T-Devils gearing for hopeful playoff run

VOORHEES, NJ – As the 2008-09 ECHL season heads into its final games of regular season play, there couldn’t be a more exciting finish than that of the American Conference’s North Division. Five teams separated by just four points (though games played on 3-27-09) are making for quite a finish. That the Trenton Devils are in that group of five is remarkable, considering the start they got off to back in October and November. After a 4-3 overtime win on March 27 at Dayton, the T-Devils now sit atop the North Division. With only four games left to play, anything is possible for where Trenton could be at season’s end. One thing for the T-Devils is that despite not playing in the postseason a year ago, this team seems to be primed as they have been in a playoff type atmosphere since they began to turn their season around back in late November. “It’s playoff hockey every game,” Trenton defenseman Matt Cohen said after the Devils game vs. the Wheeling Nailers on February 20. “You look at the standings; teams are within 1-2 points of each other. You can be in first place one night, fifth the next. Every game, every point counts. It’s fun.” Cohen and fellow All-Star Ryan Gunderson have been a huge part of the Trenton resurgence. Gunderson has already set a team record for assists in a season, as well as points by a defenseman. Gunderson and Eric Castonguay also became the newest members of the T-Devils 100 point club, the eighth and ninth players in team history to score more than 100 points in their Trenton careers. Castonguay could possibly finish the season fifth on that list (112 through 3-27), great numbers considering time missed from the lineup due to a call-up to Lowell (AHL) and a mid-season benching.

Rookies have played a big part in the T-Devils play as well. Jeff Prough, acquired early in the season from the Gwinnett Gladiators, has been a goal scoring force, tallying 31 goals in Trenton (33 for the season through 3-27) while Brad Snetsinger has flourished since being reassigned in December from Lowell. Prough could also challenge the franchise record for goals in a season, set just two seasons ago by Mike Pandolfo (36). Many will agree, however, that Trenton would not in their current position without the stellar play in net of Gerald Coleman, another November acquisition (from the Phoenix Roadrunners). Coleman has brought stability to the Trenton net and will be heavily counted on should the T-Devils get into the post-season. It will be very interesting to see how the North Division ends up in another week, but the T-Devils have to be very happy they’re in the race considering the awful start to their season. This could be a team to fear should they make it to the Kelly Cup Playoffs. And maybe that will bring the fans back to Sovereign Bank Arena, where despite the teams solid play of late, the attendance will still be the lowest in the franchise’s 10 season history. Contact the author at tom.hoffman@prohockeynews.com