Ok, so things didn’t quite go according to plan where the home opener was concerned. The powers that be at the NHL offices decided in their infinite wisdom (sarcasm meter set on overload) to schedule the mighty Ottawa Senators as the Devils’ first opponent in their shiny new building. Perhaps this was the league’s revenge for all those of years of the Devils trapping their way to championships. The way we’re playing these days, the neutral zone trap may need to be reinstated. Because what Coach Sutter has them doing now sure as hell isn’t working.

That’s not to say this wasn’t a beautiful evening. Considering the day started off with a trip to Modell’s in the pouring rain, the warm evening temperatures and utter lack of precipitation made for a fantastic excursion. So without further interruption, I present to you the Great, the Not-So-Great, and the Confusing. The Good, Bad, and Ugly are on vacation and will return on a future date when the occasion isn’t quite as special.

The Great

I’ve already mentioned the weather so I’ll start with the trip in to the arena. After meeting Terrence at his place, we drove down to Harrison to pick up the PATH train into Newark. Paid all of 50 cents to park as the meters stopped at 5 p.m. We then paid $1.50 for the PATH train into Newark. We were more than pleasantly surprised that most of the trip from Newark Penn Station to the Rock was indoors through the hallways of the Gateway Center. That’s going to be a wonderful thing as the weather gets cold, wet, and miserable (has to happen sooner or later, no?). We also marked off several places in the Center that we could stop for a beer and/or a bite after a game. It was doubly appreciated on the way back as, even surrounded by fellow Devil fans and a heavy police presence, no one really wants to walk the streets of Newark if they can avoid it.

A special kudos to all of the staff at the Prudential Center. My experience this night found them all to be pleasant and helpful. Here’s hoping they remain that way through the season.

As we were entering the building, a group of VIPs including former Devils coach, Pat Burns, were on a separate line for the same entrance. It was good to see Coach Burns looking very healthy given his battle with cancer which had forced him to step down as head coach.

The Rock is truly a hockey palace. The sight lines are fantastic. The vantage point was phenomenal despite the fact that we were in the last row of the building. I’d complain about the snugness of the seats were it not for three factors. One, the seats in the upper areas of every arena I’ve been in are snug. Two, I am fully aware that I’m not a small man. Three, complaining would mean I had actually sat down for any length of time. Ok, I tried the seat on for size when we first got there. But once it was time to rise for the national anthems (Canadian and American), that was the last the seat of my pants hit the seat I had rented for the evening.

The Canadian national anthem was sung by Arlette who has been singing the national anthem for the Devils for years. Her voice was wonderful as always. The American national anthem was sung by Emmy Rossum, best known for playing Christine in the Phantom of the Opera movie. I would have been perfectly happy if Arlette had sang both but it was nice that the person they chose was someone familiar to me. The beginning of the anthem tends to be a bit low for her but her voice shone through once she got to the parts that could be belted.

Finally, Rui and I managed to find our way on to that big beautiful scoreboard without actively mugging for the camera. Hint to all those seat potatoes, you’re supposed to root hard the majority of the time, not just when the camera is on you.

The Not-So-Great

I’m not sure who made the decision to wait for 5:30 p.m. to finally start letting people into the building. If the powers-that-be plan on that being the standard door opening time, they need to rethink that plan. We had gotten hint of a lesser known entrance on the side which allowed us to get in rather quickly. Otherwise, we’d have been in serious danger of missing opening faceoff. People are going to get awfully cranky when the weather gets colder if they have to wait out there. Besides, the longer people are in the building, the more likely they are to buy stuff. It’s a captive audience. Use it to your advantage.

I realize we’re not in Philadelphia and thankfully so at that. However, you simply cannot throw a few slices of Steak-Ums with a slice or two of cheese on to an oversized bun and call it a cheesesteak. That’s simply one of those things that you should do right or not bother at all. However, I did enjoy the Nathan’s fries with cheese sauce product stuff. I especially enjoyed the Red Hook ESB Ale on tap right at the same concession stand. I also enjoyed the Bass Ale on tap at one of the specialty stands. Going by beer alone, the Rock is off to a great start in my book. And those who know me know how much I love good beer. Oh yeah, they also sold Budweiser and other assorted beer type products for those who drink the stuff.

The final score was Senators 4 – Devils 1. How dare they ruin our opener? Sigh.

The Confusing

To all those who purchased the luxury suites complete with club seats, I realize that you’re not going to be able to find people to attend every event but did you have to make Opening Night one of them?

The Devils insignia on top of each urinal wouldn’t ordinarily qualify as confusing. However, I did have to fight off a strong urge to take a picture of it. And if the urge to take a picture of a urinal isn’t confusing to you, call your shrink, your perscription needs to be refilled.

Gary Betteman showing up at the Opener was confusing. To no one’s suprise, the commissioner was roundly booed. My confusion lies with the fact that he was actually here when he really should be down south trying to save that Nashville franchise. You know, the same Nashville that nearly became the Devils home over a decade ago. Mr. Commissioner, we don’t need your presence soiling our precious evening.

And no, the “Rangers Suck” chants, despite the fact that they were not tonight’s opponent, were not confusing. They’re just fun.

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