tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44077495916253457722024-03-12T22:21:55.334-04:00DEVILS LOUNGEWelcome to the Devils Lounge, fan blog for the three time Stanley Cup Champions! 1995*2000*2003SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-31781393583841050062009-03-31T20:19:00.002-04:002009-03-31T20:52:33.708-04:00DEVILS BETTER GET THEIR SHIT TOGETHERI'm back! Sorry but having a new baby around the house has been too much! But now I can't take it anymore. These past five games have got all Devils fans as hot as the fires in hell. Yes you heard me right.<br /><br />So what is going on, well here is my little take on the whole shit storm that has happened the past five games.<br />1) The Devils are getting run like a deer caught in the headlights of an 18-wheeler. Parise has gotten laid out the past few games, Marty is getting run and our defenseman are being pressured into turnovers and taken out by forwards who are told to run us through a brick wall. And what do our players do back, we hit like PUSSIES. YES, you heard me right fans, we hit like little bitches and that doesn't win come playoffs.<br />2) The Penalty Kill just blows. We are letting teams just set up and their are no pressure on the point men and we are allowing passes right through the center of our passive box. Again we are not going after the puck, they are so worried about positioning. Go force their players along the boards and at the points. Make them feel some fear from our penalty kill.<br />3) Take out Parise and there is no offense. Are Zubrus and Gionta dead? Cause they have done shit in February and March, Gionta has 7G-9A in 26 games (he had 41 points in first 49 games) and Zubrus has (wait listen to these pathetic 2nd line center numbers, here it comes) 3G-6A in 26 games. Hell Rolston and Shanahan are nowhere to be found either. Rolston has 6G-8A in 26 games and Shanahan, who has 3G in first 5 games, has 2G-6A in last 23 games.<br />4) Shots, Shots Shots! And I don't mean of Tequila. All teams are doing now are shooting from anywhere and watch side angle shots are low at Marty's pads where he can't control teh rebounds and the puck just lies there for people to clear. Get some fucking blocked shots.<br />5) 552. The chase took alot out of them and they were playing playoff hockey to get Marty to 552, so they hit a wall after it has happened. While at the same time other teams are just now playing playoff hockey cause they are desperate.<br /><br />So what to do:<br />1) Put Shanahan with someone who can score and get him the puck.<br />2) Change the lines, except for the ZZ Pop line. Elias-Zubrus-Shanahan, Rolston-Madden-Gionta, Pandolfo-Holik-Clarkson.<br />3) Bring a forward up from Lowell. Halischuk, just some new blood. Scare some players and see what they can do for a game or two.<br />4) Hit everyone in sight. This next game run over Crosby and Malkin like they they road kill. Which defenseman will step up and be the Scott Stevens type, saying don't you come this way or you will leave on a stretcher.<br />5) Take less penalties and be more aggressive on the penalty kill.<br />6) Maybe have the refs give us some early power-plays. Oh, ya thats right we don't dive like that fags who play at MSG.<br />7) The next time anyone sees Avery on the ice, if he doesn't drop the gloves start pounding his face with their fists, we will see if he starts swinging then.<br />8) Control the puck and get back the aggressive forecheck. We are playing without the puck and sitting back. We need the puck more.<br />9) Get the breakout going.<br />10) lastly, get hunry and hurt the other team. Make them bleed and feel pain.<br /><br />Sorry for all the mispellings, but I am too pissed off right now!SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-53498015580160865632009-03-09T21:08:00.003-04:002009-03-09T21:31:54.152-04:00Devils Need To Bounce Back After Disaster On Long IslandAfter their worst defeat of the year, a 7-3 trouncing to the young Islanders, the Devils know that they need to bounce back and right the ship in the final 17 games of the regular season.<br /><br />Sutter spoke this week to many of the veteran players, all of whom need to step up their game as they head towards the playoffs. Players like Zubrus, Elias, Gionta, Shahahan, Madden and Rolston are all players that Sutter expects to see them games rise to the level of play he expects come playoff time.<br /><br />The line of Zubrus-Elias-Gionta are the key to how far the Devils can go in their Stanley Cup run. The line was a key producer offensivelly during the Devils long winning streak in the middle of the season. Even though Elias has kept up his scoring pace, Gionta has (4G-8A) in his last 21 game while he had (11G-27A) in the first 43 games, while Zubrus has been a big dissapointment with (2G-4A) in his last 22 games, while he had (11G-17A) in his first 43 games.<br /><br />If the Devils are able to win against Calgary and Phoenix, it will set up the opportunity for Brodeur to tie Patrick Roy's record in Montreal and then have a chance to break it at home against the Blackhawks at home on St. Patrick's Day.<br /><br />Devil Notes:<br />- Havelid played 19:28 in his debut with the Devils and was a minus-2.SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-83986628700548083312009-03-06T11:02:00.002-05:002009-03-06T11:21:05.366-05:00Devils Getting Help While Not Playing<span style="font-size:85%;">As of Thursday, the New Jersey Devils were 6 points behind the Boston Bruins for first in the Eastern Conference with 18 games remaining. They also had the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Flyers</span> and Capitals nipping at their heels. Well Thursday they got some help as the Bruins, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Flyers</span> and Capitals all lost. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">With Bostons 2-1 loss to Phoenix, the Devils remain 6 points behind Boston with a game at hand. The Devils and Bruins play one more time, Sunday, March 22<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">nd</span>. The Bruins are 3-6-3 after a fast start to the season. Maybe, just maybe the NHL will make this the game of the week, the two best teams in the Eastern Conference, instead of the Rangers or Penguins.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Coming from behind are the Capitals and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Flyers</span>. With last nights 5-1 loss to Calgary, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Flyers</span> remain 9 points behind the Devils but still have a game at hand. The way the Devils are playing it is all but seemingly their division to win and possibly by the end of March. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Capitals 2-1 loss last night against the Toronto Maple Leafs, keeps the Devils 2 points ahead of the Capitals with 2 games at hand. The Capitals have struggled of late as well, losing 3 straight and five of their last eight games. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Anyway it plays out, the Devils seem to be on a collision course with the Rangers or Penguins in a first round match-up. If it was me I would be hoping to avoid those guys and prey we land the Panthers or Canadians. But one thing for sure, the Devils do have a real shot at being the #1 seed in the Eastern <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Conference</span>.</span>SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-45185304249117527462009-03-04T12:19:00.007-05:002009-03-04T16:43:06.484-05:00Beyond Havelid, Devils Remain Silent at Trade Deadline<span style="font-size:85%;">The 2009 NHL trade deadline came and went and the New Jersey Devils remained intact, except for the addition of Nicholas Havelid. As of 3:57pm on Wednesday, a total of 20 traded were made on deadline day.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The big winners were the Calgary Flames who added Oli Jokinen and Jordan Leopold. The big additions in Calgary prompted the San Jose Sharks to act as they later added Travis Moen and Kent Huskins from Anaheim, while at the same time sent defenseman Kyle McLaren to Philadelphia. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The other team out west that made a big splash were the Phoenix Coyotes. The Coyotes sent Jokinen, Morris and Caracillo out of the desert. In return they got a load of NHL ready players in Petr Prucha, Nigel Dawes, Dmitiri Kalinin, Scottie Upshall, Matthew Lombardi and Brandon Prust. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">But as all Devils fans care about is what happened in the Eastern Conference. All Atlantic Division rivals were active at the deadline.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Rangers added Nik ANtropov and Derek Morris, but gave up draft picks and player Petr Prucha, Nigel Dawes and Dmitiri Kalinin. Along with those players Aaron Voros and Erik Reitz were put on waivers, which Reitz was picked off waivers by Toronto. And lets not forget they added Avery. In the end the Rangers have changed a dramatic portion of their roster, but their core still remains the same and that wont change the team they are.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Flyers were all talk and less action. They talked about adding Pronger and Bouwmeester and so on, well in the end the shipped out Scottie Upshall and a draft pick and added Daniel Caracillo and Kyle McLaren. Small trades for the Flyers and still leave them with questions at goal and on defense. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Penguins may have made the most imposing moves. Adding Chris Kunitz has seemed to already pay off with 3 goals since coming to Pittsburgh, but today they added Bill Guerin for nothing more than a 3rd to 5th round draft pick. If Crosby is healthy, the Pens have three solid lines but may have question at defense and will need Fluery to play out his ass to get past the Caps, Flyers, Bruins and Devils. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Boston Bruins did as the Devils did, they fine tuned their roster. With a roster who does not have many players who have been past the 1st round of the playoffs, the Bruins added veteran Mark Recchi and defenseman Steve Montador, while giving up nothing from their teams core. This is essentially the same thing the Devils did in adding Havelid and Shanahan. I think we got the better end of that. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">A big suprise was that the Capitals did nothing at the deadline. They have issues on the blueline and in goal, so this may be the biggest suprise.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Below are all the trades that happened today:</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">OTT- G Pascal LeClaire, 2009 2nd RD Pick</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">COL - F Antoinne Vermette</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">STL- D Danny Richmond</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">PIT-D Andy Wozniewski</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">CAL- D Jordan Leopold</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">COL - D Lawrence Nycholat, D Ryan Wilson, 2009 2nd Rd. Pick</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">DAL - Claims C Brendan Morrison off waivers</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">TOR - Claims D Eric Reitz off waivers</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">TOR - Claims G Martin Gerber off waivers</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">PIT - Claims F Craig Adams off waivers</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">BUF - G Mikael Tellqvist</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">PHO - 4th Rd Pick</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">CAL - C Oli Jokinen</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">PHO - 1st rd pick, C Matt Lombardi, F Brandon Prust</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">BOS- D Steve Montador</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">ANA - F Petteri Nokelainen</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">BOS- F Mark Recchi, 2010 2nd rd pick</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">TB - D Matt Lashoff, F Martisn Karsums</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">PIT- F Bill Guerin</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">NYI- Conditional Draft pick</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">PHI- F Danny Carcillo</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">PHO- F Scottie Upshall, 2nd Rd pick</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">NYR- C Nik Antropov</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">TOR- 2nd Rd Pick and a Conditional Pick</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">NYR- D Derek Morris</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">PHO- F Petr Prucha, F Nigel Dawes, D Dmitiri Kalinin</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">BUF- C Dominic Moore</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">TOR - 2nd Rd Pick</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">ANA - F Erik Christensen</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">ATL - D Eric O'Dell</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">FLA- D Steve Eminger</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">TB- D Noah Welch, 3rd Rd. Pick</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">CLB- G Kevin LaLande</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">CAL - 4th Round Pick</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">PHI- D Kyle McLaren</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">SJ- 6th round Pick</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">CHI - F Samuel Pahlsson</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">ANA- James Wisneiwski</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">SJ- F Travis Moen, D Kent Huskins</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">ANA- Nick Bonnino, G Tim Pielmeirer, Conditional Pick</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">CAR- F Patrick O'Sullivan</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">LA- F Justin Williams</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">EDM- F Patrick O'Sullivan</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">CAR- F Erik Cole</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">EDM- F Ales Kotalik</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">BUF- 2nd Round Pick</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">TOR- G Olaf Kolzig, D Jamie Heward, D Andy Rogers and 4th Round Pick</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">TB- D Richard Petoit</span>SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-78972854999421745682009-03-04T09:22:00.004-05:002009-03-04T09:46:28.441-05:00Deadline Day Is Here!<span style="font-size:85%;">Well the trade deadline is here and I will be glued to the NHL network starting at Noon, to see what is going to happen and where the Devils will land after all the dust settles.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Some things that are for sure, well <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">at least</span> that is what we are hearing, are that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Neidermeyer</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Pronger</span> are going nowhere. On the other hand Derek Morris, Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Guerin</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nik</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Antropov</span>, Dominic Moore, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Mark</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Recchi</span> are all heading to new teams. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Players still up in the air are Ryan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Smyth</span>, Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Nylander</span>, Jay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Bouwmeester</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Oli</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Jokinen</span>, Tomas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Kaberle</span>, Doug Weight and Martin St. Louis. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Then their are all the players who were put on waivers yesterday, Brendan Morrison, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Miroslav</span> Satan, Gary Roberts and Jon Sim, just to name a few.</span> What will happen with them?<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">As for the Devils, what is their next move after picking up Nicolas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Havelid</span> the other day from Atlanta?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Will <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Clemmensen</span> be traded or is their no interest from teams? Would Lou trade him to an eastern contender? Or will <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Weekes</span> be the on who gets traded?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Will the Devils land another forward, hopefully a second line center?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Will Madden still be a New Jersey Devil after 3pm?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Will Greene, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Gionta</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Mottau</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Zubrus</span> and or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Pandolfo</span> be traded?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Well all we can do is sit back and let the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">deals</span> unfold and trust that Lou will put us over the top as the top cup contender in the east!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">DEVILS NOTES:</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">- With their 3-2 overtime win last night aginst the Leafs and losses by Boston and San Jose, the Devils are now only six points behind the league leading Sharks and Bruins. Four teams are tied for the league lead with42 victories (Boston, San Jose, Detroit and the DEVILS!) </span>SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-74635436448238223392009-03-02T20:11:00.002-05:002009-03-02T21:04:09.838-05:00Brodeur, Havelid and the Trade Deadline<span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Marty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Brodeur</span></strong> was named the NHL's weeks 1st star.Since his return, Marty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Brodeur</span> has posted two shutouts in three games including a dominant 3-0 victory over the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Flyers</span> on Sunday.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">If there were any doubters, they are seemingly all convinced that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Brodeur</span> is 100% and that he is the greatest goalie of all time. Sunday's shutout was the 100<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Brodeur's</span> career, which now puts him three away from tying Terry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Sawchuk</span> (103). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Brodeur</span> is also inching closer to the all-time win record held by Patrick Roy (551). If all goes as planned, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Brodeur</span> could tie or break the record at Montreal on Saturday, March 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span> or the St. Patrick's Day game on Tuesday, March 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">th</span> against the Chicago <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Blackhawks</span>. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">On Sunday, Jamie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Langenbrunner</span> netted the 200<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">th</span> goal of his career and is on pace to break his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">career</span> best of 23 goals in a season. Also in Sunday's game, Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Gionta</span> got his 300<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">th</span> career point with his second period goal. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">In the three games since <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Brodeur's</span> return, the Devils have outscored their opponents 14 to 2, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">outshooting</span> their opponents 120-68 and have not allowed a power-play against in eight opportunities. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">On Monday, the Devils acquired <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">defenseman</span> <strong>Nicholas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Havelid</span></strong> from Atlanta <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Anssi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Salmella</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Havelid</span>, 35, has played nine years in the NHL with Atlanta and the Anaheim Ducks. In 63 games this season he has 2 goals and 13 assists and is only one of five Thrasher regulars to have a plus rating (+4). In his career, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Havelid</span> has only had a negative plus/minus rating twice in an entire season.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Havelid</span> gives the Devils another solid veteran puck moving <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">defenesman</span>. The trade opens up options for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Lamoriello</span> to either put Andy Greene as the seventh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">defenseman</span> or trade a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">defenseman</span> for the forward they have been looking to add. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Havelid's</span> salary is for 2.9M and is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Many people were hoping for the Devils to land a big name <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">defenseman</span>, but lately <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Neidermeyer</span> came off <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">the</span> trade block and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Pronger</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Jovanovski</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Kaberle</span> came with too high of a price tag and salaries to add to a team with such great chemistry. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">So where do the Devils go from here? The <strong>trade deadline</strong> is Wednesday at 3pm and the Devils may not be done. The Devils are still looking to add a center or veteran winger, but with the addition of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Havelid</span>, in order to do so they will need to give up a player. Players still on the trade block are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Pandolfo</span>, Madden, Gionta, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Clarkson</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Zubrus</span> all could be moved. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Havelid</span> will not join the team in Toronto, which also puts speculation that he may be one of the players traded to add another player. One rumor floating around is that Florida would move <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Bouwmeester</span> for a veteran <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">defenseman</span> and a forward that could help them this season in their playoff run. Some options could be Salvador or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Havelid</span> and Madden or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Pandolfo</span> for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Bouwmeester</span>. Long shot trade and only a rumor at this point.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">We will find out shortly. </span>SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-60942150849390911222009-03-01T08:52:00.007-05:002009-03-01T09:35:14.544-05:00Devils Blast Panthers; Guerin To Decide On Trade On Sunday<span style="font-size:85%;">The New Jersey Devils had something to prove after getting thumped 4-0 by the Panthers last week in Miami. Well I think the Panthers got the answer who the better team is as the Devils dominated and tore apart the Panthers 7-2.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Zach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Parise</span> led the Devils with 2 goals and an assist, giving <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Parise</span> 38 goals and 76 points on the season. Of late <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Parise</span> is not just scoring goals, his goals like his 38<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> goal are becoming highlight reel goals that are being shown on every network that shows hockey causing fans to scream MVP chants at the game yesterday. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Parise</span> is now back on pace for exactly 50 goals and 100 points, which would both be firsts in Devils history. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Parise</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Zajac</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Langenbrunner</span> line got some help from the newly formed line of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Rolston</span> centering <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Shanahan</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Clarkson. The new line</span> accounted for 3 goals and six points. All three players had a goals and assist apiece on the afternoon. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Sutter's</span> changes on the third and fourth lines and may have struck gold as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Rolston's</span> was able to use his speed at center, making him much more involved throughout the game and in the offense. The fourth line had Madden at center with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Pandolfo</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Holik</span> on the wings.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Brodeur</span> got his second straight win stopping 15 shots and is expected to play Sunday against the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Flyers</span>. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The real story is coming out Long Island, where the Islanders are said to have a deal in place with a playoff contender for winger Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Guerin</span>. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Guerin</span>, who has a no-trade clause, was sent home after the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">pre</span>-game skate on Saturday to mull over the potential trade with his family. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Guerin</span> is expected to make his decision known to Islanders management early this morning. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Boston Bruins were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">speculated</span> a few weeks ago, but are said not to be the team <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Guerin</span> could be traded to. The three teams being speculated are the Canadians, Capitals and the <strong>Devils. </strong>The deal has been a very hush-hush affair, bringing on the though by many hockey media outlets and websites that the only GM who could pull off such a hush-hush trade is Lou <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Lamoriello</span>. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Guerin leads all Islanders forward with 16 goals and 36 points on the season. A former 1st round choice of the Devils in 1989, Guerin has 403 career goals. The 38 year old is making 4.5M this season and is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">We should know the answer about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Guerin</span> sometime around <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">game time</span> for the Devils-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Flyers</span> game at 1pm today.</span>SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-65099235211245053872009-02-27T09:27:00.003-05:002009-02-27T10:22:54.816-05:00NET ZERO<span style="font-size:85%;">After missing 50 games, Martin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Brodeur</span> stepped out onto the ice at the Prudential Center and made it seem as if he was never gone.<br /><br />In his first game back since <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">recovering</span> from surgery to repair a torn bicep, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Brodeur</span> stopped all 24 shots on way to the shutout and a 4-0 Devils win. The shutout and win put <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Brodeur</span> closer to breaking two records that seemed to be a foregone conclusion for him to reach at the beginning of the season. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Brodeur</span> is now six wins shy of tying Patrick Roy's record of 551 wins and four shutouts shy of tying Terry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sawchuk's</span> record of 103 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">careeer</span> shutouts.<br /><br />After a three game stretch that saw them get shutout twice, the Devils came out flying and were aggressive on the puck. Spending most of the first period in the offensive zone, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Brodeur</span> was allowed to settle into the game as he only faced five 1st period shots. After the first period, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Brodeur</span> seemed to get stronger as the game went on. Early in the 3rd period, with the Devils clinging to a 2-0 lead, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Brodeur</span> made some key saves to keep the score at 2-0.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Several</span> times throughout the game a loud and large Thursday night crowd chanted "Marty, Marty, Marty...." and really gave the feel of excitement that could come this spring come playoff time. Now the questions that will surround <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Brodeur</span> and the Devils will be how does <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Brodeur</span> feel the day after his first game and with back-to-back games this weekend, will <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Brodeur</span> play one or both?<br /><br />OTHER NOTES:<br />- The Devils got all four of their goals with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Zajac</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Parise</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Langebrunner</span> line on the ice. It was very noticeable that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Sutter</span> has become frustrated with the lack of offense from the other lines as he mixed up the lines all night to try and find a good combination. With players struggling <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">offensively</span> like: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Zubrus</span> (4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">pts</span>. in 18 games), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Gionta</span> (4 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">pts</span>. in 11 games), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Rolston</span> (7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">pts</span>. in 15 games), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Shanahan</span> (1pt. in 9 games) and Madden (4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">pts</span>, in 14 games) the Devils may be pressed to get a scoring <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">centerman</span> instead of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">defensemen</span> that have been rumored. Some names out their are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Jokinen</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">PHO</span>), Morrison (ANA), Connolly (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">BUF</span>), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Nylander</span> (WAS), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Spezza</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">OTT</span>) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Antropov</span> (TOR).<br /><br />I am sure Lou would like to be able add both if possible and Jay Pandolfo played last night and me be being showcased for a potential trade. Pandolfo does have a no-trade clause, which would make it harder to trade him.</span>SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-84309739628073282592009-02-21T19:00:00.004-05:002009-02-22T20:37:53.667-05:00Weekes Is Stronger Link<span style="font-size:85%;">With the Marty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Brodeur's</span></span> probable return on Thursday and the trade deadline nearing on March 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span></span>, the Devils will have to make a decision on who will be the back-up for the remainder of the season.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">At first glance everyone might say it will be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Clemmensen</span></span> for all that he has done this year, but of late <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Weekes</span></span> has made his stand that he wants to be here for the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">remainder</span> of the season. In his last 5 starts <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Weekes</span></span> in 5-0-0 allowing only 7 goals for a 1.37 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">GAA</span></span>. The veteran goalie has stopped 153 of 160 shots for an out of this world .956 save percentage. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Weekes</span> has stood on his head and won some games by himself, like this past Thursday where his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">marvelous</span> saves kept the Devils in the game against the Lightning and eventually came back to defeat them in the shootout 3-2.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">On the other side, we have Scott <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Clemmensen</span></span> who had two straight shutouts, but take those games away and he has struggled. In his last eight starts <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Clemmensen</span></span> is 5-3-0 with a 2.75 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">GAA</span></span> and a .899 save <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">percentage</span>. If you take away the two shutouts, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Clemmensen's</span></span> numbers dive into the piss poor range. Without the shutouts his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">GAA</span></span> is 3.67 and a pathetic .863 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">save</span> percentage. In each of those games he has given up <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">at least</span> 3 goals.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The most probable option will be that one of the goalies will end up on waivers, as both lack the trade value,are UFA at year's end and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Clemmensen</span>, who has a two-way contract, will probably reject a return to Lowell. If it was right now if you were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Lamiriello</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Sutter</span> you would have to stay with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Weekes</span></span> at this point., He has been the better goalie of late and more experience and professionalism as being a back-up goalie.</span>SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-81853546717533411572009-02-15T22:00:00.003-05:002009-02-15T22:52:01.060-05:00Devils Reel In Sharks 6-5In a back and forth affair the New Jersey Devils prevailed on Sunday afternoon over the Western Conference leading San Jose Sharks 6-5.<br /><br />The Devils got off to another quick start as Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Gionta</span></span> scored 30 seconds into the game. After <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gionta's</span></span> goal, the Devils and Sharks would swap goals in a wild first period. The Sharks struck first as Rob Blake scored, then Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rolston</span></span>, then Patrick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Marleau</span></span> and finally David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Clarkson</span> finished the first period scoring</span>.<br /><br />Leading 3-2 after one period <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">the</span> game would settle down until late in the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">nd</span></span> period when Jonathan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Cheechoo</span></span> blasted a shot through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Clemmensen</span></span> blocker side to tie the game at 3-3. Then the refs stepped in with some awful calls leading to a Sharks a five-on-three goal with 13 seconds remaining. Joe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Thorton</span></span> would make quick work on the five-on-three centering a pass to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Setoguchi</span></span> to give the Sharks a 4-3 lead after two periods.<br /><br />In the third period the Devils power-play erupted for three goals. Patrick Elias scored first at 4:47 into the third, then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Langenbrunner</span></span> would give the Devils a 5-4 lead just under three minutes later. Then halfway through the period <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Zubrus</span></span> turned the puck over in center ice and the Sharks <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Pavelski</span></span> walked in and through a short-angle backhander over the short-side shoulder of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Clemmensen</span></span> to tie the game.<br /><br />David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Clarkson</span></span>, who was replacing a scratched Brendan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Shanahan</span></span> on the power-play, would score his second goal of the game with 3:32 left in the game. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Gionta</span></span> controlled the puck along the boards and made a little soft backhand pass to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Rolston</span></span> who one-timed a shot that deflected off <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Clarkson</span>,</span> who was screening <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Nabakov</span>,</span> to give the Devils the eventual game winner.<br /><br />Paul Martin and Brendan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Shanahan</span></span> both sat out today's game with injuries. Neither injury seems to be serious at this time. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Shanahan's</span> injury</span> was a foot from blocking a shot in Friday's game against Boston and Martin's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">upper body</span> injury was a last minute game time decision.<br /><br />The Devils finished the week 4-0-0, in which saw them play the rival Rangers and Islanders and then the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">conference</span> leading Bruins and Sharks. In the week the Devils doubled up their opponents outscoring them 14 to 7, including their first two shutouts since the injury to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Brodeur</span></span>. With the wins the Devils have opened up an eight point lead on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Flyers</span></span> and an eleven point lead on the Rangers.<br /><br />Winner of 13 of their last 15, the Devils head south for games in Florida and Tampa before returning north to play the Islanders on the February 21st. Then the Devils will have four full days for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Brodeur</span></span> to get in some good hard practices before a possible return for their February 26<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">th</span></span> home game against the Avalanche.<br /><br />Devils Notes:<br />- Today marked the return of a Devils icon, Claude <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Lemieux</span>. The 43 year old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Lemieux</span> was the 1995 Con <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Smythe</span> winner in the Devils first Stanley Cup run. Today he saw six minutes of ice-time without registering a shot or a point and was a minus-1. Since returning to the NHL he has played 10 games for the Sharks and has zero points and 10 shots in that span.SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-1985756159586671522009-02-14T10:33:00.002-05:002009-02-14T11:11:44.055-05:00Three Down and One To Go as Devils Blank Bruins 1-0<span style="font-size:85%;">The New Jersey Devils <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">entered</span> this week knowing they had a challenge on their hands and a chance to see where their teams stacks up against the rest of the league. Well all they have done is shut-out the hated Rangers, defeat their other New York rival the Islanders and shutout the best team in the NHL, the Boston Bruins. Now all that stands <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">from a</span> perfect week is a win on Sunday over the Western Conference leading San Jose Sharks.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Maybe feeling a little bit of pressure knowing Marty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Brodeur's</span> return is getting closer and closer by <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">the</span> day, goalie Scott <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Clemmensen</span> has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">decided</span> not to give up the #1 goalie title he has earned in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Brodeur's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">absence</span>. After going his first 35 games without a shutout, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Clemmensen</span> has posted two straight shutout this week stopping 58 shots in the process. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Clemmensen</span> now owns a 2.23 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">GAA</span> and a .922 save percentage this season. With Marty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Brodeur' return on the horizon, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Clemmensen</span> is making what just a few months ago look to be an easy decision for Coach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Sutter</span> now a very hard one. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Devils and Bruins played an extremely tight defensive game and showed why they are two of the top defensive teams in the NHL. The Devils <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">defenseman</span> have made their statement, trying to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">dispel</span> all trade rumors with their play of late, that they like this group just the way it is and Lou should leave it alone.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Tim Thomas was excellent in yesterdays game again and would be my leading candidate for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Vezina</span> trophy this season, but one mistake cost him the game. John Madden won a face off clean back to Bryce Salvador at the point, who threw a seemingly harmless wrist shot past that slipped through the legs of Thomas for the only goal of the game. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Devils now look to finish off the week by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">closing</span> out the Sharks Sunday afternoon. The Sharks, who have only lost four times all year in regulation, have struggled of late as they are 1-1-4 in their last six games. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Devils Notes:</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">- Travis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Zajac</span> now ranks <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">fifth</span> in league in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">plus</span>/minus at plus 28. He was minus-11 last season.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Brodeur</span> should participate in his first full team practice today, speculation has him returning on February 26<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">th</span>.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">- Devils have only given up 6 goals in their last 5 games, in that same time they have scored 14. Of the 4 goals <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Langenbrunner</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Parise</span> have scored 7 of them.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">- It took nine rounds of the shootout for the Philadelphia Phantoms to defeat the Lowell Devils 2-1 last night. After the loss Lowell is 24-21-5 this season.</span>SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-22327264083688214812009-02-12T16:39:00.006-05:002009-02-12T21:17:06.357-05:00Who Is On Fire and Who Is On Ice Since Shanahan's Return<span style="font-size:85%;">It has been 10 games since Brendan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Shanahan</span> has made his debut with the New Jersey Devils in which time the Devils have gone 8-2-0 and taken control of first place in the Eastern Conference. Now with the trade deadline looming and the Devils facing their biggest challenge of the season with conference leaders the Boston Bruins and San Jose Sharks coming in to "THE ROCK" this weekend, I thought it would be a good time to look at what and who are hot and who are ice cold over the past ten games. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">ON FIRE </span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1. <strong>Jamie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Langebrunner</span> and Zach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Parise</span></strong>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Langenbrunner</span> had 8 goals in his first 44 games, he has 9 over the past 10 games. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Parise</span> has continued his great season as he has 8 goals and 7 assists over the past 10 games. He is now exactly on pace to be the first Devil to score 50 goals in a season and 100 points. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Zajac</span> has been no slouch either, he has 2 goals and 10 assists in the last 10 games as this line is becoming one of the best in the league.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">2. <strong>Paul Martin. </strong>Martin has taken his game to a new level over the past 10 games. Since being paired with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Oduya</span> he has broken out and still maybe the most underrated <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">defenseman</span> in the league. His offense has come to the surface as he had 3 assists in the last game versus the Islanders and 7 points in the last 10 games. Martin only had 12 points in his first 40 games of the season.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">3. <strong>The penalty kill. </strong>If you take away the Washington game where the Devils gave up 3 power-play goals, the Devils are killing off penalties at a 90% clip. To top it all off they are 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">nd</span> in the league in short-handed goals with 10, in which half have come in the last 11 games.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">4. <strong>Patrick Elias. </strong>Despite the drastic drop off in scoring from his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">linemates</span>, Patrick Elias has endured. Over the past 10 games he has 3 goals and 8 assists and remains in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">NHL's</span> Top 10 point leaders. He remains on pace to break the 90 point barrier, which would be only the second time in his career he has done that. The other time was when he set the Devils franchise record with 96 points in the 2000-2001 season.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">5. <strong>The defense going on the offensive. </strong>Over the past 10 games the Devils <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">defenseman</span> are averaging 1.8 points per game, over the first 45 games they averaged 1.46 points per game. Colin White <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">has</span> 13 points so far, the most he ever had in a season was 20 in his rookie year. We already spoke of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Oduya</span> and Martin, only Andy Greene has struggled since returning from his injury. The team defense has been superb as well as they are averaging 2.10 goals against in the last 10 games.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">COLD AS ICE</span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1. <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Gionta</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Zubrus</span>. </strong>At one point this season I thought this line could do what the Elias-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Arnott</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Sykora</span> line had accomplished. Lately this line seems to have faded, well two thirds of it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">at least</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Zubrus</span> who had 28 points in the first 45 games but has only managed 2 points in the past 10 games. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Gionta</span> had 38 points in the first 44 games and was on pace for a 70 point season, his most since 2005-2006. Over the last 10 games he has 4 points and is facing the possibility of being traded.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">2. <strong>Bad Penalties. </strong>The Devils have taken some bad penalties early in games and have forced them to lose momentum and play from behind. Some players have been more responsible for taking bad penalties than others. The third and fourth liners (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Holik</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Shanahan</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Clarkson</span>, Madden, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Rolston</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Rupp</span>) have taken 26 of the teams 51 minor penalties. Also in there have been 11 penalties by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">defenseman</span> and 3 team bench minor penalties.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">3. <strong>Andy Greene. </strong>Not as if he could of kept up the pace of a point a game all year (6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">pts</span> in his first 6 games), but after coming back from his injury he has accumilated 2 points in 26 games and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Sutter</span> still has him playing on the power-play. He is even playing at a minus-1 over those 26 games and he may be the one Devils defenseman who could be moved at the trade deadline.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">4. <strong>Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Rolston</span>. </strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Rolston</span> was picked up to score goals but has netted 1 goal in the last 10 games. Despite his 5 power-play goals <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Sutter</span> needs to find a combination to get more offense out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Rolston</span>, it does not seem as if him paired with Madden and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Clarkson</span> is going to cut it if the Devils want to win the Cup.</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">A move back to center may be a possibility.<br />5. <strong>Jay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Pandolfo</span>. </strong>He played his first game last night since <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Shanahan entered the line-up, c</span>ould it be to showcase him for a trade or will we see more of him in a Devils uniform. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Pandolfo</span> either needs to find a role or be shipped out for a player who will be of more use to the team.</span>SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-15759372211354620622009-02-09T23:00:00.003-05:002009-02-09T23:48:39.378-05:00Clemmensen, Devils Blank Rangers<span style="font-size:85%;">Scott <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Clemmensen</span> came up with his best game of the year at the right time as he and the Devils shutout the Rangers 3-0, tonight at the Prudential Center.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Devils, losers of two of their last three games, knew they had a rough week ahead with the rival Rangers and Islanders coming in, along with conference leaders Boston and San Jose. But this team has been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">resilient</span> all year and knew tonight would be no different, as Scott <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Clemmensen</span> stopped 27 shot in route to his first shutout of the season.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Penalties have been a problem for the Devils of late and have been the main cause for their last two losses. The Devils nearly fell into the same trap again as the Rangers, despite being out-shot 13-6 in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">the</span> first period, had four power-play opportunities and seemed to control the play but the Devils escaped the first period tied at 0-0. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">After the first period the Devils settled in, only allowing one more power-play opportunity to the Rangers the rest of the game. Knowing the Rangers struggles 5-on-5, as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Zherdev</span> is the only Ranger playing at a plus-rating this season, the Devils then <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">continually</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">rolled</span> four lines at the Rangers. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Devils broke threw at the 8-minute mark of the second period, as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Shanahan</span> centered a pass to Bobby <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Holik</span> who jammed the puck threw <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Lundquvist</span> to give the Devils a 1-0 lead. The Devils would add a power-play goal from Zach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Parise</span> 1:27 later to make it 2-0. The Devils would not need anymore goals, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Parise</span> added an empty-netter for good measure.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Devils play in the second and third period was simply amazing, as the Devils were relentless on the puck and seemingly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">demoralizing</span> the Rangers into frustration. The Rangers, losers of their last 5 games, never seemed to have any passion and you can imagine the stir going on in Rangers camp. The Rangers are looking to do anything inlcuding firing Coach Tom <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Renney</span>, bring back SeanAvery, make a trade for whoever. In the end the team from across the Hudson is lacking leadership and experience (which they thought Gomez would bring - what a joke) and the Devils too advantage of that.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">There were many players who excelled tonight, but the play of Paul Martin, Colin White, Johnny <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Oduya</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Zubrus stood out to me</span>. They might not be on the score sheet, but their play set the tempo of the game and seemed to shut down any chance the Rangers had of scoring. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Zubrus</span> especially has been a physical force of late, trying to find his way on the score sheet, but his defense and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">aggressiveness</span> is just what the Devils have needed from him.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Devils now have beaten the Rangers three straight, but lets remember these wins mean nothing only the wins come playoff time matter.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Notes:</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">-Jay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Pandolfo</span> has sat out nine straight games, but it may be time for him to get back in. Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Rupp</span> has struggled and taken some bad penalties of late. It may be time to play <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Pando</span> or trade him away for a 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">th</span> or 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">th</span> round draft pick and free up <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">salary</span> to bring on another player via trade.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Clemmensen</span> in the first Devils goalie, besides <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Brodeur</span>, to shut-out the Rangers since Sean Burke.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Brodeur</span> took shots from coaches and some players after the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">morning</span> skate today and will begin practice with the team in a few day.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">- With <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Parise's</span> two goals tonight he needs 18 goals in 28 games to become the first Devils player ever to score 50 goals in a season, his current pace puts him at 48 goals for the season.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">-The Lowell Devils defeated the the Rangers <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">AHL</span> affiliate the Hartford <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Wolfpack</span> 5-3 over the weekend. Lowell is 4-0-0 against Hartford this season.</span>SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-2690631066809316632009-02-08T21:00:00.004-05:002009-02-08T21:53:25.570-05:00Devils Need To Find Answers After Wekend SplitThis weekends games were a case of split personalities in the Devils play, first winning 5-1 Friday night at Atlanta then losing to the Kings 3-1 on Saturday.<br /><br />The Devils have shown signs of struggling lately, especially on home ice. The Devils have lost their last two home games, being outscored 8-3 and outplayed in the process. They have proved to be a much more confident team on the road, as they have the second best road record in the league, with a 18-7-2 record.<br /><br />One problem has been the play of Scott <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Clemmensen</span>, who has been a savior for the Devils this season, but of late has shown signs of struggling. In his past four games he has given up 13 goals and has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">been</span> prone to giving up soft goals that have cost the Devils. With <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Brodeur</span> still a few weeks away, Coach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sutter</span> may need to lean on Kevin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Weekes</span> more in the upcoming games. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Weekes</span> has won his last three games and has given up one goal in each of those games. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">would</span> not be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">surprised</span> if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sutter</span> goes to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Weekes</span> on Monday against the Rangers.<br /><br />Another problem has been the play of the second line of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Zubrus</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Gionta</span>-Elias, who were hot earlier in the season but have died down of late. Besides Elias, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Zubrus</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Gionta</span> have struggled which has caused speculation that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Gionta</span> may be traded. In the past 10 games <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Gionta</span> has four points (1G-3A) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Zubrus</span> has two points (1G-1A). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Sutter</span> may look to move <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Rolston</span> to the line and the possibility of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Shanahan</span> moving up to play on the second or third lines as well.<br /><br />The biggest problem has been the penalties. First off the refs must be blind when it come to the Devils. The Devils have only had 188 power-play opportunities this season, which ranks last and is 13 less then the next closest team (FLA-201). The Devils have had to kill off 211 penalties this season .<br /><br />Some penalties have been outrageous, including a penalty at Atlanta for two Devils getting kicked out of the face-off circle. The penalty-kill, which had stepped up its' play for 25 games, has regressed the last 3 games giving up 5 goals on 15 chances.<br /><br />This week proves to be an obstacle with games against the Rangers, Islanders, Bruins and Sharks. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Ultimately</span> this week will decide if the Devils will make a trade or not and with the return of Colin White up in the air, we could see some new faces in the Devils uniform soon.SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-11752706856573879692009-02-06T17:25:00.005-05:002009-02-06T17:51:13.071-05:00Avery and Rangers On Path To RenunitingIt looks as if the greatest embarrassment of a player in hockey could be on the verge of reuniting with the New York Rangers.<br /><br />The Rangers have expressed interest in bringing that P.O.S. Sean Avery back to Madison Square Garden. Ranger GM Glen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sather</span></span></span> will meet with Dallas management in next few days to see if they can work out the details to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">reacquiring</span> a player who belongs nowhere near an NHL rink, but jail or an insane asylum.<br /><br />The Rangers management feel as if their play this season has been lack luster and the addition of Avery would bring a spark back to their line-up. Rangers ownership, management, coaches and player have been discussing the option of bring back Avery to New York and their seems to be a resounding <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">consensus</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">reacquire</span> Avery (proves what kind of character they have across the Hudson). Their hope would be to have Avery back playing in the NHL by the March 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span></span></span> trade deadline.<br /><br />The process is not as easy as it seems. Dallas first must place Avery on waivers, then if no other team picks Avery up off waivers (and their is only one scumbag organization in the NHL that would pick him up), then he would be sent to Hartford of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">AHL</span></span></span>. After playing at Hartford, Avery would then need to go through re-entry waivers, upon which the Rangers would claim him and then have to only pay half of his $3.8 million salary ($1.93 M to be exact) and Dallas would be responsible for the other half.<br /><br />Avery, who was snubbed by the Rangers this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">off-season</span> in free agency, signed with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">the</span> Dallas Stars for 4 years at $15.5 million.<br /><br />Devils fans, I would love to hear your comments on what you think of the Rangers possibly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">reacquiring</span> Sean Avery. To comment click on the article headline and then you will see the comment button and form at the bottom of the article. Thanks and I look forward to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hearing</span> from you all you Devils fans.SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-569537997284720462009-02-04T19:26:00.002-05:002009-02-04T19:45:02.652-05:00Devils Trade Defensman For CenterThe Devils made a trade last night, trading Sheldon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Brookbank</span> to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks for the rights to center David McIntyre.<br /><br />The 6-0 185-lb. McIntyre, has 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points in 26 games with Colgate (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ECAC</span>) this season. In three years at Colgate he has 37 goals and 42 assists in 105 career games. The native of Ontario, Canada was Dallas' fourth choice in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Brookbank</span>, who was originally claimed off waiver from the Columbus Blue Jackets last October, saw action in 15 games this season. In 59 career games with the Devils the 6-2 215-lb. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">defenseman</span> collected 8 assists.<br /><br />The trade of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Brookbank</span> and his $525,000 salary begins to clear up some salary cap space for the Devils as they look to add a veteran <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">defenseman</span> before the trade deadline.SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-80821545440915531812009-02-04T15:59:00.002-05:002009-02-04T16:42:51.195-05:00Caps Punish Devils 5-2<span style="font-size:85%;">All good things must come to an end and so did the Devils eight game winning streak as the Devils fell to the Washington Capitals last night 5-2.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Early it seemed as if the Devils had controlled the play and were on the verge of taking the lead, then the Devils got called for a too many men on the ice penalty and everything changed. Seeming as if the Devils would kill off <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">the</span> penalty, Alexander <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Semin</span> sent a pass across ice and Mike Green roofed a shot to give the Capitals a 1-0. After the goal the Capitals took control of the game as they seemed to beat the Devils on every board battle and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">fore-checked</span> two players down low forcing the Devils <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">defensemen</span> into turnovers and bad passes.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Four minutes later the Capitals scored again on the power-play, this time taking only four seconds to get a goal from Brad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Laich</span> off a set play off the face-off. An offensively talented Capitals would finish the night 3-for-4 on the power-play, which is the first time the Devils gave up more than one power-play against in the past twelve games. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Devils tried to cut into a 3-0 Capitals lead, when Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rolston</span> scored on a 5-on-3 power-play and then to start the third period Jamie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Langebrunner</span> scored shorthanded 41-seconds in to make the score 3-2.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Capitals scored the back breaking goal, as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Nylander's</span> wrist shot from the right circle beat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Clemmensen</span> which gave the Caps a 4-2 lead and their third power-play goal of the night. The Caps got the power-play off a controversial call when Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Rupp</span> took the puck hard to the net and slid into the Caps goalie and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">received</span> a goalie-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">interference</span> penalty. All game the Caps seemed to get away with clear penalties and the Devils <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">undisciplined</span> play made a huge difference in the outcome of the game.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Devils now need to put this game behind them as the Devils will head to Atlanta on Friday before coming home for a five game <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">home-stand</span> which starts on Saturday against the Kings. The Devils will also see the Rangers on Monday and Islanders on Wednesday before the weekend when the leaders in the Eastern and Western Conferences come into town (Bruins - Friday / Sharks -Sunday).</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;">The Capitals played exceptional hockey last night and is one of the most talented teams in the game, with players like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Ovechkin</span>, Green, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Semin</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Federov</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Backstrom</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Laich</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Nylander</span>. A second round match-up could be inevitable for the Devils and Washington. Washington has a clear lead in their division, the Bruins have basically solidified the 1st in the conference and if the Devils win the Atlantic, the Devils and Caps should be favored to win their first round series. The Caps are a team we should be scared of with their offensive talent and if they add a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">defenseman</span> they could be a hard out.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Notes:</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Brodeur</span> will start practicing in a week to ten days and should be ready for game action in another ten to fourteen days after that. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Sutter</span> has made it clear the Devils will not lean on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Brodeur</span> to play every game down the stretch once he comes back, but will work him in slowly and him and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Clemmensen</span> both ready for playoff hockey.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">-The Devils need to get more out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Zubrus</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Gionta</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Gionta</span> only has 10 points (2G-8A) in the last 15 games and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Zubrus</span> has 8 points (3G-5A) in his last 15 games. In that same time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">linemate</span> Patrick Elias has 17 points (5G-12A). The second line has not been as productive as early in the season and it may be time to make a change on that line.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span>SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-10336933615504506192009-02-02T15:43:00.000-05:002009-02-02T15:44:59.753-05:00Gionta On Trade Block As Devils Search For Defenseman<span style="font-size:85%;">The New Jersey Devils may have won eight games in-a-row, but that does not mean that they are content with their current roster. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Devils GM Lou <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lamoriello</span> is rumored to be shopping Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gionta</span> to shed some salary to add a veteran top four <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">defenseman</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Gionta</span>, who is making $4 Million, is set to become an unrestricted free agent at season end and could be the most valued trade commodity for the Devils. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The veteran forwards productivity has continued to decline since his 48 goal season in 2005-2006. This season, while playing on a line with Patrick Elias and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Dainius</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Zubrus</span> he has netted 11 goals and 30 assists but only has 2 goals in the last 14 games. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The addition of Brendan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Shanahan</span> has given the Devils some scoring depth upfront and the freedom to move a forward via a trade. The Devils have also been shopping forwards Jay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Pandolfo</span> and John Madden, both who earn just under $3 million this season, though <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Pandolfo</span> has been a healthy scratch the past five games and Madden's lack of offensive ability make them much less valuable than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Gionta</span>. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">With several top line <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">defenseman</span> available like Scott <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Neidermeyer</span>, Chris <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Pronger</span>, Jay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Bouwmeester</span>, Tomas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Kaberle</span>, just to name a few, the Devils will need to shed some salary. Currently just sitting under the cap, the Devils will be forced to package a forward, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">defenseman</span> and draft picks if they are to land one of the high priced veteran <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">defenseman</span>.</span>SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-3952889874206909592009-02-01T10:21:00.002-05:002009-02-01T11:08:55.558-05:00The Captain Answers The Call, Twice!<span style="font-size:85%;">Thanks to Jamie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Langebrunner</span>, the Devils have now won 8-in-a-row after back to back 4-3 overtime wins over the Bruins and Penguins. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Langenbrunner</span> has scored 2 goals in each of the past the three games, including back-to-back overtime winners and the tying goal with 15 seconds left in the third against the Penguins.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Despite</span> the Devils hot streak, the past two games were bench mark games for them. Beating the Bruins and for most of the game outplaying them, showed many people around the league that the Devils are one of the contenders in the Eastern Conference. The win against the Penguins, but the team that went to the Stanley Cup Finals a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">year</span> ago further back out of the playoff picture.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">It has not just been winning for the Devils it is how they have been winning. The team itself has taken on a new identity, without losing their defensive responsibility, and a mentality that they can win no matter what the score, no matter <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">who</span> the team. The Devils are scoring as they rank 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> in the league in scoring and have only lost three games when they have scored three or more goals in a game (26-2-1). The addition of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Shanahan</span> has proven positive as he has given more than anyone may have expected in his first five games. In the first five game <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Shanahan</span> has 3 goals and an assist, is killing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">penalties</span>, has two power-play goals and playing at a plus-2.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Langenbrunner</span> has been one player who has stepped up their game as the games have gotten more important. In 14 games this month, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Langebrunner</span> has 9 goals and 9 assists, before January he only had 5 goals and 18 assists. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Langenbrunnr</span> now has 41 points, tied with Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Gionta</span> for fourth on the team. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Langebrunner</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Zajac</span> have stepped up their games this month, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Zubrus</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Gionta</span> have been playing better of late after a few poor games. Now if the Devils get the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Zubrus</span> line going as they were earlier in the year, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Rolston</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Clarkson</span> scoring again and a healthy Marty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Brodeur</span> they may be unstoppable.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Note:</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">- I had to watch these past two games on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">DVR</span>, because my wife was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">giving</span> birth to our daughter, but the past two games had such an edge and intensity that made me feel excited. And any fans at the Penguins game, I give you credit cause it looked like "The ROCK" was going crazy in that big overtime win. For me, it is the Devils puck movement, their play is faster and more up tempo and as a fan you are feeling a confidence that they have the game won even before the puck has been dropped.</span>SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-64463648694702479622009-01-28T20:25:00.002-05:002009-01-28T20:53:31.671-05:00Devils Down Ottawa 4-1, Head To Boston For Big Showdown<span style="font-size:85%;">The Devils came back from the All-Star break, just the way they went into it. As the hottest team in the NHL. Last nights 4-1 win over the Ottawa Senators gave the Devils six straight wins and wins in eleven of their last fifteen games.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Devils won the game by holding the Ottawa Senators to 22 shots and got goals from Elias, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Shanahan</span> and two goals from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Langenbrunner</span>. Patrick Elias got the scoring started by scoring on a centering pass from Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gionta</span> that went off <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Elias's</span> skate and into the net to give the Devils a 1-0 1st period lead. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Just past the midway point, the Senators tied the game on a power-play goal by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Picard</span>. After the Senators goal, the Devils took over control of the game. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Langebrunner</span> scored after he bounced a puck off the chest of the Senators goalie from the side of the net. Then 19 seconds into the 3rd period, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Langenbrunner</span> added his second goal of the game, when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Parise</span> fed a pass from behind the net while airborne to give the Devils a commanding 3-1 lead. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The goal was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Langenbrunner's</span> 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span> of the season, making him the seventh Devil to have 10 or more goals on the season. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Senators had an opportunity to comeback when Brendan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Shanahan</span> went off for a double-minor high sticking penalty. The Devils shut the door and any hope of a Senators comeback, when they did not allow a single shot on the double-minor penalty-kill. </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Shanahan</span> would make up for taking the penalty as he scored his second goal in three games with the Devils to finish off the scoring and giving the Devils a 4-1 victory.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Now the Devils look forward to a big time match-up on Thursday at Boston. Boston, who leads the Eastern Conference with 75 points (35-8-5), will have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Bergeron</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Lucic</span> back in the line-up for Thursday's game. The Bruins rank 1st in the league in goals-against, 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">nd</span> in goals scored and have the 3rd best power-play. If that was not enough, they have Claude Julian who has a vendetta against Lou <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Lamiriello</span> and the New Jersey Devils, after he was fired with only a few game to go in the season just two years ago.</span>SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-83251963462056383812009-01-25T11:18:00.002-05:002009-01-25T13:21:29.134-05:00THE NEW JERSEY DEVILS: ALL-STAR BREAK REPORT<span style="font-size:85%;">Even before the season began, many so-called hockey experts said the New Jersey Devils would not even make the playoffs. When star goalie Martin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Brodeur</span> went down with a torn bi-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cep</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tendon</span> that would keep him out until March, everyone rode the Devils off and had them start looking to next year. Everyone that is except for the New Jersey Devils and their die hard fans.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Over the past 13 seasons, the New Jersey Devils have won three Stanley Cups, only the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Detriot</span> Red Wings have won more in that time. The Devils have made the playoffs 11 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">consecutive</span> seasons and had 11 consecutive 40-plus win seasons, never finishing with less than 95 points and breaking the 100 point barrier in nine of those eleven seasons. So why would everyone doubt one of the most successful <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">franchises</span> in sports over the past 15 years? You gt me!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Devils will return from the All-Star break sitting atop the Atlantic Division with 61 points (29-15-3), one point ahead of the New York Rangers and two points ahead of the Philadelphia <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Flyers</span>. The Devils have been able to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">achieved</span> this, despite being without Martin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Brodeur</span> for 37 games and free agent signings Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Rolston</span> and Bobby <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Holik</span> for 18 games a piece. So here is a look back at the first half and how the Devils have gotten to where they are?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">MVP: Zach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Parise</span> / Patrick Elias</span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Zach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Parise</span> has become a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">bona fide</span> NHL star and Patrick Elias has once again become one of the NHL elite players. For the first time, maybe ever, their could be two Devils who finish the year in the top 10 in scoring in the league. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Parise</span>, whose 28 goals ranks him 3rd behind <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Ovechkin</span> and Carter, is currently 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">th</span> in the league with 55 points, while Elias ranks 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">th</span> with 54 points. The best part is they play on different lines, giving the other teams fits and the Devils two scoring lines.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Travis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Zajac</span></span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Zajac's</span> 15 goals and 21 assists already surpass his numbers from last season and with 35 games remaining he should easily break his career high of 42 points. Of late, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Zajac</span> has been the hot stick for the Devils as he has 5 goals and 3 assists in the past 7 games. Best of all has been his improvement on defense playing at a plus-19 compared to last seasons minus-11 rating.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">BIGGEST <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">SUPRISE</span>: Scott <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Clemmensen</span></span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">When the season started Scott <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Clemmensen</span> was barely on the Devils radar. He would be headed to Lowell and spend time there all season and be an insurance policy. Well the Devils cashed in that insurance policy and more than they expected. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Not only has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Clemmensen</span> come in and held down the fort, he has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">asserted</span> his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">presence</span>. The Devils goal, who may have been snubbed for a trip to the All-Star game, has put up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Brodeurian</span> numbers in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">absence</span> of the star goaltender. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Clemmensen</span> is 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">th</span> in the league in wins (19), 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">th</span> in Goal-Against-Average (2.29) and 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">th</span> in save percentage (.922). </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Now the big questions are, can he keep it up and what will the Devils do once Marty comes back at the end of February? Who will go and who will stay? One thing is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">for</span> certain, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Clemmensen</span> will see a nice pay day from some team next season.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: Jay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Pandolfo</span></span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The long time Devil signed a three year 7.5M dollar contract over the summer and now with the signing of Brendan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Shanahan</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Pandolfo</span> is watching the games from the press box. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">He and long time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">linemate</span>, John Madden, have been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">separated</span> for most of the season and when he has played of late he has only seen time of late on the fourth line. There has been speculation of trading <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Pandolfo</span>, but he will be difficult to move in the salary cap era. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">TRADE DEADLINE: To Trade or not to trade, that is the question?</span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Devils added Brendan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Shanahan</span> and may be happy with the depth they now have at the forward position. The defense has been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">underrated</span> all year, but their solid play has the Devils ranked 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">th</span> in the league on defense. But GM Lou <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Lamiriello</span> has been known to always add a veteran to the mix at the trade deadline. Looking back <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Lamiriello</span> has brought in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">defenseman</span> like Bryce Salvador, Jason <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Weimer</span>, Phil <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Housley</span>, Shawn Chambers and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Vladmir</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Malakhov</span> at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">dealine</span> and I would expect him to do the same. Except for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Malakhov</span>, there is one thing that ties all these players together. Lou got them for cheap and without breaking up the current roster.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">THE FUTURE: Five things to look out for in the second half</span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Here are a few things to look out for after the all-star break:</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1) Can John Madden keep it going? The Devils center has struggled all year and has been rumored in trades for a few weeks. Since <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Shanahan</span> has joined the team, Madden has 1 goal,6 assists and a plus-6 rating in the past five games. Now can he keep playing the way he has of late, or will the Devils look to move him at the trade deadline?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">2) Will <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Parise</span> be the first Devil to score 50 goals in a season and will he or Elias break the 100 point plateau? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">Parise</span> is on pace for 95 points and 48 goals, just short of the two marks.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">3) How much of a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">difference</span> will <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">Shanahan</span> make? He scored in his first game, but his presence may be felt far more than just on the score sheet.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">4) Will Lou stand still or make a move? As we already stated, will Lou add a veteran <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">blueliner</span> or will he look for a 3rd line <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">centerman</span> to play with his wingers <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">Rolston</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">Shanahan</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">Clarkson</span>.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">5) How will <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">Brodeur</span> play when he returns? He has never been out of the line-up for this long in his career. Will the rest help him and have him fresh for the playoffs or will he come back not in top form and send the Devils into a funk.</span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">WHAT IS UP NEXT: The homestretch begins.</span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Devils will come back from the all-star break with two road games at Ottawa and Boston and then play seven of eight on home ice. Scott <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">Clemmensen</span> and the Devils will need to try and put some distance between them and the Rangers and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">Flyers</span>, while they await the return of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">Brodeur</span> between February 26<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">th</span> and March 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">th</span>. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">With 35 games remaining the Devils have nine divisional games left, including three against the Islanders and two against the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">Flyers</span>, Rangers and Penguins. The Devils will not be doing much traveling the remainder of the season, as their furthest trip is a game at Chicago on March 27<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">th</span>. Besides that game every game will be played in the eastern time zone.</span>SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-64932527089736496832009-01-22T21:07:00.006-05:002009-01-22T22:04:51.792-05:00Madden's Solid Play Continues As Devils Ride Five Game Winning Streak Into All-Star Break<span style="font-size:85%;">John Madden's name has had a rough go of it all year as he had had a difficult time trying to figure out what his role is under Coach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sutter</span>. Of late it may have seem as if John Madden has found his way.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Last night John Madden had two assists in the Devils 5-2 win over the Montreal Canadians, which extended his point a game streak to five games. Over the past five games, Madden has 1G-6A-7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">PTS</span> which is a huge improvement from his 4G-7A-11<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pts</span> through his first 36 games. Even more important than his points is that Madden is a plus-6 over the past five games and now stands at a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">minus</span>-3 for the entire season. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Madden has seemed to find his place on the line with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Clarkson</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rolston</span>, who both have been playing well of late. The trio has combined for 4G-11A and a plus-14 rating over the past five games and much like the top two lines, Madden has been given time to gain chemistry with his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">linemates</span>, which has seemed to pay off of late. Now with the addition of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Shanahan</span>, the Devils have four lines that have the ability to create scoring chances and control the puck. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">If you haven't noticed, Madden has been given the role of being out their at the end of the game. Madden assisted on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Parise's</span> empty-net goal against the Predators, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">after</span> winning a big face-off, and assisted on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Elias's</span> empty-net goal to finish off the Canadians last night. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Devils head into the All-Star break riding a five game winning streak and stand alone in first place with 61 points, one ahead of the Rangers and two ahead of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Flyers</span>. They also stand 11 points ahead of the 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">th</span> place Pittsburgh Penguins. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The Devils will look ahead to a much deserved break and what awaits them on the other side of the All-Star Break is the two road games and then they will play seven of eight at "THE ROCK". They will also look forward to the return of Marty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Brodeur</span>, who begun skating on his own yesterday. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">No timetable has been set for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Brodeur's</span> return, but he is said to be ahead of schedule and with no setbacks should return before the trade deadline (March 3rd), sometime in late February.</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Notes:</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">- In some sad news, former Devils Coach Pat Burns has been diagnosed with lung cancer. This is Burns third bout with cancer and our prayers go out to him.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">- Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Rolston</span> was recognized before last nights game for playing in his 1,000 career game, which occurred at the start of the road trip in LA.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">- Jay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Pandolfo</span> sat out his second straight game last night, since the return of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Shanahan</span>.</span>SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-5259594586111617292009-01-20T10:59:00.007-05:002009-01-20T23:52:41.219-05:00Shanahan Proves Value as Devils Take Over First Place<span style="font-size:85%;">It might of taken Brendan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Shanahan</span> just over one period to get his feet wet, but from then on he made his presence felt in his Devils return. The Devils with their 3-1 win last night over the Predators, finish their road trip 5-1-0 and in the process take over first place in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Atlantic</span> division.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Shanahan</span>, who led all Devils with 6 shots on goal, started off the scoring for the Devils with a five-on-three power-play goal early in the second period. The veteran who turns 40 on Friday, just missed on several other opportunities on the power-play that would have extended the Devils lead.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The future Hall of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Famer</span> showed his true value to team with his play late in the third period. After the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Preds</span> had cut the Devils lead late in the third to 2-1 , <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sutter</span> placed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Shanahan</span> on the wing with Madden and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Rolston</span> to sure up their defense. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sutter's</span> decision paid off as the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Preds</span> pushed to tie the game down the stretch. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">One shift that stood out for me was when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Shanahan</span> went down to block a shot from the point, got up and back checked a Predator from behind in front of the net to stop a scoring chance and then cleared the puck along the boards. Not finished on the shift, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Shanahan</span> then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">forechecked</span> the puck away from the Predators goalie and then had the presence and strength to control the puck away from the Predators for a good 15 seconds. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The to be 40 year old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Shanahan</span>, was not the only Devil that stood out last night as Scott <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Clemmensen</span> continued to get back to playing well and John Madden stepped up his game.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Clemmensen</span>, made his second solid start in-a-row stopping 33-of-34 shots. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Clemmensen</span>, who had struggled controlling his rebounds over the past few starts has been better over the past two starts at clearing rebounds from in front of his net. After 5 straight games with a save-percentage under 90%, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Clemmer</span> has had two <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">straight</span> games with save percentages of 97%.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">John Madden, who I had suggested would need to step his game up with the addition of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Shanahan</span> to the line-up, did just that. Madden was strong killing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">penalties</span>, won some big late face-offs, added two assists on the night and played at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">a plus</span>-2. Madden now has 1G-4A and is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">a plus</span>-4 in his last four games, he only had 4G-7A through his first 36 games.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">In first place for the first time this season, the Devils now head home for a Wednesday night game with Montreal before the All-Star Break. The Rangers have held the top spot for 97 days this season and it is about time the weak have fallen.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Devils Notes:</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">- Jay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Pandolfo</span> was the odd man out last night as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Shanahan</span> made his debut. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Sutter</span>, claimed that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Pando</span> was not an irreplaceable player on the penalty kill anymore with players like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Zajac</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Parise</span>, Elias, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Rolston</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Shanahan</span> who all can kill penalties.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Clarkson</span> scored his 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">th</span> goal of the season, which <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">breaks</span> his mark of a year ago (9 goals).</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">- The Devils had killed off 19-of-20 penalties on this road trip, the only goal was when a Jason <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Arnott</span> blast hit Bryce Salvador in the gut <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">bounced</span> down off <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Radek</span> Bonk and into the net. I have to admit I miss the likes of Jason <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Arnott</span> in a Devils uniform. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">- The Devils power-play has been off the charts as they have scored 7 goals in 15 opportunities on the road trip. They have also scored <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">at least</span> one power-play goal in 7 of their last 9 games.</span>SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-53514974110794467872009-01-18T23:55:00.003-05:002009-01-19T13:21:24.218-05:00Shanahan is In, So who is Out?<span style="font-size:85%;">Tonight in Nashville, Brendan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Shanahan</span> will make his season debut for the New Jersey Devils. Now with the official addition of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Shanahan</span> to the line-up, Coach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sutter</span> will have to make the decision of removing someone from the line-up and put them in the stands. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">So which player will he choose? Here is a look at who may be in or out and why.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Jay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pandolfo</span></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Negatives: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Pandolfo</span> ranks highest on our poll here at the DEVILS LOUNGE. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Pando</span>, who signed a three year deal in the off-season at 2.5M a year, has not lived up to his paycheck. Over the past four season he has average 12G-12A, but this year through 45 games he has 4G-5A and is playing at a minus-8 rating. Besides the 2006-2007 season, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Pando</span> has not played at a minus rating since the first two years of his career. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Positives: In <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Pando's</span> defense, he has never been asked to score goals but he is expected to kill penalties and check the other teams top line. Well, he and Madden are no expected to check the other <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">teams</span> top line under <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Sutter</span>, so he is in search of finding his role on this team. And for the penalty killing, the Devils have killed 22 of 24 penalties and they are 16 for 16 on this road trip. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Pando</span> has been very valuable on the penalty kill.</span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Rupp</span></span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Negatives: The 6'5 forward has never been a big scorer at the NHL level, as he 27 goals in 306 career game.This season in 43 games he has posted 3G-3A. The forward has always been considered a fourth liner and is never expected to play on the power-play or the penalty kill. The end result is his $500,000 salary and his inconsistent play at times this year may be what pushes him out of the line-up.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Positives: </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Rupp</span> is loved by many Devils fans because of his play in Game 7 against the Ducks in the 2003 Stanley Cup. His physical presence is needed in the line-up and he understands his role on the Devils team. Of late <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Rupp</span> has not seen his name on the score sheet, but his presence in the games have been noticed as he has been creating opportunities on the fourth line with center Bobby <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Holik</span>. Lastly, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Rupp</span> is the Devils enforcer and the Devils always need someone who will drop the gloves in their line-up and lets not forget he played center when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Holik</span> was injured and that versatility is a positive.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Clarkson</span></strong><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Negatives: Someone voted for him on the poll and as much as I value all of your opinions, I cannot find any reason to take him out of the line-up at this time.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Positives: In the past four games he has 2G-2A, his 9 goals in 45 games ties his mark for all of last year. He is 3 points shy of the 22 he had all of last season. He fights, scores, checks, plays in front of the net on the power-play and is playing at an even plus/minus rating. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Clarkson</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Rolston</span> have gained some chemistry, despite not having a center who compliments them. He may even eventually fit in well on the fourth line with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Holik</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Rupp</span>.<br /></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">John Madden</span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Negatives: Madden has never scored less than 12 goals in a season, this season may be the worst of his career. The 35 year old center, who is a UFA at years end, has 5G-9A-14pt 39 games and worst of all a minus-7 rating. As <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Pando</span>, he is trying to find out how he fits in under Coach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Sutter</span>. He has played between <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Rolston</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Clarkson</span>, but has not been effective in getting them the puck or creating offense. In the end he or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Holik</span> could be taken out and move <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Rolston</span> to center between <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Shanahan</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Clarkson</span>.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Positives: As <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Pando</span>, he has been a big part of the improvements on the penalty-kill. He has long been a centerpiece of the Devils and is an assistant captain, despite no goals he brings something to the Devils when it matters. He is still one of the Devils top face-off men, but is more expendable than he was in the past. He should stay for now, but may be gone or out of the line-up.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Bobby <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Holik</span></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Negatives: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Holik</span> is 38 years of age and a 3rd line center at best nowadays. He missed 18 games due to surgery on a broken hand, which may be the reason for his 2G-3A in 27 games. He is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">playing</span> at a minus-3 rating and has not scored more than 34 points or had a positive plus/minus rating in any of the past 3 seasons in Atlanta. He was tried between <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Rolston</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Clarkson</span> as well, but Madden was moved back in that spot after he couldn't help find chemistry with the two wingers.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Positives: He was brought in because of his size, grit, playoff experience and his ability to win face-offs. He is the best Devil in the face-off circle winning 59.8% of his face-offs. If needed, he can play in front of the net on the power-play and he gives the Devils more size at center-ice.</span><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">At first I thought it may be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Rupp</span> who will sit, and he still may, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Pandolfo</span> and Madden are also options. I would not be surprised if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Sutter</span> sits <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Pandolfo</span> to make a statement to the veteran forward that he needs to bring up his play. Or another option is a person may sit so that the Devils can showcase some other players for trade possibilities.<br /></span>SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4407749591625345772.post-7898871558519228342009-01-18T10:30:00.002-05:002009-01-18T11:12:40.161-05:00Devils Breeze Past Isles; Next Stop NashvilleFrom the drop of the puck, you could see the Devils were going to the far better team in last nights game against the depleted Islanders. Out hustling, controlling the puck and winning the board battles all night the Devils showed they wanted the puck more than the Islanders did all night.<br /><br />Throughout the night, the Devils forced turnovers and had room and space to make plays and move the puck freely. The first goal of the night came off a forced turnover by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Parise</span>, as he <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">easily</span> took the puck away from goalie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Yann</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Danis</span> behind the net and centered it to Travis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Zajac</span> for his 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> goal of the year.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Zajac</span> has been the Devils best player on this road trip, posting 4G-3A-7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">pts</span> and a plus-6 rating on the current road trip. In his third season with the Devils, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Zajac</span> has found a comfort zone and with 37 games remaining his 35 points are already one more than last year's totals of 34 points (14G-20A).<br /><br />Scott <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Clemmensen</span> reappeared in goal last night and stopped 32 of 33 shots, but was not tested by the Islanders all night, as the Devils controlled the play the entire night. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Clemmensen</span> played better than he had in previous games and controlled his rebounds, which had one of his big problems of late.<br /><br />Now with Monday's game in Nashville, Coach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Sutter</span> has a choice to make in goal. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Clemmensen</span> has been the stand-in #1 goalie, but of late <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Weekes</span> has stepped up his play and been the better of the two goalies. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Sutter</span>, still believes he needs both goalies to hold the fort and play well to be successful and I suspect that both goalies play one more game each before the All-Star break coming up next weekend.<br /><br />Monday's game in Nashville will probably bring another choice for Coach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Sutter</span> as Brendan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Shanahan</span> is expected to make his season debut. With four lines playing well during this road trip, it will be hard <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">decision</span> for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Sutter</span> and will be hard to break up the continuity that these lines have started to gain over the past few games.<br /><br />Tomorrow I will be looking at all the players who may come out and why they should and why they should not come out of the line-up.<br /><br />Notes:<br />- The Devils only having two power-plays in the past two games can be alarming, but they scored on both opportunities.<br />- The Devils speciality team struggled early, but have slowly moved up the chains. The power-play ranks 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">th</span> in league, up from the mid 20's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">early</span> in the year. The penalty-kill ranks 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">th</span> up from a low ranking of 26<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">th</span>.<br />- Petr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Vrana</span>, who started the season with the Devils had his season ended with a broken leg in an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">AHL</span> game.<br />- Devils top prospect Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Halischuk</span>, who was thought to be out for the year with a knee injury, returned in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phantoms. He scored a goal which gives him 6 goals in 10 games this season at Lowell.SportsGeniushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00072689374679491394noreply@blogger.com1