Sure, Tavares and Hedman are the best upcoming talents being drafted tonight, as well as a few other mentionables, but can they and the rest of the 2009 class back up the hype? We have yet to see, but it doesn't hurt to wonder.
26 June 2009
Could 2009 Give '03 A Run For Its Money?
The whole Benedict Brent Sutter saga has kept things quite busy here in Devils land. Regardless, Lou, Jeff, and the troops are still marching through in the 2009 Entry Draft, which is less than a half-hour away. In my opinion, never has there been a more highly anticipated and talked about NHL draft than the one coming up. With all of the talk surrounding Jon Tavares, Victor Hedman, Matt Duchene, Evander Kane and others, you may think this draft class could be heralded as the greatest in recent memory. But that leaves one question: Could it give 2003's class a run for its money? The draft that year was not as hyped, but it did have a humongous wealth of talent, many of whom are cornerstones in several NHL franchises, including the Devils' own Zach Parise. In fact, many hockey fans and experts alive believe 2003 to be the greatest Draft class in history.
Sure, Tavares and Hedman are the best upcoming talents being drafted tonight, as well as a few other mentionables, but can they and the rest of the 2009 class back up the hype? We have yet to see, but it doesn't hurt to wonder.
Sure, Tavares and Hedman are the best upcoming talents being drafted tonight, as well as a few other mentionables, but can they and the rest of the 2009 class back up the hype? We have yet to see, but it doesn't hurt to wonder.
29 May 2009
The Post-Hiatus Post
After taking a long breather from this blog, I have decided to come back and pick up where I left off. Yes, it's been a while since my last post, and there's no doubt a lot has occurred during the time I was away. Unfortunately, they weren't for the better in the case of the Devils, as it took 80 seconds in Game 7 for the season to end. Miserably. It's one giant reason why I haven't the heart to turn on a hockey game throughout the postseason, or talk about it either. And now, to make matters worse, a Stanley Cup Finals re-match between Pittsburgh and Detroit is looming, which will further turn me off from hockey until season's end. Believe me, it's a case of "been there, done that," and I wish not to waste my time watching it.
But right now, I don't want to dwell too much on Game 7. Or the playoffs. Right now, I want to write something that I should've written a month ago, but didn't due to many other factors in my life. Something that every Devils supporter can understand, can relate to, and holds near and dear to our hearts. Let's say for starters it is about voice.
On April 13, 2009, Harry Kalas, the longtime broadcasting voice of the Philadelphia Phillies, collapsed and died in the press box of Nationals Stadium while preparing for a game between the Phillies and Nationals in D.C. Even though I possess a steadfast loyalty to the New York Mets, I came to appreciate Kalas through his work with NFL Films and sometimes a Phils game or two, whether or not the Mets were in town. His death was taken the hardest, though, by the Phillies fans, people that grew up hearing his voice. If you saw Harry's memorial service either in person or on TV, you could tell. From now on, for those people at least, it's going to have to be life without Harry. As I watched that service, there was one eerily similar thought that came into my mind.
That was the thought of life without one Michael "Doc" Emrick.
You see, Doc is to the Devils what Harry was to the Phils. Doc is not just the voice of the Devils. He is the voice. He was an original, one who joined this franchise in its intrepid days. Although he took a hiatus from the team and had a stint with the Flyers in the late '80s and early '90s, he came back and never left.
He was with us in the highs, lows, and in-betweens of the past.
He gives us crash courses on things we could've cared less about, and we always nod our heads in positive intrigue and interest.
If a game were to get boring, we can always count on Doc to come through with something to keep us entertained without sounding like a jackass.
The flow, smooth and easy.
The experience, enjoyable; even more so with Chico as his color guy.
Sportscasting is a tough job, yet he masters it without breaking a sweat. Yes, Doc can do it all. Why? Not because he's proficient yet comprehensible, that's only part of it. He can do it all because he understands and cares about the sensibilities of the fans, especially us Devils faithful. Not once will Doc talk down on one or act high and mighty. He is a legend and a human being, which is why we, as Devils fans, can relate to him. Doc is our college professor, our uncle, our father, and our best friend rolled into one. And for as long as he lives, it will stay that way in the eyes and minds of the Devils fanbase.
However, the key words are for as long as he lives. Yeah sure, we can spew all this "he will live on forever" stuff, and I will be one to do so from time to time because I am a sucker for these things. Quite frankly, that's not how it works in the real world. When that time comes, someone will have a very tall order of filling his shoes, be it Steve Cangialosi, Matt Loughlin, or someone from the outside. While I mean no disrespect to the aforementioned, Doc Emrick is on a whole other level, one that is, in my opinion, far beyond attainable.
I respect how the real world works and that our lives come and go. But to imagine the day Michael "Doc" Emrick passes and the life I and countless Devils/hockey fans have to live afterwards? Seriously, that's beyond frightening!
But right now, I don't want to dwell too much on Game 7. Or the playoffs. Right now, I want to write something that I should've written a month ago, but didn't due to many other factors in my life. Something that every Devils supporter can understand, can relate to, and holds near and dear to our hearts. Let's say for starters it is about voice.
On April 13, 2009, Harry Kalas, the longtime broadcasting voice of the Philadelphia Phillies, collapsed and died in the press box of Nationals Stadium while preparing for a game between the Phillies and Nationals in D.C. Even though I possess a steadfast loyalty to the New York Mets, I came to appreciate Kalas through his work with NFL Films and sometimes a Phils game or two, whether or not the Mets were in town. His death was taken the hardest, though, by the Phillies fans, people that grew up hearing his voice. If you saw Harry's memorial service either in person or on TV, you could tell. From now on, for those people at least, it's going to have to be life without Harry. As I watched that service, there was one eerily similar thought that came into my mind.
That was the thought of life without one Michael "Doc" Emrick.
You see, Doc is to the Devils what Harry was to the Phils. Doc is not just the voice of the Devils. He is the voice. He was an original, one who joined this franchise in its intrepid days. Although he took a hiatus from the team and had a stint with the Flyers in the late '80s and early '90s, he came back and never left.
He was with us in the highs, lows, and in-betweens of the past.
He gives us crash courses on things we could've cared less about, and we always nod our heads in positive intrigue and interest.
If a game were to get boring, we can always count on Doc to come through with something to keep us entertained without sounding like a jackass.
The flow, smooth and easy.
The experience, enjoyable; even more so with Chico as his color guy.
Sportscasting is a tough job, yet he masters it without breaking a sweat. Yes, Doc can do it all. Why? Not because he's proficient yet comprehensible, that's only part of it. He can do it all because he understands and cares about the sensibilities of the fans, especially us Devils faithful. Not once will Doc talk down on one or act high and mighty. He is a legend and a human being, which is why we, as Devils fans, can relate to him. Doc is our college professor, our uncle, our father, and our best friend rolled into one. And for as long as he lives, it will stay that way in the eyes and minds of the Devils fanbase.
However, the key words are for as long as he lives. Yeah sure, we can spew all this "he will live on forever" stuff, and I will be one to do so from time to time because I am a sucker for these things. Quite frankly, that's not how it works in the real world. When that time comes, someone will have a very tall order of filling his shoes, be it Steve Cangialosi, Matt Loughlin, or someone from the outside. While I mean no disrespect to the aforementioned, Doc Emrick is on a whole other level, one that is, in my opinion, far beyond attainable.
I respect how the real world works and that our lives come and go. But to imagine the day Michael "Doc" Emrick passes and the life I and countless Devils/hockey fans have to live afterwards? Seriously, that's beyond frightening!
02 March 2009
Salmela Out, Havelid In
Both the Devils and myself had something in common: a successful previous weekend. Jersey's Team came out of Newark winners on Saturday against Florida and yesterday against the Flyers; I had a weekend off from work (can't recall the last time that happened) and attended a rousing family function in Jersey City.
But it, like every other weekend, had to end, and sure enough, I was back at work in spite of the atrocious conditions early in the day. So while I was at a certainly dead ShopRite for most of my day, the Devils made a trade that I least expected. The move that Lou made? Sending Anssi Salmela to Atlanta for defenseman Niclas Havelid.
Right now, I am in the middle of the road in regards to this trade. Sure, the team just picked up an established defenseman in Havelid, who was impressive for an obviously woeful Thrashers squad, and that Salmela still needs work on his game. The thing is, the Devils were in need for a puck-moving, offensive-minded D-man and had one in Anssi. With him gone, they don't have any of those. Now they just have stay-at-home guys like Havelid.
Nevertheless, I trust Lou in his decision. He knows something I don't. So I'll see if Havelid can impress me in this very important playoff run.
So welcome aboard, Niclas Havelid! May you do well as you don the sweater of the Devils!
And so long, Anssi Salmela! You may not have been around much, but your future looks bright!
Oh, and for my thoughts on yesterday's awesomeness, click away!
But it, like every other weekend, had to end, and sure enough, I was back at work in spite of the atrocious conditions early in the day. So while I was at a certainly dead ShopRite for most of my day, the Devils made a trade that I least expected. The move that Lou made? Sending Anssi Salmela to Atlanta for defenseman Niclas Havelid.
Right now, I am in the middle of the road in regards to this trade. Sure, the team just picked up an established defenseman in Havelid, who was impressive for an obviously woeful Thrashers squad, and that Salmela still needs work on his game. The thing is, the Devils were in need for a puck-moving, offensive-minded D-man and had one in Anssi. With him gone, they don't have any of those. Now they just have stay-at-home guys like Havelid.
Nevertheless, I trust Lou in his decision. He knows something I don't. So I'll see if Havelid can impress me in this very important playoff run.
So welcome aboard, Niclas Havelid! May you do well as you don the sweater of the Devils!
And so long, Anssi Salmela! You may not have been around much, but your future looks bright!
Oh, and for my thoughts on yesterday's awesomeness, click away!
26 February 2009
Welcome Back, Devils and Marty
Four days of sitting around twiddling the thumbs in anxiety was enough for the Devils faithful. After a disaster of a road-trip, which began and ended in a 4-0 loss, the team practiced long and hard for those four days, and were itching to get back to the action. Well, tonight was the night, with the hapless Avalanche in town, but it wasn't just any simple hockey night in New Jersey. No sir, the night marked the return of some guy named Martin Brodeur. In all honesty, with the Devils arising from their slumber and Brodeur returning to the line-up (albeit at the expense of the more than serviceable Scott Clemmensen), you could not have asked for a better result than this:
Yeah, that video sums it all up very nicely.
Yeah, that video sums it all up very nicely.
18 February 2009
The Blueline Issue
The NHL trade deadline is looming in the shadows and every team has needs. The Devils are no different from any other team, despite being one of the hottest teams in the League (last night's embarrassment notwithstanding). What the Devils need to improve in order to take its game to the next level is the defense. There are two types of defenseman the Devs will want: one who is capable offensively, and another who is a better option than Andy Greene.
While the measly 13 goals by Devils defensemen indicates that the team needs an offensive defenseman via trade, I prefer to give Anssi Salmela another chance on either the second or third line, as he has double the amount of goals that both Paul Martin and Johnny Oduya have individually (Salmela has 8, the first line defense has 4 each). That part can be taken care of handily.
As far as getting another defenseman goes, I see the reason being is that patience is wearing really thin on Greene. He hasn't become that formidable force on the blueline we hoped he'd be, and he is all but expendable. With Greene being the lame duck, there are options to look for via the trade. Here are some names the Devils should look into for the blueline heading into the trade deadline.
1) Scott Niedermayer-Arguably the popular consenus among Devils fans is to bring Nieds back to the fold. Given that the team signed Rolston and Holik in the offseason and Shanahan at the midway point, it would make sense. Not to mention that he's in the top 10 in points among defensemen with 38, in spite of his -8 rating and his age. Still, the Ducks are willing to move Niedermayer, and the Devils could be a player in bringing out the welcome mat for another team legend. The only thing that would hinder his possible second tour of duty in Jersey is that the team is very reluctant to break up the Martin-Oduya pair on the first line.
2) Jay Bouwmeester-Another popular idea amonst the faithful is to make a move to bring Bouwmeester to Mulberry Street. And why not? The Florida Panther plays well on both sides of the puck (12/18/30, +7 rating) and has gotten better since being thrown into the fire his first two years, so that's very ideal. Another plus? He's only 25 years old, which means his prime is not far off. However, he'll very likely cost so much to get and he will be a UFA after this season, which means (a) he'll expect a bigger paycheck, (b) it will be pretty challenging to keep him when he'll attract other potential suitors, and (c) should he go somewhere else after the season, all that work to get him will be for naught. Also, like with Niedermayer, the Devils will be reluctant to throw him in the first line, thus splitting Martin and Oduya up. Nevertheless, he's a name the Devs should look into.
3) Cory Sarich-Integral in the Lightning's Stanley Cup run in 2003-04, Sarich has fared pretty well since he arrived in Calgary last season. While he is a very effective shut-down defenseman, the reason why the Flames look to ship him is because of the ridiculous amount of defensive depth they have. No way they'll part ways with Phaneuf and Regehr, Vandermeer's too expensive to get rid of, Aucoin has a NTC, and they got an up-and-comer named Adam Pardy rising in the ranks. Therefore, this makes Sarich tradeable in the eyes of the Calgary brass, and I think he'll fit in nicely in Newark in that he's like Colin White without the consistent injury problems. And what would make adding him even sweeter is that (a) he'd be more of a second liner with Salvie, which keeps the Martin-Oduya pair intact; and (b) he will not sniff free agency until the end of the 2011-12 season, which means very little headaches. My only beef: he takes too many penalties, something that the Devils don't need. Other than that, why not go for Sarich?
While these are names that I only hope to see in a Devils sweater, and that it's fun to dream, the only person that knows who and what to get is one Uncle Louie. So here's to the most trusted name in hockey, a man whom I have faith in to make the moves that can get us into the postseason and, once there, obtain Cup number 4.
GO DEVILS!
UPDATE: Anssi Salmela has been called up by the Devils and will see some action against Tampa Bay. Looking forward to see how he does after making himself useful up in Lowell.
While the measly 13 goals by Devils defensemen indicates that the team needs an offensive defenseman via trade, I prefer to give Anssi Salmela another chance on either the second or third line, as he has double the amount of goals that both Paul Martin and Johnny Oduya have individually (Salmela has 8, the first line defense has 4 each). That part can be taken care of handily.
As far as getting another defenseman goes, I see the reason being is that patience is wearing really thin on Greene. He hasn't become that formidable force on the blueline we hoped he'd be, and he is all but expendable. With Greene being the lame duck, there are options to look for via the trade. Here are some names the Devils should look into for the blueline heading into the trade deadline.
1) Scott Niedermayer-Arguably the popular consenus among Devils fans is to bring Nieds back to the fold. Given that the team signed Rolston and Holik in the offseason and Shanahan at the midway point, it would make sense. Not to mention that he's in the top 10 in points among defensemen with 38, in spite of his -8 rating and his age. Still, the Ducks are willing to move Niedermayer, and the Devils could be a player in bringing out the welcome mat for another team legend. The only thing that would hinder his possible second tour of duty in Jersey is that the team is very reluctant to break up the Martin-Oduya pair on the first line.
2) Jay Bouwmeester-Another popular idea amonst the faithful is to make a move to bring Bouwmeester to Mulberry Street. And why not? The Florida Panther plays well on both sides of the puck (12/18/30, +7 rating) and has gotten better since being thrown into the fire his first two years, so that's very ideal. Another plus? He's only 25 years old, which means his prime is not far off. However, he'll very likely cost so much to get and he will be a UFA after this season, which means (a) he'll expect a bigger paycheck, (b) it will be pretty challenging to keep him when he'll attract other potential suitors, and (c) should he go somewhere else after the season, all that work to get him will be for naught. Also, like with Niedermayer, the Devils will be reluctant to throw him in the first line, thus splitting Martin and Oduya up. Nevertheless, he's a name the Devs should look into.
3) Cory Sarich-Integral in the Lightning's Stanley Cup run in 2003-04, Sarich has fared pretty well since he arrived in Calgary last season. While he is a very effective shut-down defenseman, the reason why the Flames look to ship him is because of the ridiculous amount of defensive depth they have. No way they'll part ways with Phaneuf and Regehr, Vandermeer's too expensive to get rid of, Aucoin has a NTC, and they got an up-and-comer named Adam Pardy rising in the ranks. Therefore, this makes Sarich tradeable in the eyes of the Calgary brass, and I think he'll fit in nicely in Newark in that he's like Colin White without the consistent injury problems. And what would make adding him even sweeter is that (a) he'd be more of a second liner with Salvie, which keeps the Martin-Oduya pair intact; and (b) he will not sniff free agency until the end of the 2011-12 season, which means very little headaches. My only beef: he takes too many penalties, something that the Devils don't need. Other than that, why not go for Sarich?
While these are names that I only hope to see in a Devils sweater, and that it's fun to dream, the only person that knows who and what to get is one Uncle Louie. So here's to the most trusted name in hockey, a man whom I have faith in to make the moves that can get us into the postseason and, once there, obtain Cup number 4.
GO DEVILS!
UPDATE: Anssi Salmela has been called up by the Devils and will see some action against Tampa Bay. Looking forward to see how he does after making himself useful up in Lowell.
17 February 2009
Well, This Was Bound To Happen
Like any sports fan, I firmly believe that even when something goes good for any sports franchise, it is inevitable that the good fortune is going to end. Winning streaks don't last a long time, mistakes are made, and sometimes the goodwill they muster prior to that one bad night means nothing because of it. But like any misstep, there's always tomorrow; that chance to get up off the ground and get back into the rhythm of things. That much I believe.
This belief can apply to the Devils and their 4-0 loss tonight against the Florida Panthers.
As refreshing and awe-inspiring it may be, the high-scoring affair the Devs had against the Sharks on Sunday might have taken the life out of the team against a Panthers squad that could be the darkhorse come playoff time.
Well, that and a few other things. Such as an offense that had every opportunity in front of them and never capitalized. Oh, and a defense that made the need for a strong blueliner at the trade deadline more urgent than ever.
But like any other bad day, we take our lumps and move on to the next day/game, with the high hopes that it could get better.
The Lightning and Islanders are the next opponents on the Devils' schedule. Here's to the hope that they get a new hot run going en route to the playoffs.
This belief can apply to the Devils and their 4-0 loss tonight against the Florida Panthers.
As refreshing and awe-inspiring it may be, the high-scoring affair the Devs had against the Sharks on Sunday might have taken the life out of the team against a Panthers squad that could be the darkhorse come playoff time.
Well, that and a few other things. Such as an offense that had every opportunity in front of them and never capitalized. Oh, and a defense that made the need for a strong blueliner at the trade deadline more urgent than ever.
But like any other bad day, we take our lumps and move on to the next day/game, with the high hopes that it could get better.
The Lightning and Islanders are the next opponents on the Devils' schedule. Here's to the hope that they get a new hot run going en route to the playoffs.
16 February 2009
And The Epic Fail Of The Year Award Goes To...
...our good friends, the scheduling gurus at both the National Broadcasting Corporation and the National Hockey League for making a very dumb decision a week prior to yesterday.
Originally scheduling the Devils-Sharks game to be broadcast to a national audience, the bumbling fools at both the 'Cock and the League thought it would be in the best interest of its audience to showcase Our Slutty Older Sisters at the Garden against the Flyers. That way, NBC keeps its policy of only nationally broadcasting teams from New York, Pittsburgh, or Detroit, while more legitimately deserving franchises like the Devils and San Jose get the shaft.
So if I get this right, a potential Stanley Cup match-up between arguably the two hottest teams in their respective conferences in Newark isn't worth an investment yet a fading Rangers team taking on a tough Philadelphia squad in the big city is, according to the logic of the Peacock and the NHL scheduling "geniuses."
So, they opted to go with this and miss out on this.
That sure as hell worked out well for you, NBC and NHL.
I'm going to now go and pray for a New Jersey-San Jose Stanley Cup Final for this year, just so those people could understand what really awesome hockey is all about.
Originally scheduling the Devils-Sharks game to be broadcast to a national audience, the bumbling fools at both the 'Cock and the League thought it would be in the best interest of its audience to showcase Our Slutty Older Sisters at the Garden against the Flyers. That way, NBC keeps its policy of only nationally broadcasting teams from New York, Pittsburgh, or Detroit, while more legitimately deserving franchises like the Devils and San Jose get the shaft.
So if I get this right, a potential Stanley Cup match-up between arguably the two hottest teams in their respective conferences in Newark isn't worth an investment yet a fading Rangers team taking on a tough Philadelphia squad in the big city is, according to the logic of the Peacock and the NHL scheduling "geniuses."
So, they opted to go with this and miss out on this.
That sure as hell worked out well for you, NBC and NHL.
I'm going to now go and pray for a New Jersey-San Jose Stanley Cup Final for this year, just so those people could understand what really awesome hockey is all about.
10 February 2009
Now THAT'S A Birthday Gift
Yesterday was the 23rd milestone of my lifetime existence. And how did yours truly spend his day? Working on class projects and dinner with the parents at a fine Italian restaurant in the heart of Trenton's Chambersburg section (the name of it is Amici Milano on the corner of Roebling and Chestnut, and while you're there get the stuffed mushrooms, veal parmigana, and Oreo mousse cake; don't even ask why, just do it).
And the cherry on top of everything that happened during my day? The Devils came out winners in the lastest installment of the Hudson River Rivalry, defeating Them by a 3-0 score. The shut-out makes this the first in the season for Scott Clemmensen, with Bobby Holik atoning for his past sins with a goal, and Zach Parise notching the last two of the game. Oh yeah, and I did mention that Clemmensen, a career back-up, got the shut-out over Court Jester Henrik, the star, didn't I?
In spite of the team accumulating a high number of penalties and Rupp being on the wrong end of his scrap with Colton Orr, the Devils stuck it to Our Slutty Older Sisters once again, proving that the Rags' success last season against Jersey's Team was one humungous fluke.
While it would be attractive to look ahead against Boston on Friday, it wouldn't be wise to forget that the Islanders are coming to town tomorrow. Or maybe it will. Whatever the case, here's to the hope that they keep the good times rolling.
And the cherry on top of everything that happened during my day? The Devils came out winners in the lastest installment of the Hudson River Rivalry, defeating Them by a 3-0 score. The shut-out makes this the first in the season for Scott Clemmensen, with Bobby Holik atoning for his past sins with a goal, and Zach Parise notching the last two of the game. Oh yeah, and I did mention that Clemmensen, a career back-up, got the shut-out over Court Jester Henrik, the star, didn't I?
In spite of the team accumulating a high number of penalties and Rupp being on the wrong end of his scrap with Colton Orr, the Devils stuck it to Our Slutty Older Sisters once again, proving that the Rags' success last season against Jersey's Team was one humungous fluke.
While it would be attractive to look ahead against Boston on Friday, it wouldn't be wise to forget that the Islanders are coming to town tomorrow. Or maybe it will. Whatever the case, here's to the hope that they keep the good times rolling.
27 January 2009
Back In Business
After five days of R&R from all but one New Jersey Devil, the team resumed their season on the road against the Ottawa Senators. Five days since entering the All-Star Break with a win against the Canadiens, our Jersey Guys looked as if they haven't missed a beat with the 4-1 win over the Sens.
The first period started off right with Patrik Elias' goal, but the Devils left the fans worrisome on back-to-back penalty kills. Thankfully, they killed both off, but the amount of shots by the Sens then concerned everyone.
The second period made things very uncomfortable when the Sens tied it up on a Power Play, thus confirming our worries. Thankfully, Jamie Langenbrunner made sure it was the closest the Sens could ever get the rest of the night when he rocketed a shot off of the Ottawa goalie not named Martin Gerber (who rightfully was sent down to their AHL affiliate) hard enough for the puck to trickle into the net.
Then the third came, and Jersey's Team never let up. Langs added another goal and our ageless wonder Brendan Shanahan made up for the dumb penalties he had by adding one more for insurance. The cherry on top of this ice cream? On a four minute Penalty Kill, with Shanny serving all of them for a double minor high sticking, the Devils killed it without allowing one shot. Four minutes on the PK, zero shots allowed. Sure makes up for that adventure of a second period.
First game back, and the Devils did very well to earn the win. But the challenge is just beginning, because the next test comes Thursday. The Devils will get the chance to get even against the top seeded Boston Bruins on their ice. You bet your arse I'll be catching up on it very intently. Go get 'em Thursday, guys! LETS GO DEVILS!
The first period started off right with Patrik Elias' goal, but the Devils left the fans worrisome on back-to-back penalty kills. Thankfully, they killed both off, but the amount of shots by the Sens then concerned everyone.
The second period made things very uncomfortable when the Sens tied it up on a Power Play, thus confirming our worries. Thankfully, Jamie Langenbrunner made sure it was the closest the Sens could ever get the rest of the night when he rocketed a shot off of the Ottawa goalie not named Martin Gerber (who rightfully was sent down to their AHL affiliate) hard enough for the puck to trickle into the net.
Then the third came, and Jersey's Team never let up. Langs added another goal and our ageless wonder Brendan Shanahan made up for the dumb penalties he had by adding one more for insurance. The cherry on top of this ice cream? On a four minute Penalty Kill, with Shanny serving all of them for a double minor high sticking, the Devils killed it without allowing one shot. Four minutes on the PK, zero shots allowed. Sure makes up for that adventure of a second period.
First game back, and the Devils did very well to earn the win. But the challenge is just beginning, because the next test comes Thursday. The Devils will get the chance to get even against the top seeded Boston Bruins on their ice. You bet your arse I'll be catching up on it very intently. Go get 'em Thursday, guys! LETS GO DEVILS!
25 January 2009
Grading The Devils, Part 2: Defense and Goalies
Now that the All-Star frenzy is over and done with (by the way, congrats to our man Zach Parise for scoring a goal in this his first All-Star Game), we can all go back to our regularly scheduled hockey lives, already in progress. Before we can do that, I would like to continue with giving out the midseason grades for the New Jersey Devils. This time, I give the defense and goalies a look.
Johnny Oduya: Quite easily the best defenseman the Devils have heading into the (unofficial) second-half of the season. Spanish Johnny leads the team in points amongst defensemen and often has a hand in some big scoring plays. Initially scrutinized by the fans early last year, Oduya has absolutely won them over and will look to be a Devil for a good portion of his career. He's a keeper. B+
Scott Clemmensen: Other than Parise, he's the MVP of this season so far. Initally left for dead in the dregs of Lowell, he was summoned to save the season when the naysayers thought the Devils were as good as lifeless once Marty went down. Oh, how wrong were those Doubting Thomases. Clemmer has amassed a 19-9-1 record, a .922 goals against average, and out of the 860 shots against him, only 67 were goals. All of these in Brodeur's absence. It has to make you and me feel good about our future should Marty go for good. B+
Mike Mottau: Mottau is probably the most useful asset the Devs could have on the defensive front. He leads the team in +/- with plus-16, which means his defensive abilities rarely hold him to be a liability when fending off an attack. Like I said, he's an asset, and would like to see him keep it up. B
Paul Martin: For a defenseman, the Minneapolis native can score as well. Along with Oduya, he leads the team amongst defensemen in goals with four and is also stellar on the defensive. Even an injury in early November didn't stop him from doing well. The thing I would like to see is for him to be keeping it up at a consistent pace. B-
Kevin Weekes: Initally the de facto starter after Marty's injury, Weekes was on-and-off until Clemmer's arrival. Since then, he's been very serviceable as a back-up, giving Clemmensen some much needed rest and playing admirably in the process. Not to mention he's an affable personality who keeps the mood in the clubhouse light. C+
Jay Leach: With the multitude of injuries occurring earlier this season, we've seen a multitude of players called up from Lowell to skate with the big boys. Leach, a relative journeyman, was one of them, and has lasted the longest with 21 games. And to be honest, he's held his own as well. He fared well on the blueline and scrapped with some tough guys also. I would like to see more of him, but for his efforts, he deserves a decent grade. C+
Colin White: Whitey's eye injury from last year may have had an effect on how he fared then, but it hasn't been a factor right now. Colin is second among the team's defensemen with a plus-14 rating, even though he missed a few games because of an upper body injury. The health factor worries me about White, so I hope that he'll get through with a clean bill of health. C+
Bryce Salvador: Acquired at the trade deadline last year, Salvador missed the remainder of it due to injury. Injuries have partially been a factor in Salvie not being much of a factor. His plus-2 rating isn't helping matters either. But to his credit, he does provide some opportunities when given. Still, I need to see more from him. C
Andy Greene: Missed the first few games of the season and all of November & a chunk of December. Greene was doing pretty decent prior to suffering a broken hand against Toronto in October, notching some assists and keeping his +/- reasonably positive. Since returning, he hasn't been much of a factor for the team. The injuries haven't helped him much this year. C
Sheldon Brookbank: This guy is about as useful as barbed wire is for flossing your teeth. We still have him on the roster because? F
Martin Brodeur: It's tough to grade him right now after the mere 10 games he's played so far. While he's played tremendously, the one thing that bothers me is how he hasn't gotten over his struggles against the Rags. While is grade is not certain now, this much is: when he gets back, it will make the Devils even better. Incomplete
And there you have it. The mid-term grades for the entire New Jersey Devils. So, now that Tuesday will come shortly, we shall see how each player fares now that their assessments are made. For now, stay Jersey, and as always...LETS GO DEVILS!!
Johnny Oduya: Quite easily the best defenseman the Devils have heading into the (unofficial) second-half of the season. Spanish Johnny leads the team in points amongst defensemen and often has a hand in some big scoring plays. Initially scrutinized by the fans early last year, Oduya has absolutely won them over and will look to be a Devil for a good portion of his career. He's a keeper. B+
Scott Clemmensen: Other than Parise, he's the MVP of this season so far. Initally left for dead in the dregs of Lowell, he was summoned to save the season when the naysayers thought the Devils were as good as lifeless once Marty went down. Oh, how wrong were those Doubting Thomases. Clemmer has amassed a 19-9-1 record, a .922 goals against average, and out of the 860 shots against him, only 67 were goals. All of these in Brodeur's absence. It has to make you and me feel good about our future should Marty go for good. B+
Mike Mottau: Mottau is probably the most useful asset the Devs could have on the defensive front. He leads the team in +/- with plus-16, which means his defensive abilities rarely hold him to be a liability when fending off an attack. Like I said, he's an asset, and would like to see him keep it up. B
Paul Martin: For a defenseman, the Minneapolis native can score as well. Along with Oduya, he leads the team amongst defensemen in goals with four and is also stellar on the defensive. Even an injury in early November didn't stop him from doing well. The thing I would like to see is for him to be keeping it up at a consistent pace. B-
Kevin Weekes: Initally the de facto starter after Marty's injury, Weekes was on-and-off until Clemmer's arrival. Since then, he's been very serviceable as a back-up, giving Clemmensen some much needed rest and playing admirably in the process. Not to mention he's an affable personality who keeps the mood in the clubhouse light. C+
Jay Leach: With the multitude of injuries occurring earlier this season, we've seen a multitude of players called up from Lowell to skate with the big boys. Leach, a relative journeyman, was one of them, and has lasted the longest with 21 games. And to be honest, he's held his own as well. He fared well on the blueline and scrapped with some tough guys also. I would like to see more of him, but for his efforts, he deserves a decent grade. C+
Colin White: Whitey's eye injury from last year may have had an effect on how he fared then, but it hasn't been a factor right now. Colin is second among the team's defensemen with a plus-14 rating, even though he missed a few games because of an upper body injury. The health factor worries me about White, so I hope that he'll get through with a clean bill of health. C+
Bryce Salvador: Acquired at the trade deadline last year, Salvador missed the remainder of it due to injury. Injuries have partially been a factor in Salvie not being much of a factor. His plus-2 rating isn't helping matters either. But to his credit, he does provide some opportunities when given. Still, I need to see more from him. C
Andy Greene: Missed the first few games of the season and all of November & a chunk of December. Greene was doing pretty decent prior to suffering a broken hand against Toronto in October, notching some assists and keeping his +/- reasonably positive. Since returning, he hasn't been much of a factor for the team. The injuries haven't helped him much this year. C
Sheldon Brookbank: This guy is about as useful as barbed wire is for flossing your teeth. We still have him on the roster because? F
Martin Brodeur: It's tough to grade him right now after the mere 10 games he's played so far. While he's played tremendously, the one thing that bothers me is how he hasn't gotten over his struggles against the Rags. While is grade is not certain now, this much is: when he gets back, it will make the Devils even better. Incomplete
And there you have it. The mid-term grades for the entire New Jersey Devils. So, now that Tuesday will come shortly, we shall see how each player fares now that their assessments are made. For now, stay Jersey, and as always...LETS GO DEVILS!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
