salmela made his season debut and helped fortify the defense
• Special teams shone once again.  One power play goal and nothing allowed while shorthanded.

All good and great things.  However, when we all awoke this morning, there were two truths that were still rearing their ugly heads:

• The Devils are 18 points behind the two teams tied for the 8th and final playoff spot.
• To reach 88 points, the fewest points gained to make the playoffs in the shoot-out era, the Devils will have to finish the season 34-18.

Not easy.  But last night, it felt good.