Friday, October 5, 2007

Giving the Devils their due

Pound for pound, and star for star, the New Jersey Devils are one of the best teams when it comes to signing autographs. From last season's playoffs to yesterday's season-opener in Tampa, very few players, if any, didn't take the time to stop and sign. And I'm not talking just about third- and fourth liners.

Future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur? Let's just say he's a better goalie than a speller. Patrik Elias and Brian Gionta? Yeah, they stopped and signed, too. John Madden signed multiples as well. Other than a handful who hopped a hotel van before Thursday's morning skate, I can't think of a player or coach who didn't stop.

I'm sure a little bit of early season goodwill played a role. But, this team has been consistent for as long as I've been in the hobby.

Autographed cards, shown above, are Nicklas Bergfors, Patrik Elias, Brian Gionta and John Madden.

Autographed pucks, shown at top, are Brent Sutter, Kevin Weekes and Dainius Zubrus. I'm interested, too, in hearing feedback on the red ink on the Zubrus puck.

And, in case you didn't figure it out, that puck came from Bergfors.

1 comment:

Drew said...

At least the red ink looks decent. Better than the ones out there who take one blue pen and sign everything with it (Petr Nedved, anyone?). Don't know how many pucks I have signed in blue Sharpie because a player didn't feel like switching pens (three or four at least). And worst of all, it can't be removed with cooking oil the way that paint pen can.