Kurtis Foster had a redemption game for the Devils after two tough games this week scoring 2 power play goals to give the Devils a 6-4 win against the Flyers. The Devils led the Flyers 6-0 after 2 periods, but somehow an angry Philadelphia team scored 4 in the 3rd and out-shot the Devils 24-1 in that period. Ilya Kovalchuk, Zach Parise, Alexei Ponikarovsky and Dainius Zubrus had the other Devils goals. Claude Giroux, Wayne Simmonds, Jaromir Jagr and Jakub Voracek scored for the Flyers.
Johan Hedberg made 37 saves for the Devils and Serge Bobrovsky was relieved by Ilya Bryzgalov. It was the Devils 3rd straight win coming out of the All-Star Break and 2 of them against teams they are chasing in the standing. Their next two are no different against Pittsburgh and the same NY Ranger team they beat this past Tuesday. Kovalchuk had a Gordie Howe Hat-Trick today, a goal, assist and a fight against Flyers forward Brayden Schenn.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
Devils unlikely to be fully healthy this season even if everyone returns
The Devils have been battling key injuries all year long and are likely to continue to do so for the remainder of the season including playoffs if they make it. It started when Travis Zajac went down in the summer with a torn Achilles tendon and then briefly returned before being shut down again. Jacob Josefson missed 3 months with a broken clavicle which required surgery. Now, the Devils injuries include Henrik Tallinder (Blood Clot in left leg), Adam Henrique (Minor groin pull), and Travis Zajac (Complications from Torn Achilles). Adam Larsson, Bryce Salvador, and Ryan Carter are battling minor bumps and bruises as well as ailments, which could be played through.
While all players are expected back this season, they all will have to play through the pain. Zajac and Tallinder seem like they are long-term injuries. Travis Zajac is week-to-week, but is yet to receive medical clearance to do on ice activities and will likely have to be a 3rd or 4th line center when he returns, which is likely to happen by end of February or early-March. Henrik Tallinder is out 6-8 weeks, but that prognosis was given 2 weeks ago from today, so he will return in 4-6 weeks from now assuming there are no setbacks in the clot. Adam Henrique is expected back sometime next week.
Zajac has said repeatedly, the Achilles is something he will have to deal with for the duration of the season. Tallinder will also have to be very careful in dealing with his clot, and Henrique will have to control his stretch. But, all Devils including Josefson will have to get their rhythm back very slowly.
While all players are expected back this season, they all will have to play through the pain. Zajac and Tallinder seem like they are long-term injuries. Travis Zajac is week-to-week, but is yet to receive medical clearance to do on ice activities and will likely have to be a 3rd or 4th line center when he returns, which is likely to happen by end of February or early-March. Henrik Tallinder is out 6-8 weeks, but that prognosis was given 2 weeks ago from today, so he will return in 4-6 weeks from now assuming there are no setbacks in the clot. Adam Henrique is expected back sometime next week.
Zajac has said repeatedly, the Achilles is something he will have to deal with for the duration of the season. Tallinder will also have to be very careful in dealing with his clot, and Henrique will have to control his stretch. But, all Devils including Josefson will have to get their rhythm back very slowly.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Devils pull out back and forth effort in Shootout against Rangers
Normally when the Rangers grab a lead against the Devils, the game seems over. But, tonight, it was not the case. Former Devils tryout Anton Stralman gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead towards the end of the 1st period. Zach Parise tied it up midway through the second and it was all tied up heading into the 3rd period. Midway through the 3rd, Brian Boyle gave the Rangers a 2-1 lead and later in the period the game became a frantic finish.
Ilya Kovalchuk tied the game up at 2 on the power play, but 36 seconds later Michael Del Zotto broke the tie. That seemed to tell the story for the Devils against the Rangers, but a lcuky board bounce at the end of the period allowed David Clarkson to tie the game at 3 before heading to overtime.
The teams failed to score in overtime, but Ilya Kovalchuk scored the lone shootout goal to give the Devils the 4-3 victory. It was Martin Biron, not Henrik Lundqvist in net for the Rangers. Shots were 29-26 Devils, but the game was back and forth, but the Devils found a way to solve the Rangers for the first time this season and get only their 2nd win against the NHL's elite teams which includes the Rangers, Bruins and Flyers.
Ilya Kovalchuk tied the game up at 2 on the power play, but 36 seconds later Michael Del Zotto broke the tie. That seemed to tell the story for the Devils against the Rangers, but a lcuky board bounce at the end of the period allowed David Clarkson to tie the game at 3 before heading to overtime.
The teams failed to score in overtime, but Ilya Kovalchuk scored the lone shootout goal to give the Devils the 4-3 victory. It was Martin Biron, not Henrik Lundqvist in net for the Rangers. Shots were 29-26 Devils, but the game was back and forth, but the Devils found a way to solve the Rangers for the first time this season and get only their 2nd win against the NHL's elite teams which includes the Rangers, Bruins and Flyers.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Devils still searching for identity as it enters All-Star Break
Say what you want about how much better this Devils team is now compared to last season, it still has a long way to go. The team is entering the break on 3 game losing streak and only picking up one point in the process with a shootout loss to the Buffalo Sabres and even sometimes showing signs that merited their play last season. Yes, their mentality has been a lot better this season as they have been to overcome deficits in most of their games, but they still have been having trouble with secondary scoring despite having a balance of goals from their top 7 forwards.
Kovalchuk has the team lead with 19 goals, Clarkson with 16, Elias with 18, Zubrus with 12, Parise with 15, Henrique with 13 and Sykora with 12. They did acquire forward Alexei Ponikarovsky from Carolina, to try and get their bottom 5 forwards going. Jacob Josefson is back from his shoulder injury and should improve the offense a bit and Zajac, who returned in December from an Achilles injury and later suffered a small setback is close to returning as well. This should position the Devils very well for a good stretch run, but they will have to do without their best shutdown defenseman for about another 2 months. Though Andy Greene is close to returning from a broken foot, Henrik Tallinder will be out with a blood clot in his left leg.
The Devils are expected to pursue help on defense at the Trade Deadline if their current group continues to struggle. Kurtis Foster has not really lived up to his expectations as his defensive game has struggled and Matt Taormina has been better than last season, but his size continues to be a question. Mark Fayne has been up and down. Adam Larsson has proven he can play at this level, but he has experienced growing pains. The Devils best defensemen have been Bryce Salvador and Anton Volchenkov. Tallinder has been good when healthy as well and when Greene returns, they will have accrued a lot of depth in that position, but will definitely look to strengthen that position. Foster and Taormina are likely the odd-men out when Greene and Tallinder are both healthy. Expect Foster to get dealt to get more playing time elsewhere and chances are, the Devils could use Fayne as a trade chip for a top 4 defenseman.
Many questions still surround the Devils, nothing bigger than the Zach Parise situation. The Devils are highly unlikely to trade Parise at the trade deadline regardless of their play, but his possible return value could be huge. Teams like the Leafs, Habs, Sabres, Sharks, Kings and Wild will gauge very high interest in Parise at the deadline and in Free Agency should he hit July 1st unsigned. I expect the Devils to try and sign Parise to an extension as we get close to February 27th, the NHL trade deadline, but no talks have started yet, but I expect them to do so at about the 2 week mark.
Another question is will the Devils finally be able to match-up and beat the NHL's elite teams in the Rangers, Bruins and Flyers in the East and Red Wings, Hawks and Canucks in the West? They have the Rangers this Tuesday for their 1st game after the break, so it should be good medicine for the team entering the break on a 3 game win-less streak.
Kovalchuk has the team lead with 19 goals, Clarkson with 16, Elias with 18, Zubrus with 12, Parise with 15, Henrique with 13 and Sykora with 12. They did acquire forward Alexei Ponikarovsky from Carolina, to try and get their bottom 5 forwards going. Jacob Josefson is back from his shoulder injury and should improve the offense a bit and Zajac, who returned in December from an Achilles injury and later suffered a small setback is close to returning as well. This should position the Devils very well for a good stretch run, but they will have to do without their best shutdown defenseman for about another 2 months. Though Andy Greene is close to returning from a broken foot, Henrik Tallinder will be out with a blood clot in his left leg.
The Devils are expected to pursue help on defense at the Trade Deadline if their current group continues to struggle. Kurtis Foster has not really lived up to his expectations as his defensive game has struggled and Matt Taormina has been better than last season, but his size continues to be a question. Mark Fayne has been up and down. Adam Larsson has proven he can play at this level, but he has experienced growing pains. The Devils best defensemen have been Bryce Salvador and Anton Volchenkov. Tallinder has been good when healthy as well and when Greene returns, they will have accrued a lot of depth in that position, but will definitely look to strengthen that position. Foster and Taormina are likely the odd-men out when Greene and Tallinder are both healthy. Expect Foster to get dealt to get more playing time elsewhere and chances are, the Devils could use Fayne as a trade chip for a top 4 defenseman.
Many questions still surround the Devils, nothing bigger than the Zach Parise situation. The Devils are highly unlikely to trade Parise at the trade deadline regardless of their play, but his possible return value could be huge. Teams like the Leafs, Habs, Sabres, Sharks, Kings and Wild will gauge very high interest in Parise at the deadline and in Free Agency should he hit July 1st unsigned. I expect the Devils to try and sign Parise to an extension as we get close to February 27th, the NHL trade deadline, but no talks have started yet, but I expect them to do so at about the 2 week mark.
Another question is will the Devils finally be able to match-up and beat the NHL's elite teams in the Rangers, Bruins and Flyers in the East and Red Wings, Hawks and Canucks in the West? They have the Rangers this Tuesday for their 1st game after the break, so it should be good medicine for the team entering the break on a 3 game win-less streak.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Devils get humiliated by defending champ Bruins at home
Devils fans better ask for more than a refund after tonight's no show against the defending champs. After going ahead 1-0 against the Stanley Cup Champion Bruins on a Power Play goal by David Clarkson, the Devils sat back and saw the Bruins score 6 straight. Not only did the Bruins score, they humiliated the Devils and Marty Brodeur was left alone and played terribly.
Shots were 31-27 for the Devils, but that was not indicative of the way things were played tonight. In fact the only positive for the Devils was that they did not allow a short-handed goal, but I think if the score was 6-1 Devils, they would not mind allowing a shorty. It was the Devils worst game of the year even going back to last season.
Shots were 31-27 for the Devils, but that was not indicative of the way things were played tonight. In fact the only positive for the Devils was that they did not allow a short-handed goal, but I think if the score was 6-1 Devils, they would not mind allowing a shorty. It was the Devils worst game of the year even going back to last season.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Parise leaning toward testing Free Agent Market in Summer
This is Zach Parise's seventh year with the Devils and he has made it known many times that he wants to win the Stanley Cup. The question now is, will it be with the New Jersey Devils? Well, right now it is tough to say, but many analysts expect Parise to test the free agent market when noon hits on July 1st. For once, there will be a large number of suitors making an all out pitch for his services especially because there is not much talent afterwards. Zach Parise cannot legally sign a contract extension with the Devils until January 1st of 2012 at the earliest, but they can agree to one before then, but Lou Lamoriello has a closed door policy on negotiating contracts during the season, so it will be interesting if that policy will apply to Parise.
One reason Parise might leave the Devils is all due to the uncertain future of the organization on the ice particularly in goal. This year could potentially be the last for Marty Brodeur's storied career and the Devils do not currently have a goaltender that could be his full time successor, so they could be aggressive for one in the summer. But, Parise has made it known he wants to stay with Devils as well as the team has said they want him here long-term. However, if the Devils do not make the playoffs or make a long playoff run this year, it might just spell the end of Parise in a Devils uniform.
As mentioned above, Parise will have many suitors, likely the same teams that tried to sign current Devils teammate Ilya Kovalchuk a year ago in 2010. Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Kings are likely to make the biggest push for his services after failing to sign Brad Richards this past summer. Parise is represented by the same agents which represent Richards. Plus Leafs GM Brian Burke knows Parise well, since he played for his 2010 US Olympic team. Other teams likely to make a play for Parise will be the NY Rangers, NY Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers and basically every other team in some capacity. But, my guess is that he ends up staying with Devils, but it will be a very tough process.
One reason Parise might leave the Devils is all due to the uncertain future of the organization on the ice particularly in goal. This year could potentially be the last for Marty Brodeur's storied career and the Devils do not currently have a goaltender that could be his full time successor, so they could be aggressive for one in the summer. But, Parise has made it known he wants to stay with Devils as well as the team has said they want him here long-term. However, if the Devils do not make the playoffs or make a long playoff run this year, it might just spell the end of Parise in a Devils uniform.
As mentioned above, Parise will have many suitors, likely the same teams that tried to sign current Devils teammate Ilya Kovalchuk a year ago in 2010. Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Kings are likely to make the biggest push for his services after failing to sign Brad Richards this past summer. Parise is represented by the same agents which represent Richards. Plus Leafs GM Brian Burke knows Parise well, since he played for his 2010 US Olympic team. Other teams likely to make a play for Parise will be the NY Rangers, NY Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers and basically every other team in some capacity. But, my guess is that he ends up staying with Devils, but it will be a very tough process.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Devils use 3 goal second to get past Lightning, Power Play showing some positive signs
A 3 goal outburst in the 2nd period plus 1 in the third was all the Devils needed to squeak out a victory in Tampa 4-2. The Devils got goals from Dainius Zubrus, Patrik Elias, David Clarkson and Ryan Carter sealed it in the 3rd. Martin St. Louis and Ryan Shannon scored for the Lightning. The victory improves the Devils record on the road trip to 3-1 as it will conclude Monday in Florida.
Shots were 24-23 Devils, but Brodeur was outstanding again in goal. The Devils power play had some life today going 2-8, but it still have a very long way to go. However, the penalty kill continues to be stellar as it is now ranked first in the NHL. Zubrus's goal was almost short-handed with a 1 second differential. Anyway, another good effort by Devils as they now are 10-7-1.
Shots were 24-23 Devils, but Brodeur was outstanding again in goal. The Devils power play had some life today going 2-8, but it still have a very long way to go. However, the penalty kill continues to be stellar as it is now ranked first in the NHL. Zubrus's goal was almost short-handed with a 1 second differential. Anyway, another good effort by Devils as they now are 10-7-1.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Kovalchuk's return sparks Devils in 5-3 win in Buffalo
After playing the night before, you would think the Devils would play flat, but they did quite the opposite scoring 5 goals in a 5-3 win in Buffalo. Most of all, the Devils special teams came through in a big way. Zach Parise scored short-handed and Ilya Kovalchuk scored on the struggling Devils power play and Patrik Elias, Mark Fayne, and David Clarkson added the other goals. Tyler Myers scored twice and Jordan Leopold added the other for Buffalo.
Martin Brodeur made 29 saves on 32 Buffalo shots, while Jhonas Enroth had 14 in 19 Devils shots. Overall, it was another great road effort by the Devils as they will go home, practice before heading to Florida to face both the Lightning and Panthers. For the first time since Spring of 2010, the Devils occupy a playoff spot in the East.
Martin Brodeur made 29 saves on 32 Buffalo shots, while Jhonas Enroth had 14 in 19 Devils shots. Overall, it was another great road effort by the Devils as they will go home, practice before heading to Florida to face both the Lightning and Panthers. For the first time since Spring of 2010, the Devils occupy a playoff spot in the East.
Monday, November 14, 2011
How to Fix Devils struggling power play?
Back in 2002-2003, the New Jersey Devils had the worst ranked Power Play in the National Hockey League and the best Penalty Killing Unit and managed to win the Stanley Cup. However, this time around, power play success means everything in this league. In 02-03, the center red ice line was still in effect, which allowed for a neutral zone trap and prevented breakout passes or setup on the power play. But ever since that year, the Devils power play has had little success and it all points to one thing, no mobility on defense for a successful power play.
Lou Lamoriello's unwillingness to get the Devils some mobility on defense has cost the team dearly. After the losses of Scott Niedermayer, Brian Rafalski and Paul Martin on defense, the Devils power play has been anemic to say the least. It does have good setups and rushes, but it does not have any good finishers. Brian Rolston, Ilya Kovalchuk are all forwards and usually struggle on defense if they have odd man rushes against Short-Handed. The Devils power play cost them dearly in 2009 against Carolina, particularly in Game 7, when they had a 4 minute one to extend a 3-2 lead to a 4-2 lead and we all know what happened.
Adam Larsson will be a great Power Play leader some day, but I feel Lou Lamoriello needs to get 1 or 2 more mobile defensemen to help. Mobile and Puck moving D-Men are critical to a successful Power Play.
Lou Lamoriello's unwillingness to get the Devils some mobility on defense has cost the team dearly. After the losses of Scott Niedermayer, Brian Rafalski and Paul Martin on defense, the Devils power play has been anemic to say the least. It does have good setups and rushes, but it does not have any good finishers. Brian Rolston, Ilya Kovalchuk are all forwards and usually struggle on defense if they have odd man rushes against Short-Handed. The Devils power play cost them dearly in 2009 against Carolina, particularly in Game 7, when they had a 4 minute one to extend a 3-2 lead to a 4-2 lead and we all know what happened.
Adam Larsson will be a great Power Play leader some day, but I feel Lou Lamoriello needs to get 1 or 2 more mobile defensemen to help. Mobile and Puck moving D-Men are critical to a successful Power Play.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Devils rally twice for shootout victory over Flyers in Philly, Kovalchuk hurt
After being down 2-0 midway through the 2nd, it appeared the Devils were headed for another defeat, but the top line finally showed up as Zach Parise and Adam Henrique got goals to tie the game at 2. It was Henrique's first NHL goal, although he scored in the preseason. However, Maxime Talbot broke the tie on a penalty shot goal, but the Devils never gave up and David Clarkson has suddenly become Mr. Clutch for the Devils tying the game at 3. Zac Rinaldo and Claude Giroux had the other Flyers goals.
The Devils and Flyers failed to score in overtime and Zach Parise and Patrik Elias scored shootout goals, while Danny Briere scored a controversial shootout goal against the Devils, but that was not enough as the Devils won 4-3. Shots were 39-23 Devils as both goalies were sharp in Johan Hedberg and Sergei Bobrovsky. Both teams played yesterday.
However, this victory was costly for the Devils. Andy Greene missed the game with a lower body injury, but he took warm ups, so he should be ok. Ilya Kovalchuk left in the end of the game after what appears to be a groin injury in the early analysis and the reports are that he is day-to-day. He is unlikely to play Saturday against Winnipeg it seems, but they will see tomorrow. Nevertheless, great win for the Devils.
The Devils and Flyers failed to score in overtime and Zach Parise and Patrik Elias scored shootout goals, while Danny Briere scored a controversial shootout goal against the Devils, but that was not enough as the Devils won 4-3. Shots were 39-23 Devils as both goalies were sharp in Johan Hedberg and Sergei Bobrovsky. Both teams played yesterday.
However, this victory was costly for the Devils. Andy Greene missed the game with a lower body injury, but he took warm ups, so he should be ok. Ilya Kovalchuk left in the end of the game after what appears to be a groin injury in the early analysis and the reports are that he is day-to-day. He is unlikely to play Saturday against Winnipeg it seems, but they will see tomorrow. Nevertheless, great win for the Devils.
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