The Red Wings and Devils both played a mistake free game, but 4 mistakes were made and 3 of those were by the Devils. In a very tight defensive game, the Red Wings beat the last place Devils 3-1 on goals from Johan Franzen, Darren Helm, and Valterri Filppula. Brian Rolston scored the lone Devils goal. The Red Wings out shot the Devils 29-24, but the Devils shots were of very low quality. though they did not play as flat as they did in their first meeting at Prudential Center, a 4-1 Wings victory.
The Red Wings swept the season series by beating the Devils tonight. With the Thrashers 1-0 win over the Capitals,t he Devils fall 22 points back of the 8th spot. So, the playoff talk might be more of a distraction right now. We shall see how the Devils do after the All Star Break. They do not play until next Tuesday at home against the Senators.
The Devils questioned the refs after tonight's loss, because they had the tying goal at 2, but the ref blew the whistle. Also, there was a questionable delay of game call as well as the 4 minute late penalty on Brian Rolston. All in all it was just a psychological game.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
R.I.P 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils: As Devils get ready to face Red Wings, Lemaire stands by his desire to only coach team til end of season
The Devils are currently getting ready to face the Red Wings in Detroit tonight, but interim coach Jacques Lemaire all but shot down reports he would consider coaching the team next season. This is at least his position for now, though he did say, nothing would change his mind about possibly coaching next year again. Many fans probably would want him to stay on. If Lemaire changes his mind, it would be nice for the Devils to hire a Head Coach in waiting to take over for Lemaire when he finally does go back to retirement.
This all but means that a new coach would have to be hired this summer. However, as I have stated many times, Lou Lamoriello will have a lengthy search for a new coach. There really at this moment is no clear cut favorite for the job. However, Lou Lamoriello would likely hire a coach with NHL Head Coaching experience. The top 5 candidates of the bat are Ken Hitchcock, Mike Keenan, Bob Hartley, Guy Carbonneau and Andy Murray, not in that order though.
Even if the Devils make the playoffs miraculously, Lemaire would still retire. We shall see where the Devils go after this season.
This all but means that a new coach would have to be hired this summer. However, as I have stated many times, Lou Lamoriello will have a lengthy search for a new coach. There really at this moment is no clear cut favorite for the job. However, Lou Lamoriello would likely hire a coach with NHL Head Coaching experience. The top 5 candidates of the bat are Ken Hitchcock, Mike Keenan, Bob Hartley, Guy Carbonneau and Andy Murray, not in that order though.
Even if the Devils make the playoffs miraculously, Lemaire would still retire. We shall see where the Devils go after this season.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
R.I.P 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils: Despite recent win streak, Devils unlikely to miraculously make the playoffs
OK, the Devils are finally on some kind of roll, but a minimal amount of fans and analysts believe the Devils can make some kind of miracle run and sneak into the 8th spot in the playoffs. That being said, I am not one of them. While, some people and the Devils themselves are happy with their play right now, most believe that most of the players are showcasing themselves for trade value. The trade deadline is February 28th, a Monday and players like Brian Rolston and Jason Arnott along with Colin White and Andy Greene could get moved. Dainius Zubrus is also in the mix.
While playoffs are still possible, the Devils have 34 games left. They are 20 points out with 3 games in hand of the 8th place Thrashers. It would take a monumental collapse by them and teams that are battling with the Thrashers for that spot like Carolina, Florida and Buffalo. Jacques Lemaire has said that he will only think about the remote possibility to sneak into the 8th spot if the Devils get within five points out, so that is a while away. Some fans believe they should lose to land a top 3 pick in the June Entry Draft.
If you are a mathematician and want to analyze a way they can make the playoffs, you can say that to get within 10 points they have to get 20 points. To get within 5 points they have to get 10 points after that. To get in, they would have to get 8-10 points after that. But that is assuming the Thrashers and other teams mentioned above begin to tank and slide. With 34 games left that is virtually impossible. I still believe they can get within 10 points, but I think that will be all they will get within. In my mind they have to win at least 26 out of their remaining 34 games to even have a shot at getting to 85 points, which might not be enough. And the 8 games they can at least lose, some of them have to come via a shootout and overtime.
I will say that if the Devils miraculously and shockingly make the playoffs, Jacques Lemaire will be a runaway winner of the Jack Adams trophy for coach of they year. Plus, no team would likely want to play the Devils in round one especially with a healthy Zach Parise, who is expected back in mid-late March. Parise's injury was definitely the one that killed the Devils season for the most part or at least allowed them to dig themselves into a grave. So, one way or another the most points the Devils can get if they win their remaining 34 games is 103, but they have to win at least 26, so the theme for the Devils for the rest of the season is Mission: Impossible.
While playoffs are still possible, the Devils have 34 games left. They are 20 points out with 3 games in hand of the 8th place Thrashers. It would take a monumental collapse by them and teams that are battling with the Thrashers for that spot like Carolina, Florida and Buffalo. Jacques Lemaire has said that he will only think about the remote possibility to sneak into the 8th spot if the Devils get within five points out, so that is a while away. Some fans believe they should lose to land a top 3 pick in the June Entry Draft.
If you are a mathematician and want to analyze a way they can make the playoffs, you can say that to get within 10 points they have to get 20 points. To get within 5 points they have to get 10 points after that. To get in, they would have to get 8-10 points after that. But that is assuming the Thrashers and other teams mentioned above begin to tank and slide. With 34 games left that is virtually impossible. I still believe they can get within 10 points, but I think that will be all they will get within. In my mind they have to win at least 26 out of their remaining 34 games to even have a shot at getting to 85 points, which might not be enough. And the 8 games they can at least lose, some of them have to come via a shootout and overtime.
I will say that if the Devils miraculously and shockingly make the playoffs, Jacques Lemaire will be a runaway winner of the Jack Adams trophy for coach of they year. Plus, no team would likely want to play the Devils in round one especially with a healthy Zach Parise, who is expected back in mid-late March. Parise's injury was definitely the one that killed the Devils season for the most part or at least allowed them to dig themselves into a grave. So, one way or another the most points the Devils can get if they win their remaining 34 games is 103, but they have to win at least 26, so the theme for the Devils for the rest of the season is Mission: Impossible.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
R.I.P 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils: Devils win 4th straight, down Panthers 5-2 despite playing flat
Most of the Devils were happy with the way they played, but not coach Jacques Lemaire. The Devils came out flat, but still managed to defeat the Florida Panthers 5-2 at Prudential Center. It was the Devils 4th straight win.
Ilya Kovalchuk, Patrik Elias, Brian Rolston all scored for the Devils and Jason Arnott had two goals. Shawn Matthias and Marty Reasoner score for the Panthers. Scott Clemmensen and Jakob Markstrom split the goaltending duties for the Panthers and Martin Brodeur made 24 saves on 26 Panther shots.
Nick Palmieri, Vladimir Zharkov and Colin White missed today's game with injuries and Alexander Vasyunov was recalled on emergency basis. Palmieri has an upper body injury and Zharkov is still feeling a little ill. White suffered an undisclosed injury yesterday against Philly and was unable to go today. Salmela filled his spot.
The Devils next go to Detroit against the Red Wings this Wednesday, their last game before the All Star Break. Right now the Devils sit 20 points behind the Thrashers for the 8th spot in the East. However, they are still last in the NHL.
Ilya Kovalchuk, Patrik Elias, Brian Rolston all scored for the Devils and Jason Arnott had two goals. Shawn Matthias and Marty Reasoner score for the Panthers. Scott Clemmensen and Jakob Markstrom split the goaltending duties for the Panthers and Martin Brodeur made 24 saves on 26 Panther shots.
Nick Palmieri, Vladimir Zharkov and Colin White missed today's game with injuries and Alexander Vasyunov was recalled on emergency basis. Palmieri has an upper body injury and Zharkov is still feeling a little ill. White suffered an undisclosed injury yesterday against Philly and was unable to go today. Salmela filled his spot.
The Devils next go to Detroit against the Red Wings this Wednesday, their last game before the All Star Break. Right now the Devils sit 20 points behind the Thrashers for the 8th spot in the East. However, they are still last in the NHL.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
R.I.P 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils: Devils end 6 game losing streak in Philly, down Flyers 3-1, Hedberg finally wins again
Patrik Elias had a two goal game and Henrik Tallinder added another one to give the Devils probably their best win of the season and most memorable one. The Devils have a 6 game regular season losing streak to the Flyers in Philadelphia and an 8 game losing streak counting the playoffs last year. Elias's 2nd goal was an empty netter. James van Riemsdyk has the Flyers lone goal as the NHL's best team went down to the NHL's worst team.
The Devils did have one negative and that was their power play, which needs work. Also, Colin White left the game and did not return. Both Vladimir Zharkov and Nick Palmieri missed today's game with minor injuries. Palmieri had an upper body and Zharkov had flu-like symptoms. The Devils will host the Panthers tomorrow afternoon at Prudential Center and then travel to Detroit on Wednesday for their final game before the All Star Break. Today's win was the Devils first 3 game win streak of the season and first since December 2009.
Johan Hedberg played very well in the start, making 26 saves on 27 Flyer shots. Two weeks ago Hedberg was pulled despite only letting in two goals, but it seems so far that him getting pulled was the catalyst for the Devils recent stretch.
The Devils did have one negative and that was their power play, which needs work. Also, Colin White left the game and did not return. Both Vladimir Zharkov and Nick Palmieri missed today's game with minor injuries. Palmieri had an upper body and Zharkov had flu-like symptoms. The Devils will host the Panthers tomorrow afternoon at Prudential Center and then travel to Detroit on Wednesday for their final game before the All Star Break. Today's win was the Devils first 3 game win streak of the season and first since December 2009.
Johan Hedberg played very well in the start, making 26 saves on 27 Flyer shots. Two weeks ago Hedberg was pulled despite only letting in two goals, but it seems so far that him getting pulled was the catalyst for the Devils recent stretch.
Friday, January 21, 2011
R.I.P 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils: Devils end Penguins chance at revenge with 2-0 shutout at Prudential Center
Last season the Devils were 6-0 against Pittsburgh, so conventional wisdom would say that the Penguins would want to return the favor this season. However, last night it ended at The Rock with the Devils and Martin Brodeur making 23 saves in the effort. Brian Rolston and Nick Palmieri scored for the Devils. Now granted, the Penguins were playing without their big guns in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, but in the past few years, the Devils are known to take these situations lightly and normally would look flat.
Both Devils goals came in the first period, but their power play still needs work as they failed to score on it yesterday. Next comes the NHL's best Flyers for the Devils, but more importantly, the Devils will be looking to finally beat them in their building. The have not won there since December 2008. It will tell a lot about their revival after that game.
The Devils are finally playing their best stretch of hockey all year long. They are 23 point out of the final playoff spot, but that is out of the picture. But, all they have to do is continue winning and marketing their youth.
Both Devils goals came in the first period, but their power play still needs work as they failed to score on it yesterday. Next comes the NHL's best Flyers for the Devils, but more importantly, the Devils will be looking to finally beat them in their building. The have not won there since December 2008. It will tell a lot about their revival after that game.
The Devils are finally playing their best stretch of hockey all year long. They are 23 point out of the final playoff spot, but that is out of the picture. But, all they have to do is continue winning and marketing their youth.
Monday, January 17, 2011
R.I.P 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils: Devils finally end 0-5 NY hex, beat Islanders 5-2 on Long Island, Zharkov finally scores his 1st NHL goal
Not only is the Devils offense clicking, they finally were able to end their season long NY Hex. The Devils were 0-5 combined against the Rangers and Islanders this season before today's game, which was a Devils 5-2 win. Vladimir Zharkov, Ilya Kovalchuk, Dainius Zubrus, Mattias Tedenby, and Rod Pelley scored for the Devils. Zharkov finally got his 1st NHL goal in his 49th career game in the NHL dating back to last season where he had none in 40 games. Zharkov has really endured a tough road to his first one.
Mattias Tedenby returned to the line-up and scored a goal. He was a healthy scratch in the last 6 games for his poor play in his defensive zone. Adam Mair was a healthy scratch today. Tedenby played mostly on a line with Zharkov and Arnott. Kovalchuk's goal came on the power play. Martin Brodeur made 27 saves on 29 shots. The Devils led 3-0 at one point, but the Islanders cut it to 3-2 in just a 54 second span. Jacques Lemaire called a timeout and the Devils responded with 2 more goals from Pelley and Zubrus. Overall another good effort for the Devils as they head back home for a match-up against the Penguins on Thursday night.
Mattias Tedenby returned to the line-up and scored a goal. He was a healthy scratch in the last 6 games for his poor play in his defensive zone. Adam Mair was a healthy scratch today. Tedenby played mostly on a line with Zharkov and Arnott. Kovalchuk's goal came on the power play. Martin Brodeur made 27 saves on 29 shots. The Devils led 3-0 at one point, but the Islanders cut it to 3-2 in just a 54 second span. Jacques Lemaire called a timeout and the Devils responded with 2 more goals from Pelley and Zubrus. Overall another good effort for the Devils as they head back home for a match-up against the Penguins on Thursday night.
Friday, January 14, 2011
R.I.P 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils: Devils offense continues to stay hot in 5-2 win over Lightning again
The Devils swept the home and home against the Lightning tonight capping off a 5-2 win tonight in Tampa, Florida. Though, their last game was at home 4 days ago, the Devils used the rest to their advantage and won their 2nd straight game for only the second time this season. Their two game winning streak is the first string of consecutive wins in regulation this season. The Devils last win streak was way back in November against Washington 5-0 and a shootout victory over Calgary, but after that, things started to fall apart into a free fall.
Ilya Kovalchuk scored two goals along with Brian Rolston, Patrik Elias and Travis Zajac. Zajac's goal was a short-handed one and their first short-hander since October 9th against Washington, but that game was a 7-2 Devils loss. Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis scored for the Lightning. Martin Brodeur continued his stellar play in goal again reaching to make Brodeur type saves and making 30 saves on 32 shots. The Lightning split the game with Dwayne Roloson and Dan Ellis.
Mattias Tedenby was a healthy scratch again, but he might play tomorrow night in Florida against the Panthers. Lemaire believes Tedenby needs to improve his play in the defensive zone and be a bit more smarter with the puck. No word on who will start in goal tomorrow night, though Brodeur seems favored over Hedberg. Good win by the Devils tonight.
Ilya Kovalchuk scored two goals along with Brian Rolston, Patrik Elias and Travis Zajac. Zajac's goal was a short-handed one and their first short-hander since October 9th against Washington, but that game was a 7-2 Devils loss. Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis scored for the Lightning. Martin Brodeur continued his stellar play in goal again reaching to make Brodeur type saves and making 30 saves on 32 shots. The Lightning split the game with Dwayne Roloson and Dan Ellis.
Mattias Tedenby was a healthy scratch again, but he might play tomorrow night in Florida against the Panthers. Lemaire believes Tedenby needs to improve his play in the defensive zone and be a bit more smarter with the puck. No word on who will start in goal tomorrow night, though Brodeur seems favored over Hedberg. Good win by the Devils tonight.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
R.I.P 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils: Devils offense explodes for 6-3 win over Lightning, Brodeur finally gives an effort, Volchenkov sits out of game
Jacques Lemaire believed yesterday the Devils had a mini breakthrough and proved it this late afternoon against the Tampa Bay Lightning. What was amazing was that 5 of the Devils goals cam in the 3rd period. In fact the Devils came into the 3rd down 2-1 and had not shown any signs of scoring another goal. David Clarkson had two goals, while Jason Arnott, Patrik Elias, Dainius Zubrus, and Nick Palmieri had the others. Teddy Purcell, Ryan Malone, and Dominic Moore scored for Tampa Bay.
The Devils were able to keep the Lightning top guns off the board like Steven Stamkos, Simon Gagne, Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman. Brodeur made 33 saves on 36 shots while Dan Ellis made 20 on 26 Devils shots. The turning point of the game was the Devils killing off a 4 minute power play for Tampa Bay in the 3rd period. Andy Greene took a high sticking double minor just seconds after the Devils Clarkson tied the game at 2, but then towards the end of the 4 minute penalty, the Devils drew a penalty and scored immediately on the 4 on 4 with Arnott deflecting the puck of his hip. That goal energized the crowd and the Devils.
All in all it was another good effort for Marty Brodeur despite giving up 3 goals. Brodeur made some of his old form saves and hopefully this is where the confidence finally starts to slowly come back. The Devils will play the same Tampa Bay team in Florida this Friday and it is their next game.
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Anton Volchenkov sat out the game due to the death of his father Alexei, a former Russian hockey player himself. He is to fly immediately to Russia for the funeral and it is unknown when he will return to the Devils.
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Rangers forward Alexander Frolov will miss the remainder of the year with a Torn ACL and MCL.
The Devils were able to keep the Lightning top guns off the board like Steven Stamkos, Simon Gagne, Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, and Victor Hedman. Brodeur made 33 saves on 36 shots while Dan Ellis made 20 on 26 Devils shots. The turning point of the game was the Devils killing off a 4 minute power play for Tampa Bay in the 3rd period. Andy Greene took a high sticking double minor just seconds after the Devils Clarkson tied the game at 2, but then towards the end of the 4 minute penalty, the Devils drew a penalty and scored immediately on the 4 on 4 with Arnott deflecting the puck of his hip. That goal energized the crowd and the Devils.
All in all it was another good effort for Marty Brodeur despite giving up 3 goals. Brodeur made some of his old form saves and hopefully this is where the confidence finally starts to slowly come back. The Devils will play the same Tampa Bay team in Florida this Friday and it is their next game.
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Anton Volchenkov sat out the game due to the death of his father Alexei, a former Russian hockey player himself. He is to fly immediately to Russia for the funeral and it is unknown when he will return to the Devils.
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Rangers forward Alexander Frolov will miss the remainder of the year with a Torn ACL and MCL.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
R.I.P 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils: Devils continue free fall as Flyers sweep home and home
In what was probably their best game under Jacques Lemaire since he took over as coach other than the 3-1 win against the Thrashers on December 31st, the Devils still fell short by falling 2-1 to the Philadelphia Flyers. The loss is their 4th in a row and Johan Hedberg got pulled for Marty Brodeur today. Brodeur was at his best, but the Devils offensive woes continued.
Daniel Briere and James vanRiemsdyk scored for Philly while Andy Greene had the lone goal for the lowly Devils. Lemaire though said the Devils had a mini breakthrough in the loss based on their effort in periods 2 and 3. The Devils can show the mini progress against the Lightning at Prudential Center at 5 PM ET tomorrow. Brodeur will start in goal for the Devils. The Devils will start another home and home with Tampa this time around and will play the Lightning again this Friday. They will see on of the NHL's best players in Steven Stamkos. After tomorrow, the Devils will have 4 days off and it could give them time to work on a lot of things they need to correct and possibly form new chemistry.
Also, look for possible more deals as well. Jason Arnott is likely the next to go along with others like David Clarkson, Brian Rolston and Colin White. Jamie Langenbrunner will make his Stars re-debut tomorrow in Minnesota, his home state against the Wild. He was given a standing ovation in his welcome back montage during the intermission in Dallas's game against the Rangers. The Rangers defeated the Stars in overtime.
Daniel Briere and James vanRiemsdyk scored for Philly while Andy Greene had the lone goal for the lowly Devils. Lemaire though said the Devils had a mini breakthrough in the loss based on their effort in periods 2 and 3. The Devils can show the mini progress against the Lightning at Prudential Center at 5 PM ET tomorrow. Brodeur will start in goal for the Devils. The Devils will start another home and home with Tampa this time around and will play the Lightning again this Friday. They will see on of the NHL's best players in Steven Stamkos. After tomorrow, the Devils will have 4 days off and it could give them time to work on a lot of things they need to correct and possibly form new chemistry.
Also, look for possible more deals as well. Jason Arnott is likely the next to go along with others like David Clarkson, Brian Rolston and Colin White. Jamie Langenbrunner will make his Stars re-debut tomorrow in Minnesota, his home state against the Wild. He was given a standing ovation in his welcome back montage during the intermission in Dallas's game against the Rangers. The Rangers defeated the Stars in overtime.
Friday, January 7, 2011
NHL's worst Devils begin possible firesale by trading captain Jamie Langenbrunner back to Dallas
Jamie Langenbrunner is a Dallas Star once again, nine years after the Devils acquired him from there. The Devils will receive a conditional 3rd round pick in 2011 Entry Draft. Now, the pick could turn into a 2nd round pick if Dallas wins their first round playoff series. If Dallas does not win their playoff series and signs Langenbrunner to an extension, the pick would turn into a 2nd rounder in 2012 and the Devils would also give Dallas their 3rd rounder in 2012. Langenbrunner was acquired by the Devils in March 2002 along with current Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk which led to the Devils winning the Stanley Cup in 2003.
This is a pretty good trade for the Devils considering they have no 3rd round pick in 2011 due to their penalty for the Kovalchuk contract. The Langenbrunner deal is likely to start a fire-sale for the Devils and other players could get moved. Langenbrunner was on the block the last 8-10 days and was only asked to waive his no-trade-clause to a Western Conference Team. There were rumblings that the Devils most fierce division rival, the Philadelphia Flyers offered two draft picks for Langenbrunner, but the Devils would never deal with them, but there will be a day when that might happen. The Flyers were actually also interested in 2002 to acquire both Nieuwendyk and Langenbrunner from Dallas. Let the dominos start to fall.
This is a pretty good trade for the Devils considering they have no 3rd round pick in 2011 due to their penalty for the Kovalchuk contract. The Langenbrunner deal is likely to start a fire-sale for the Devils and other players could get moved. Langenbrunner was on the block the last 8-10 days and was only asked to waive his no-trade-clause to a Western Conference Team. There were rumblings that the Devils most fierce division rival, the Philadelphia Flyers offered two draft picks for Langenbrunner, but the Devils would never deal with them, but there will be a day when that might happen. The Flyers were actually also interested in 2002 to acquire both Nieuwendyk and Langenbrunner from Dallas. Let the dominos start to fall.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
R.I.P 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils: Devils fall to Flyers 4-2, Langenbrunner reportedly awaiting trade
The Devils continued their losing ways tonight, this time against the Flyers as they fell 4-2 at Prudential Center. Scott Hartnell and Danny Briere each had two goals in the game. Dainius Zubrus and David Clarkson had the Devils goals. Shots were even at 20-20, but the Flyers had the 2 goal cushion. The Devils blew two one goal leads until the Flyers took control of the game.
Colin White and Henrik Tallinder continued to struggle and Johan Hedberg played well. Kovalchuk still continues to struggle to score as well and seems careless about the season right now much like the entire Devils team.
Captain Jamie Langenbrunner was a scratch tonight as reports surfaced he was asked to waive his no-trade-clause. Division rivals Flyers and Penguins have reportedly offered draft picks for Langenbrunner's services. However, it was unlikely he would be traded to a rival like the Flyers, but the Devils would not mind trading with the Penguins as they have done so in past years. Dallas, St. Louis, and San Jose are the leading Western Conference teams for Langenbrunner. Langenbrunner played most of his career with Dallas before being traded in March 2002 to the Devils along with current Dallas GM Joe Nieuwendyk for Jason Arnott, Randy McKay and a 1st round pick. There were rumbling the Devils traded Langenbrunner back to the Dallas Stars for a conditional 1st round pick, however Lou Lamoriello would not confirm anything. Langenbrunner has a $2.8 million dollar cap hit and is the easiest to trade on the Devils since he will be an unrestricted free agent in the Summer. He has been struggling thus far this year with 4 goals and 10 assists and a minus 15 plus/minus rating much like the entire Devils team.
Langenbrunner is likely the first of many Devils to get traded this year as the team will likely start a fire sale to load up on draft picks and prospects for next year and beyond. I have compiled a list of other players that might get moved in my other post. Look for more deals to get done in the future. The Devils are on track to finish last in the league and will get a top 3 pick in the draft. If they get the number one overall, it is unlikely that they will surrender the draft pick. The Devils have to forfeit a 1st rounder in one of the next 4 drafts for their penalty for circumventing the salary cap with the 17 year deal for Ilya Kovalchuk. However, other NHL teams might respect Lamoriello more if he does indeed surrender the number one overall pick and might pull back any grudges they are holding against him for the Kovalchuk saga. Many feel Lou Lamoriello has damaged his reputation for the Kovalchuk saga and might have lost respect amongst other NHL General Managers. We shall see what happens in the future for the Devils. The Devils are likely to surrender their 1st rounder if the draft is not that deep, but the 2011 one is expected to be deep. The Devils will likely pick Canadian center Sean Couturier with the number one pick if they win the lottery in April. Adam Larsson and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are the next two projected picks.
Colin White and Henrik Tallinder continued to struggle and Johan Hedberg played well. Kovalchuk still continues to struggle to score as well and seems careless about the season right now much like the entire Devils team.
Captain Jamie Langenbrunner was a scratch tonight as reports surfaced he was asked to waive his no-trade-clause. Division rivals Flyers and Penguins have reportedly offered draft picks for Langenbrunner's services. However, it was unlikely he would be traded to a rival like the Flyers, but the Devils would not mind trading with the Penguins as they have done so in past years. Dallas, St. Louis, and San Jose are the leading Western Conference teams for Langenbrunner. Langenbrunner played most of his career with Dallas before being traded in March 2002 to the Devils along with current Dallas GM Joe Nieuwendyk for Jason Arnott, Randy McKay and a 1st round pick. There were rumbling the Devils traded Langenbrunner back to the Dallas Stars for a conditional 1st round pick, however Lou Lamoriello would not confirm anything. Langenbrunner has a $2.8 million dollar cap hit and is the easiest to trade on the Devils since he will be an unrestricted free agent in the Summer. He has been struggling thus far this year with 4 goals and 10 assists and a minus 15 plus/minus rating much like the entire Devils team.
Langenbrunner is likely the first of many Devils to get traded this year as the team will likely start a fire sale to load up on draft picks and prospects for next year and beyond. I have compiled a list of other players that might get moved in my other post. Look for more deals to get done in the future. The Devils are on track to finish last in the league and will get a top 3 pick in the draft. If they get the number one overall, it is unlikely that they will surrender the draft pick. The Devils have to forfeit a 1st rounder in one of the next 4 drafts for their penalty for circumventing the salary cap with the 17 year deal for Ilya Kovalchuk. However, other NHL teams might respect Lamoriello more if he does indeed surrender the number one overall pick and might pull back any grudges they are holding against him for the Kovalchuk saga. Many feel Lou Lamoriello has damaged his reputation for the Kovalchuk saga and might have lost respect amongst other NHL General Managers. We shall see what happens in the future for the Devils. The Devils are likely to surrender their 1st rounder if the draft is not that deep, but the 2011 one is expected to be deep. The Devils will likely pick Canadian center Sean Couturier with the number one pick if they win the lottery in April. Adam Larsson and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are the next two projected picks.
R.I.P 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils: Devils begin home and home against Flyers, Hedberg to start again
The Devils are yet to get on a roll this season and if they want to start that difficult process, it would be nice to do it the next two games against their hated rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers. Both teams are coming into tonight's match-up going in opposite directions. The Devils are 1-1-0 against the Flyers this season, but they would sure like to play the role of spoiler through the rest of the NHL season. With the playoffs out of question and 43 games left, it is safe to say that the Devils would like to win games against all of their division rivals. The Devils play at home tonight followed by a 1 PM ET matinee in Philly on Saturday. In fact their last two games against Philly were Saturday 1 PM matinee's, one home and one away match-up. Also, their only remaining trip to Philly after Saturday will be a 1 PM matinee on another Saturday, so pure coincidence on the NHL schedule.
Johan Hedberg will start in goal tonight like he did the previous two match-ups against Philly. If the Devils were in the top 8 of the Eastern Conference, Marty Brodeur would likely be in net, but right now it seems like Brodeur's next start will be dependent on how he does in practices and confidence building. So, look for the Moose to carry load down the stretch. Hedberg will likely start the majority of games on home ice for the remainder of the season with Marty playing on the road if he starts. Coach Lemaire believes Marty is close to getting his confidence back, but still a while away. Brodeur also admitted he is fine with Hedberg starting the majority of the remaining games.
Johan Hedberg will start in goal tonight like he did the previous two match-ups against Philly. If the Devils were in the top 8 of the Eastern Conference, Marty Brodeur would likely be in net, but right now it seems like Brodeur's next start will be dependent on how he does in practices and confidence building. So, look for the Moose to carry load down the stretch. Hedberg will likely start the majority of games on home ice for the remainder of the season with Marty playing on the road if he starts. Coach Lemaire believes Marty is close to getting his confidence back, but still a while away. Brodeur also admitted he is fine with Hedberg starting the majority of the remaining games.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
NHL News and Notes: R.I.P 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils: Possible Devils...
NHL News and Notes: R.I.P 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils: Possible Devils...: "With the New Jersey Devils well on their way to finishing 30th out of 30 overall in the NHL, they will likely become sellers by the February..."
R.I.P 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils: Possible Devils players that might be moved
With the New Jersey Devils well on their way to finishing 30th out of 30 overall in the NHL, they will likely become sellers by the February 28th NHL trade deadline. Nobody is expecting the Devils to have a fire sale, but they do need a major face lift. They need to get rid of every negative personality on their team and start fresh much like the Canadiens did in Summer 2009. Here are some players which might be moved to get chances to play in the playoffs:
Jason Arnott
Interested Teams: Sharks, Stars, Bruins, Canadiens, Canucks, Capitals, Predators, Red Wings, Avalanche
Likely return value: 3rd-5th round pick, prospect
Jamie Langenbrunner
Interested Teams: Stars, Leafs, Bruins, Wild, Canucks, Avalanche, Red Wings, Sharks, Kings, Red Wings
Return Value: Prospect, low draft pick
Dainius Zubrus
Interested Teams: Leafs, Canadiens, Capitals, Stars, Sharks, Coyotes, Bruins, Red Wings
Return Value: 2nd-5th round pick, prospect
Brian Rolston
Interested Teams: Leafs, Canadiens, Bruins, Wild, Coyotes, Predators, Stars, Red Wings, Avalanche, Islanders, Capitals, Lightning, Sharks
Return Value: 3rd or 4th round draft pick
Travis Zajac
Interested Teams: Canucks, Flames, Wild, Leafs, Bruins, Stars
Return Value: 1st round pick or a high center prospect
Patrik Elias
Interested Teams: Leafs, Avalanche, Kings, Sharks, Wild, Red Wings, Blackhawks, Bruins, Canadiens
Return Value: high-end prospect, 2nd round pick
Colin White
Interested Teams: Bruins, Leafs, Canadiens, Stars, Sharks, Red Wings, Islanders, Capitals, Lightning, Panthers, Predators
Return Value: mid-round draft pick
David Clarkson
Interested Teams: Leafs, Canadiens
Return Value: mid round draft pick and prospect
Others:
Mark Fraser
*Bryce Salvador
Henrik Tallinder
Rod Pelley'
Nick Palmieri
Vladimir Zharkov
*=Salvador is injured now, but he could be trade bait if he returns by February or even in the summer.
Jason Arnott
Interested Teams: Sharks, Stars, Bruins, Canadiens, Canucks, Capitals, Predators, Red Wings, Avalanche
Likely return value: 3rd-5th round pick, prospect
Jamie Langenbrunner
Interested Teams: Stars, Leafs, Bruins, Wild, Canucks, Avalanche, Red Wings, Sharks, Kings, Red Wings
Return Value: Prospect, low draft pick
Dainius Zubrus
Interested Teams: Leafs, Canadiens, Capitals, Stars, Sharks, Coyotes, Bruins, Red Wings
Return Value: 2nd-5th round pick, prospect
Brian Rolston
Interested Teams: Leafs, Canadiens, Bruins, Wild, Coyotes, Predators, Stars, Red Wings, Avalanche, Islanders, Capitals, Lightning, Sharks
Return Value: 3rd or 4th round draft pick
Travis Zajac
Interested Teams: Canucks, Flames, Wild, Leafs, Bruins, Stars
Return Value: 1st round pick or a high center prospect
Patrik Elias
Interested Teams: Leafs, Avalanche, Kings, Sharks, Wild, Red Wings, Blackhawks, Bruins, Canadiens
Return Value: high-end prospect, 2nd round pick
Colin White
Interested Teams: Bruins, Leafs, Canadiens, Stars, Sharks, Red Wings, Islanders, Capitals, Lightning, Panthers, Predators
Return Value: mid-round draft pick
David Clarkson
Interested Teams: Leafs, Canadiens
Return Value: mid round draft pick and prospect
Others:
Mark Fraser
*Bryce Salvador
Henrik Tallinder
Rod Pelley'
Nick Palmieri
Vladimir Zharkov
*=Salvador is injured now, but he could be trade bait if he returns by February or even in the summer.
R.I.P 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils: Devils offense returns to familiar form in 2-1 loss to Wild at Prudential Center, another bad bouce for Devils
The Devils just cannot seem to get a bounce to go their way this season at all. Clayton Stoner threw the puck off the boards which seemed destined to go behind the net, instead Hedberg chased the puck and then the puck somehow ended up in the Devils goal giving the Wild a 2-1 victory. Cal Clutterbuck had the other Wild goal in the 1st period and Ilya Kovalchuk scored the lone Devils goal.
The Devils out shot the Wild 22-18 even though in the first period the shots were 8-1 Wild. First periods have kind of been the rough spots for the Devils since Jacques Lemaire took over for John MacLean. Under MacLean, the Devils struggled in the second periods of games. Devils were horrible on their power play and both team seemed very impatient with the puck.
Matt Corrente, Mattias Tedenby, and Dainius Zubrus were the Devils scratches tonight. Lemaire would not say why Tedenby was scratched. The Devils are now 1-5 under Lemaire and cannot seem to generate anything. It is only a matter of time before Lou Lamoriello gets into a seller mode. Look for activity to pick up after the NHL All Star Game in the end of January. Though no Devils players deserve to go the the game, they will likely have one representative and it could be Ilya Kovalchuk.
The Devils out shot the Wild 22-18 even though in the first period the shots were 8-1 Wild. First periods have kind of been the rough spots for the Devils since Jacques Lemaire took over for John MacLean. Under MacLean, the Devils struggled in the second periods of games. Devils were horrible on their power play and both team seemed very impatient with the puck.
Matt Corrente, Mattias Tedenby, and Dainius Zubrus were the Devils scratches tonight. Lemaire would not say why Tedenby was scratched. The Devils are now 1-5 under Lemaire and cannot seem to generate anything. It is only a matter of time before Lou Lamoriello gets into a seller mode. Look for activity to pick up after the NHL All Star Game in the end of January. Though no Devils players deserve to go the the game, they will likely have one representative and it could be Ilya Kovalchuk.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
R.I.P 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils: Devils fall 6-3 to Hurricanes to start 2011, Brodeur pulled again
Are we finally seeing the end of the Marty Brodeur era in New Jersey? Tonight has been another example of his struggles this season as he gave up 3 goals in the first 8 minutes of the game and was pulled in favor of Johan Hedberg, who did not fare much better in the 6-3 loss. Brodeur was pulled for the 3rd time in the last 6 games. Rod Pelley, Travis Zajac, and Patrik Elias had the goals for the Devils while rookie of the year candidate Jeff Skinner scored twice for Carolina along with Zac Dalpe, Tuomo Ruutu and Sergei Samsonov, who also scored twice. It seems very likely that fans will see Hedberg down the stretch more than Brodeur until he gets his confidence back.
Brodeur allowed the 3 goals on 7 shots and Hedberg made 15 saves on 18 shots. Cam Ward made 25 saves on 28 shots. The Devils trailed 4-0 at one point of the game, but manages to come to life in period 2 and cut it to 4-2, but they still could not recover from their 1st period disaster.
Nick Palmieri played in place of Vladimir Zharkov, which was kind of surprising since Zharkov has played well in recent games. He played with Kovalchuk and Zajac. Kovy was uneventful today just like the entire Devils team for the most part as they could not counteract the Hurricanes speed and loose puck battles. They were two steps behind the plays and the puck. Look for Johan Hedberg to start on Tuesday at home against Minnesota unless Marty has a really good practice.
Brodeur allowed the 3 goals on 7 shots and Hedberg made 15 saves on 18 shots. Cam Ward made 25 saves on 28 shots. The Devils trailed 4-0 at one point of the game, but manages to come to life in period 2 and cut it to 4-2, but they still could not recover from their 1st period disaster.
Nick Palmieri played in place of Vladimir Zharkov, which was kind of surprising since Zharkov has played well in recent games. He played with Kovalchuk and Zajac. Kovy was uneventful today just like the entire Devils team for the most part as they could not counteract the Hurricanes speed and loose puck battles. They were two steps behind the plays and the puck. Look for Johan Hedberg to start on Tuesday at home against Minnesota unless Marty has a really good practice.
R.I.P 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils: Devils hoping to kick off 2011 with victory and more victories
Defenseman Henrik Tallinder told reporters yesterday before the game against the Thrashers yesterday that the Devils are playing for pride. Yesterday, they did just that with the playoffs out of question. Tonight the Devils will look for only their 2nd two game win streak of the season as they take on the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, NC.
Martin Brodeur will look for to regain his confidence tonight as he starts in goal likely against Cam Ward. The Devils will again be without Colin White due to a flu and Fayne will remain in the lineup. Nick Palmieri was not sent back to Albany in a last second decision and instead made the trip to Raleigh. It is not known whether he will play, but it seems he will fill in for Tim Sestito who was slightly shaken up yesterday against Atlanta.
Martin Brodeur will look for to regain his confidence tonight as he starts in goal likely against Cam Ward. The Devils will again be without Colin White due to a flu and Fayne will remain in the lineup. Nick Palmieri was not sent back to Albany in a last second decision and instead made the trip to Raleigh. It is not known whether he will play, but it seems he will fill in for Tim Sestito who was slightly shaken up yesterday against Atlanta.
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