View from the seats: Ilya Kovalchuk's first game as a Devil

 
Photo cred: Zaheed Bardai

In a perfect world, likely set in some sort of back lot in Hollywood, New Jersey fans would've had Ilya Kovalchuk's first game as a Devil go something like this: Tie score.  Third period.  10 seconds on the clock as Kovalchuk breaks free for a one-on-one with Leafs goalie Jonas Gustavsson.  A nifty move.  Red light on.  Time expired.

Or something like that.

In reality, Kovalchuk's role was somewhat relegated to that of a set-up man more than the sniper as he picked up two assists in his NJ debut.  But this post isn't so much about the game as it is about the fan reaction and overall vibe inside the Prudential Center.  If you want game coverage and a Devils perspective I suggest heading over to John Fischer's account over at In Lou We Trust.  Of course he'll likely be singing a different tune than that expressed after the second period when he and I met up on the Prudential concourse.  Not that you can blame him, seeing as how the Devils just gave up a 1-0 lead and were looking at a 3-1 start to the third.  When NJ buried the final goal to take the 4-3 win, he promptly sent a indecipherable text message with multiple exclamation points.  I take it he was excited.

From where I sat heading into this game, I was curious to see what fans would have to say about Kovalchuk coming on board.  So I did what anyone in that position would do and roamed the concourse a bit to chat it up with a few NJ faithful.  As you can imagine, not a single fan had anything bad to say about the move.  Some had produced their own homemade Kovy jerseys that ranged in creativity (duct taped numbers and name), while others simply took the easier route and taped "Kovalchuk" over "Rupp" on an old #17 jersey.

Once the game started and Kovy jumped over the boards for his first shift, there was a healthy buzz of cheers resonating through the arena.  I don't recall any "Kovy" chants, but when he charged in on Gustavson during the first period with a power move to the net everyone rose to their feet.  The more impatient NJ fans jeered Kovy by the second period, yelling things like "Why did we trade for you?" when a puck jumped over his stick, or "Oduya would've had that one," when he missed on a centering pass in front of the net.  It was obvious sarcasm though in typical New Jersey fashion, and not a single one jeering him earlier withheld from clapping or outright screaming at the sound of the final horn.

To be honest, I came across a good number of fans sporting Thrashers jerseys of the former star of ATL.  Amazingly a number of them were Thrashers fans who came to continue their support for Kovy.  One guy standing in line at the concession stand went into a rant about how it was "better for him (Kovy) that it ended like this."  Others in the circle of blue chimed in with how they genuinely were interested in what was "best for Kovalchuk," but ultimately remained a bit concerned with regards to Atlanta's future.  Overall it was a bit surreal to not hear fans shooting barbs and throwing jabs.  (Hossa anyone?)

To make matters more interesting, I went to this game accompanied by a Devils fan, Leafs fan and Thrashers fan.  So really I remained the odd one out in the equation, but still found myself scanning the ice constantly for number 17 in red. 

If there's one thing to really take from this whole experience it's that NJ fans seem pretty committed to the notion that Kovalchuk is a rental and will most definitely test the market during the offseason for outstanding offers.  During one of the intermissions, a guy two rows up from me, in an old Scott Stevens "Christmas" jersey, kept referencing the Alexander Mogilny rental of 1999-2000 (even if he did play the following year with NJ) that ultimately led to a Stanley Cup.  After a quick wikipedia stat hit on the mobile (hey, I can't pretend to know it all), I asked him how comfortable he'd be if Kovalchuk, much like Mogilny, tossed up only seven points over two dozen games in the postseason.

"It doesn't matter," he said.  "Just bring the (expletive) Cup home."