Well I think most of us saw it coming, the Devils finally beat the Rangers and in process scored eight goals against Lundquvist and the next night they lose to the struggling Sabres. The Devils seemed to not have the same passion to win the battles along the boards and in the corners in the 4-2 loss to the Sabres.
The Devils failure once again, was on the penalty kill as they controlled the Sabres at full strength, but gave up two power-play goals in only two chances against. Before the two power-play goals the Devils had killed off seventeen straight penalties. What was mind boggling to me the entire night was the Devils did not get one power-play opportunity. In the new NHL, how a team could not receive one power-play chance is mind boggling, but shows the Devils were going into the corners and taking the puck to the net where mos penalties are called.
The Sabres seem the Devils fit, as they shut-out the Devils in their first meeting. It was the only time the Devils have been shut-out all year. In the loss Bobby Holik scored his first goal since returning to the Devils. This week in practice, Holik-Clarkson-Rolston have been playing together. Rolston has not scored a point since returning to the line-up and he has seemed to have no chemistry with Madden and Pandolfo. This move may see Holik's line to see more time and move the Madden line to the fourth line, which could even make it more of a possibility that you may see Madden moved for a defenseman or a center with more scoring talents.
Notes:
- Just so you Devil fans can get all pissed off at how the New York teams like the Yankees, Mets and Rangers try to buy a championship. The Rangers are trying to move salary to sign Sundin. Rumors have it that they may move Rosival to Dallas for Sean Avery. Yes I am not kidding you. The Rangers will then send Avery to the AHL, giving them the salary cap room to sign Sundin and have the option to bring Avery back after he is mentally cleared to return to the NHL. (WHAT WON'T THESE TEAMS DO TO TRY AND WIN.....I KNOW THEY ARE PISSED ALL THEY HAVE IT 1994 AND WE HAVE THREE CUPS SINCE THEN.)
Monday, December 15, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
FINALLY!!!!!!!!
All I can say is thank god the game is over, my stomach couldn't take it anymore. My stomach felt like it did in overtime of Game 6 of the 2000 Stanley Cup Finals.
After blowing a four goal lead, of course this all happened after I texted my friend to gloat how easy this was, but its' the Rangers and it is never easy and this little homo traitor Gomez made a good effort to disappoint Devil fans again.
What stood out for me and seems to be the difference in this team is Parise is now a dominant player and he showed it gaining four assists on the night as he now has 33 pts on the year. This little guy just creates offense. Second is Elias has gained chemistry with Zubrus and Gionta and are a line teams are proving they cannot stop. What a difference two scoring lines that get a ton of minutes and play solid defense can make. Elias (1G-2A), Gionta (1G-3A), Zubrus (1G-2A).
Also the hits some of the "D" put on some of the Rangers. Salvador and White threw their bodies around and if it wasn't for a period where the Devils thought they could relax and sit on a 5-1 lead the Rangers would of never made the comeback they did.
The Devils character, play of their top two lines, depth and overall team defense is showing me that this team may be one of the best in the east. If they can stay healthy, players like Madden-Rolston-Pandolfo-Rupp-Holik-Clarkson can turn their game up and find some chemistry, and if they can fill some holes of defense via a trade this team has a chance to be playing late in the playoffs.
Notes:
- One sour note was Zajac did not play in the 3rd period and after he scored two goals in the game 3 goals in the last 2 games. Hopefully he will be okay and able to play tomorrow at Buffalo.
- Devils put Petr Vrana on waivers and if no one picks him up him will play the remainder of the season down in Lowell, so it is unlikely he would be recalled if Zajac is injured.
After blowing a four goal lead, of course this all happened after I texted my friend to gloat how easy this was, but its' the Rangers and it is never easy and this little homo traitor Gomez made a good effort to disappoint Devil fans again.
What stood out for me and seems to be the difference in this team is Parise is now a dominant player and he showed it gaining four assists on the night as he now has 33 pts on the year. This little guy just creates offense. Second is Elias has gained chemistry with Zubrus and Gionta and are a line teams are proving they cannot stop. What a difference two scoring lines that get a ton of minutes and play solid defense can make. Elias (1G-2A), Gionta (1G-3A), Zubrus (1G-2A).
Also the hits some of the "D" put on some of the Rangers. Salvador and White threw their bodies around and if it wasn't for a period where the Devils thought they could relax and sit on a 5-1 lead the Rangers would of never made the comeback they did.
The Devils character, play of their top two lines, depth and overall team defense is showing me that this team may be one of the best in the east. If they can stay healthy, players like Madden-Rolston-Pandolfo-Rupp-Holik-Clarkson can turn their game up and find some chemistry, and if they can fill some holes of defense via a trade this team has a chance to be playing late in the playoffs.
Notes:
- One sour note was Zajac did not play in the 3rd period and after he scored two goals in the game 3 goals in the last 2 games. Hopefully he will be okay and able to play tomorrow at Buffalo.
- Devils put Petr Vrana on waivers and if no one picks him up him will play the remainder of the season down in Lowell, so it is unlikely he would be recalled if Zajac is injured.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Devils Open Home Stand With Win Over Pens
The Devils returned after a road trip that saw them go 4-1-0 looking to continue their winning ways. They opened the home stand with the Pens, who were responsible for their only loss in the last eight games.
Scott Clemmensen continued to prove himself as he stopped the Pens leading the Devils to a convincing 4-1 win. The Devils got goals by Zajac, Parise, Zubrus and an empty-netter by Elias to finish off pretty boy Sidney Crosby and his teammates.
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Coach Sutter continued to keep the top 2 lines together and the Madden-Pandolfo-Rolston line stayed together, but they seemed very out of sync and created barely any offense at all. At the beginning of year most Devil fans expected Madden to be the one re-signed and not to be on the trade block, while Gionta would not be re-signed and probably traded. Well it is appearing the opposite may be true, Gionta is coming on and is 3rd on the team with 21 points (7G-14A) and Madden remains one of only two forwards to be at a negative plus-minus (-4) and have only scored 8 points (3G-5A). With these poor numbers, the penalty kill has been struggling with Madden and Sutter is now not using Madden to check the other teams best line anymore. So Does Madden and his 3-million cap hit pack their bags?
I have always been a fan of Madden, but the Devils under Sutter are changing the way they play the game and are becoming more competitive in the new NHL, so is it wrong to bring in a center who can play with Rolston and someone else? Players like Horton (FLA) and Antropov (TOR) are available and provide more offense than Madden does. Or maybe Holik becomes the 3rd line center and Rupp the fourth line center? Before we rush to judgement, lets give this line a a few more games to gel before we send Madden out of town.
Notes:
- Anssi Salmela has three goals since being sent to Lowell and now has 7 pts in 14 games and is making a real push to be recalled soon. As I stated, the Devils power-play would struggle once they sent Salmela down. In that time they have one power-play goal and that was a 4-on-3 OT goal by Parise. They are a combined 1-11 (9.09%). LETS JUST SAY IT IS UGLY!
- Leblond was sent back to Lowell and Rupp should return to the line-up and we may even see him playing on the third line with Madden and Rolston.
- Andy Greene is skating with the team and may be able to return sometime next week.
Scott Clemmensen continued to prove himself as he stopped the Pens leading the Devils to a convincing 4-1 win. The Devils got goals by Zajac, Parise, Zubrus and an empty-netter by Elias to finish off pretty boy Sidney Crosby and his teammates.
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Coach Sutter continued to keep the top 2 lines together and the Madden-Pandolfo-Rolston line stayed together, but they seemed very out of sync and created barely any offense at all. At the beginning of year most Devil fans expected Madden to be the one re-signed and not to be on the trade block, while Gionta would not be re-signed and probably traded. Well it is appearing the opposite may be true, Gionta is coming on and is 3rd on the team with 21 points (7G-14A) and Madden remains one of only two forwards to be at a negative plus-minus (-4) and have only scored 8 points (3G-5A). With these poor numbers, the penalty kill has been struggling with Madden and Sutter is now not using Madden to check the other teams best line anymore. So Does Madden and his 3-million cap hit pack their bags?
I have always been a fan of Madden, but the Devils under Sutter are changing the way they play the game and are becoming more competitive in the new NHL, so is it wrong to bring in a center who can play with Rolston and someone else? Players like Horton (FLA) and Antropov (TOR) are available and provide more offense than Madden does. Or maybe Holik becomes the 3rd line center and Rupp the fourth line center? Before we rush to judgement, lets give this line a a few more games to gel before we send Madden out of town.
Notes:
- Anssi Salmela has three goals since being sent to Lowell and now has 7 pts in 14 games and is making a real push to be recalled soon. As I stated, the Devils power-play would struggle once they sent Salmela down. In that time they have one power-play goal and that was a 4-on-3 OT goal by Parise. They are a combined 1-11 (9.09%). LETS JUST SAY IT IS UGLY!
- Leblond was sent back to Lowell and Rupp should return to the line-up and we may even see him playing on the third line with Madden and Rolston.
- Andy Greene is skating with the team and may be able to return sometime next week.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Same Old Song, Elias and Parise Save the Day
You have to admit as a Devils fan the best part of this season is seeing the emergence of Zach Parise and the re-emergence of Patrick Elias as elite players in the league. Even playing with line-mates who are average NHL scoring threats, Parise and Elias are always creating offense for the Devils at always at the most critical moments. Last night once again it was a great pass from Elias that set-up Parise for the overtime game-winner to beat the Montreal Canadians and give the Devils seven wins in their last games.
The goals was Parise's 15th of the year has him tied for 3rd in the league and his 28pts. has him ranked 14th in the league for points. In his four year career Parise has 22 game winning goals and is still on pace to break the Devils single season record in points with 95.
Elias already has 10 goals and 14 assists and for a player who has been paid as one of the top NHL players, over the past three seasons he has only averaged 19 goals and 37 assists a season. At this pace Elias would be back to scoring the way he did during the years of dominance from 2000-2004, averaging 34 goals and 46 assists.
Most of all is the way he and Parise make everyone around them better. Now if they would only let Parise and Elias be the quarterbacks on the power-play from the wings instead of always the point men, maybe we would score a power-play goal.
Let us not forgot the play of Scotty Clemmensen! As I said before, the way he was playing in the pre-season was great but he has started to get a better feel for the game as of late. And last night you could see the biggest difference in his game, (HIS LATERAL MOVEMENT). His ability to move from post to post is getting better every game and he is making some old time kick saves that make me think of my street hockey days.
Pieces are coming together, but changes still need to be made. Maybe it is time for Madden to go? Is Pandolfo a fourth-liner now? Will they be able to score as much as we need them with Rolston on their wing? What is Holik's role? Is Zubrus the answer at center with Elias and Gionta or do the Devils need to find someone else and put his as the third line center?
Notes:
- Barry Tallackson cleared waivers and is playing at Lowell now.
- Since his four goal game four games ago, Zubrus only has 1pt. in his last four games and only ha 4 shots while he had 8 shots on goal in his four goal game.
-Since Salmela has been sent down the DEVILS defenseman have NO goals and just 2 assists in the past three games.
The goals was Parise's 15th of the year has him tied for 3rd in the league and his 28pts. has him ranked 14th in the league for points. In his four year career Parise has 22 game winning goals and is still on pace to break the Devils single season record in points with 95.
Elias already has 10 goals and 14 assists and for a player who has been paid as one of the top NHL players, over the past three seasons he has only averaged 19 goals and 37 assists a season. At this pace Elias would be back to scoring the way he did during the years of dominance from 2000-2004, averaging 34 goals and 46 assists.
Most of all is the way he and Parise make everyone around them better. Now if they would only let Parise and Elias be the quarterbacks on the power-play from the wings instead of always the point men, maybe we would score a power-play goal.
Let us not forgot the play of Scotty Clemmensen! As I said before, the way he was playing in the pre-season was great but he has started to get a better feel for the game as of late. And last night you could see the biggest difference in his game, (HIS LATERAL MOVEMENT). His ability to move from post to post is getting better every game and he is making some old time kick saves that make me think of my street hockey days.
Pieces are coming together, but changes still need to be made. Maybe it is time for Madden to go? Is Pandolfo a fourth-liner now? Will they be able to score as much as we need them with Rolston on their wing? What is Holik's role? Is Zubrus the answer at center with Elias and Gionta or do the Devils need to find someone else and put his as the third line center?
Notes:
- Barry Tallackson cleared waivers and is playing at Lowell now.
- Since his four goal game four games ago, Zubrus only has 1pt. in his last four games and only ha 4 shots while he had 8 shots on goal in his four goal game.
-Since Salmela has been sent down the DEVILS defenseman have NO goals and just 2 assists in the past three games.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Elias and Parise Lead Devils to Victory
After I saw the Devils just dominating the Flyers early in the 3rd period and out shooting 10-1 but still tied at 1-1, I was just waiting for the wheels to fall off. Well they did as yet again the Devils gave up a power-play goal, but Elias fixed the Devils flat tire and scored a late goal and the eventual game winner in overtime to help the Devils to victory. As much as I am excited about the two points a few things I am still very concerned about:
1) Though the Devils hold a 4-5-1 record in the division, two wins have come against the weak Islanders and the other two victories (Pens and Flyers) were both in overtime, which still gave up at least a point to these teams. Even worse against the Flyers, Pens and Rangers they have been outscored 14-24 and are only 2-25 on the Power Play (8%) and they have given up 10 goals in 32 chances on their Penalty Kill (68.75%). There is the difference between the Devils and these three teams and that leads me to my next point.
2) The Devils rank 27th on the Power play and 27th on Penalty kill, they have scored 11 power play goals and given up 22, for a minus-11 differential. Only Atlanta at minus-11 and Columbus at minus-14 are worse. The Penguins are plus-3, Flyers plus-7 and the Rangers are plus-10. This is where the fate of the Devils season lies, they need to change this number and fast. Changes need to be made, they are so desperate they are playing five forwards on the top power-play unit. Guess what, 0-for-3 last night and Chico went as far as stating the Devils first power play was their best penalty kill of the season. Remember I said it, Salmela could be the difference maker. OH wait he is helping Lowell with their power-play.
Down on the Farm:
- The Lowell Devils are 7-1-1 in their past 9 games.
- Goalie Jeff Frazee has now won six straight games and is 6-1-1 on the season with and ranks fourth in the AHL with a 2.12 GAA.
- In his two games since being sent down, Anssi Salmela has 1G-1A and is plus-1 with six shots on goal.
- Former Ranger farmhand Chad Wiseman has scored in six straight games and has 15 pts. in 13 games (7G-8A). Wiseman played 5 games with the Rangers over three season in the organization, scoring 1G-1A in those games.
- Alexander Vasyunov now leads the team with eight goals.
- Matt Halischuk is rehabbing his knee from surgery and is expected to return this year to play, as the knee was not as bad as originally diagnosed.
1) Though the Devils hold a 4-5-1 record in the division, two wins have come against the weak Islanders and the other two victories (Pens and Flyers) were both in overtime, which still gave up at least a point to these teams. Even worse against the Flyers, Pens and Rangers they have been outscored 14-24 and are only 2-25 on the Power Play (8%) and they have given up 10 goals in 32 chances on their Penalty Kill (68.75%). There is the difference between the Devils and these three teams and that leads me to my next point.
2) The Devils rank 27th on the Power play and 27th on Penalty kill, they have scored 11 power play goals and given up 22, for a minus-11 differential. Only Atlanta at minus-11 and Columbus at minus-14 are worse. The Penguins are plus-3, Flyers plus-7 and the Rangers are plus-10. This is where the fate of the Devils season lies, they need to change this number and fast. Changes need to be made, they are so desperate they are playing five forwards on the top power-play unit. Guess what, 0-for-3 last night and Chico went as far as stating the Devils first power play was their best penalty kill of the season. Remember I said it, Salmela could be the difference maker. OH wait he is helping Lowell with their power-play.
Down on the Farm:
- The Lowell Devils are 7-1-1 in their past 9 games.
- Goalie Jeff Frazee has now won six straight games and is 6-1-1 on the season with and ranks fourth in the AHL with a 2.12 GAA.
- In his two games since being sent down, Anssi Salmela has 1G-1A and is plus-1 with six shots on goal.
- Former Ranger farmhand Chad Wiseman has scored in six straight games and has 15 pts. in 13 games (7G-8A). Wiseman played 5 games with the Rangers over three season in the organization, scoring 1G-1A in those games.
- Alexander Vasyunov now leads the team with eight goals.
- Matt Halischuk is rehabbing his knee from surgery and is expected to return this year to play, as the knee was not as bad as originally diagnosed.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Stupid Devils Leadership Make Suprise Move Sending Salmella to Lowell
In one of the most shocking moves yet by the Devils, they sent rookie defenseman Ansi Salmela to Lowell and journeyman Jay Leach has been recalled. Salmela has been an exciting player to watch since his return from a earlier stint at Lowell. Salmela has been on of the key guys on the power-play providing a shot first attitude and now the Devils bring Jay Leach back, who played solid replacing Mike Mottau during his suspension.
This move makes no sense and the only logical answer I can come up with is that they wanted some bigger defenseman to play against the Flyers, Canadians and Rangers forwards. And that Salmela was the only one who would not have to clear waivers.
But for all purposes this is just a dumb stupid move and if they feel they need to make a change on defense and bring another big defenseman to the mix then trade Mike Mottau and get the likes of a Jay Bouwmeester or Mattius Ohlund. But do not send our only real offensive defenseman down to the minors. DUMB, DUMB, DUMB, DUMB!
Prediction Devils power-play over the next four games will score maybe one or two goals!
This move makes no sense and the only logical answer I can come up with is that they wanted some bigger defenseman to play against the Flyers, Canadians and Rangers forwards. And that Salmela was the only one who would not have to clear waivers.
But for all purposes this is just a dumb stupid move and if they feel they need to make a change on defense and bring another big defenseman to the mix then trade Mike Mottau and get the likes of a Jay Bouwmeester or Mattius Ohlund. But do not send our only real offensive defenseman down to the minors. DUMB, DUMB, DUMB, DUMB!
Prediction Devils power-play over the next four games will score maybe one or two goals!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Old Pieces to a New Puzzle
At the start of the season the roles of Brian Rolston, Bobby Holik, John Madden and Jay Pandolfo were pretty much set in stone. Holik would be a fourth line center and take some ket face-offs and probably play with two big wingers (Zubrus, Clarkson or Rupp). Rolston was to be on the top line with Elias and Gionta, while Madden and Pandolfo would be side by side checking the other teams best line.
Now as the Devils are seeming to near complete health, Coach Sutter has made the right move and say that the Elias-Zubrus-Gionta line will stay together as well Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner, so where do the returning players fit in?
Here is our choices for the two best options:
OPTION 1: LINE 1: Parise-Zajac-Rolston / Line 2: Elias-Zubrus-Gionta / Line 3: Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner / Line 4: Rupp-Holik-Clarkson
(Rolston would provide more punch and make Parise and Zajac better than they already are and it would get the struggling Langebrunner off the line and put him with Pandolfo-Madden, whom it has a history playing with. Langebrunner would also provide some more offense to the Pandolfo-Madden tandem. And lastly the Elias line stays in tact, while you have a big strong fourth line that can bang bodies and score some goals.)
OPTION 2: Line 1: Parise-Zajac-Langebrunner / Line 2: Elias-Zubrus-Gionta / Line 3: Pandolfo-Madden-Clarkson / Line 4: Rupp-Holik-Rolston
(Not as good as the first option, but keeps the top two lines together and provides balance throughout the line-up. Also opens the option for LOU to go out and trade for another winger who can score to replace Rupp to give the Devils three lines that can produce offense.)
Notes:
- Devils recalled Leblond, mostly to maybe play against the Flyers because as always there will be fights and hopefully he knocks out one of the (Bleeps) from Philadelphia. Hey if we are lucky maybe Bobby Clarke himself will come back and get his ass kicked by Leblond.
- Devils sent Vrana to Lowell to get some playing time. With everyone coming back from injuries he will get some needed playing time down there.
- Several teams are looking to trade, but the salary cap is standing in their way. Washington is looking to unload Nylander, Atlanta well is looking to move nearly anyone on the roster, Buffalo is looking to move Afiniganov and his 3.3M salary, Rangers would like to get rid of Prucha, Hurricanes want to make some moves and well it won't be long before Burke will be shopping the entire Toronto roster.
Now as the Devils are seeming to near complete health, Coach Sutter has made the right move and say that the Elias-Zubrus-Gionta line will stay together as well Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner, so where do the returning players fit in?
Here is our choices for the two best options:
OPTION 1: LINE 1: Parise-Zajac-Rolston / Line 2: Elias-Zubrus-Gionta / Line 3: Pandolfo-Madden-Langenbrunner / Line 4: Rupp-Holik-Clarkson
(Rolston would provide more punch and make Parise and Zajac better than they already are and it would get the struggling Langebrunner off the line and put him with Pandolfo-Madden, whom it has a history playing with. Langebrunner would also provide some more offense to the Pandolfo-Madden tandem. And lastly the Elias line stays in tact, while you have a big strong fourth line that can bang bodies and score some goals.)
OPTION 2: Line 1: Parise-Zajac-Langebrunner / Line 2: Elias-Zubrus-Gionta / Line 3: Pandolfo-Madden-Clarkson / Line 4: Rupp-Holik-Rolston
(Not as good as the first option, but keeps the top two lines together and provides balance throughout the line-up. Also opens the option for LOU to go out and trade for another winger who can score to replace Rupp to give the Devils three lines that can produce offense.)
Notes:
- Devils recalled Leblond, mostly to maybe play against the Flyers because as always there will be fights and hopefully he knocks out one of the (Bleeps) from Philadelphia. Hey if we are lucky maybe Bobby Clarke himself will come back and get his ass kicked by Leblond.
- Devils sent Vrana to Lowell to get some playing time. With everyone coming back from injuries he will get some needed playing time down there.
- Several teams are looking to trade, but the salary cap is standing in their way. Washington is looking to unload Nylander, Atlanta well is looking to move nearly anyone on the roster, Buffalo is looking to move Afiniganov and his 3.3M salary, Rangers would like to get rid of Prucha, Hurricanes want to make some moves and well it won't be long before Burke will be shopping the entire Toronto roster.
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