From The Lion's Den

While it didn't carry the stigma of wearing a Devils jersey in, say, Madison Square Garden, it was an interesting experience to watch an NHL game away from home. On several occasions, a contingent of Devils fans several rows behind us would start a "Let's Go Devils" chant, only to be countered by a much larger contingent of Caps fans chanting "Devils suck!" in the off beats. By the end of the game, naturally, their protestations died down to a few meager "Go home Devils!" and eventually to nothing at all, and we chanted, uncontested, as the final seconds ran out on the third period.

The Devils played absolutely stifling hockey. I was reminded of the logjam in the neutral zone created by the 1995 team, when the trap was still somewhat "new" and people were saying it would kill the NHL. The biggest difference was, this time, they had some scoring. John Madden's hat trick is the first I've ever witnessed in person, and even Marty came close on two occasions. The Devils, right now, look as good, if not better, than either of their Cup winning teams. Let's hope it holds through June.

Finally, comments on the MCI Center. I'd visited it before, and actually gotten quite a tour (ice level to backstage to luxury boxes--thanks Aunt Sue!), but I'd never been there for an event of any type. They ain't kidding when they call it the Phone Booth, because the seating areas are steep as hell. Just the same, Amanda and I were in a corner, only about eight or ten rows from the ceiling, and still had great sight lines to the entire rink. I'd be hesitant to see a concert from the upper reaches, and an NBA game from those heights might be a bit rough, but for hockey, it's quite pleasant. I'd love to go back when the Rangers are in town and root for the Caps.

February 06, 2003 - 08:08 PM

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