Devils Habs: P.K. Subban Injured Adam Larsson on a big check as the rookie entered the offensive zone. Larsson left the game with an apparent leg injury. Patrik Elias assisted on the game winning goal after two big hits on the Habs’ big defensemen.
P.K. Subban leveled Devils rookie defensemen Adam Larsson who entered the zone and attempted a deke after dumping the puck in. It appeared to be a clean hit, but the Devils rookie did not return and could not leave the ice on his own power. In a physical and poorly officiated game with two french referees (just saying), the injury came on a clean hit.
Patrik Elias stepped up. On a team that often lacks a physical presence and identity, a 195-pound winger took it upon himself to send a message. P.K. Subban has the reputation of going for the knockout hit, even though, again, this was a clean hit. Adam Larsson is learning on the fly and adapting to the NHL’s physicality and often takes the big hit. Patrik Elias took exception to the injury-causing blow and took out Subban behind the net in another clean hit. Then, with the game tied, Elias wasn’t finished and found the Habs defenseman again.
In another crushing check from the not-so-physical Devils winger, the puck popped loose to set up the game winning goal.
The Devils are coming off two tremendous victories to end a mini-slump. They beat the Rangers after a strange bounce off the boards led to a David Clarkson goal that he later termed “a gift”. Now, after Patrik Elias delivered two big hits and sent a message to the team and the Habs, the Devils came through with another big comeback.
This is a turning point in the season for New Jersey. Zach Parise is hot, Ilya Kovalchuk pairs with Parise to form one of the most dangerous duos in hockey, and Martin Brodeur is playing well despite defensive lapses and goals allowed. Look for the Devils to heat up in the second half again this year, except this time they won’t be all but out of a playoff spot when they do.
.jpg)
