Last week, I had made a comment suggesting that in order for the Devils to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference, yet alone the Atlantic Division, the next four games were essentially must win games. At worst, I felt they needed three of four.
I predicted the Islanders would be as they have been lately, pains in their asses. But after a solid effort Thursday night against the panthers, a hard physical battle Saturday against the Isles and an offensive explosion Sunday against the Lightning, the Devils seem to be getting back on the right track and then some.
The first line is playing like the premier line that they should be. Zubrus seemed to have a mean streak today and launched an assault on the back of the net and both Lightning goaltenders. Now, before people fire back that Tampa is in turmoil right now, it is Dainius Zubrus and he is finally starting to hit some form of a stride for the team. Streaks need to start somewhere so why not against a bottom feeder to build momentum going into another game vs. the Panthers followed by the defending conference champion Penguins. While only have 6 points over the past 5 games, Zubrus has the four goals to his credit and assists on two big goals against the Panthers.
Brian Gionta has seen his goals drop steadily since his record setting 2005-2006 campaign where he scored 48 goals and amassed 89 points, all in the final year of his contract. He was rewarded for his efforts with a 3 year, $4 million extension which he has not lived up to that career year. This season, Gionta is playing for another contract. Going into last weekend’s match ups against the Capitals, Gionta had only tallied two goals and seven assists. While it is a fair point to add the entire offense was struggling, Gionta, for the money he was given, should be producing more. During the past 5 games, however, he has been earning his keeps by netting four goals and four assists, including three games in a row of a goal and an assist each.
The last part of that front line, and the most often criticized for a disappointment in regards to production is alternate captain, Patrik Elias. After losing both Scott Gomez and Brian Rafalski, the Devils in a knee-jerk reaction signed Elias to a contract as quick as possible by throwing money at him and giving him a lot of time on it. Currently, the contract has 5 years left with an average of $6 million a season. A player with solid skills but needs a compliment to help him along with the points. The shuffle to spark Elias has been an on going process since losing Scott Gomez, Petr Sykora and Jason Arnott. While the latter two players have long since departed New Jersey, Elias has not really been the same player he was when on the “A-Line” with Sykora and Arnott. During the same span as Gionta, Elias also tallied 9 points, 4 goals 5 assists. Over the past 5 games: 4 goals and 7 assists, including four multipoint games in a row.
The three players combined have tallied 25 points, 12 of which coming in the form of goals. I know I am not alone when I say that it is about time someone on this team is finally giving Zach Parise a break from carrying the scoring workload.
The trickle down affect as not only hit the forwards, with rare but welcomed contributions from the likes of Mike Rupp and David Clarkson, but on the defense as well, with a pair of goals from Paul Martin and even tough guy Bryce Salvador finding the twine. Which leads me to my slice of humble pie section.
I, again, owe Salvador a major apology. Early on the season, I could not help but fall victim to the “place the blame on a signing that I did not fall 100% in love with” virus. I didn’t particularly like the move, even though, as has been pointed out to me on more than one occasion, he is making below league average for a defenseman. I didn’t like his performance late in the season nor out of the gate this year. However, as soon as the injury bit this team in the rear end, I saw the true value of Salvador. He is physical, all the time, and smart about it. He has great defensive awareness, but also is able to contribute on offense, as is noted by his game winning goal against the Islanders. By stepping up, he has not only proven to be a solid leader and a great teammate, but also a much needed relief for Paul Martin, who has been the one carrying much of the workload on his back. I’ll fully say it now, I’m impressed.
As long as the Zubrus line, [I’m working on a nick name for them, ZEG line doesn’t seem to work, nor goes the GEZ line], maintains even half their current rate of nightly production, I will feel more and more comfortable with the progress of this team.
Nearly two weeks ago, I didn’t like the way this team was looking, especially on the offensive side. Elias and Gionta were disappointing, the team was in turmoil. Now, with two lines firing on all cylinders, the offense can shoulder some of the turbulence from the wake of Brodeur’s injury.
Sure, Tampa gave the team a scare with their early attempts to rally, but with Zubrus’ stick absolutely on fire, the team seemed to skate with an air confidence in their strides. Thus, giving goaltender Scott Clemensen support when he needed it the most, in the third period to preserve his third win in a row.
Next stop: Florida on Wednesday night.
We Cover Hockey the Best We Can...
Monday, November 24, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Panthers @ Devils - Game Blog - 11/20
The Sheldon Brookbank experiment is about to begin. We’re just minutes away from face-off and yeah, I may be blowing this well out of proportion, but I cannot help but take an opportunity to bitch about something other than the offense and our inconsistency in net. Congrats, Mr. Brookbank, you have been dubbed my whipping boy of the week.
Between eating pizza, swigging Pepsi and cracking jokes with my buddy Andy, I’ll keep a running blog about the agony that it currently is to be a New Jersey Devils fan.
7:01 – Players wives and girlfriends are shown collecting canned food from fans and I realize that I am much hungrier than I had originally thought. Steve Cangialosi just said the last time the devils won back to back was a month ago… well what better place than at home?
7:06 – Stan Fischler said that moving Brookbank to the wing is a great idea. He also said he [Sheldon] will score a goal tonight and “you can put that in your Brookbank.” He is so senile, it is not even funny.
7:08 – Game on as Madden wins the face-off.
7:10 – Hell of a shift from Langenbrunner. Two shots on goal and good positioning. Zajac misses a yawning net as Vokoun was out of position and I renew my “trade him now” talk with Andy. He corrects me and says it was Parise. Whoops.
7:12 – Madden line back out there… we hold off on the Brookbank experiment beginning, for now.
7:13 – Add another tally for the David Clarkson wrap-around try tally. 1 so far tonight,
7:15 – Andy reminds me we’re stuck with both Mike Mottau and Brookbank for next year… I scramble to find the Jack Daniels to add to the Pepsi…
7:16 – Brookbank makes his forward debut. 6 minutes in the game. And he’s off 30 seconds. Result of the shit: 1 hit. Pandolfo promptly hits the post on a rush lead by Madden.
7:17 – Doc reminds us of the 5 pints of blood Richard Zednik lost last year, and I begin to hope that the pizza place we ordered from doesn’t put too much tomato sauce on our pizza... is that wrong?
7:18 – Devils powerplay coming, Zajac did well, took that slash from Nathan Horton like a champ. I also just realized I should be doing a countdown clock of the period rather than a tally on the actual time of day… so switching now
11:50 left – Doc’s John Madden [football announcer, not the player] moment #1 – “you can pass the puck faster than you can skate with it.” 30 seconds of power play are over with decent action.
11:22 – Parise misses on a good chance on a rush, Elias promptly shoots right into the pads of Vokoun to stop play. I’m guessing his thinking was “why make him [Vokoun] work too hard, plenty of game to go.”
1052 - Zuburs misses a back hander on a rebound wide of the net, Gionta follows up with a shot off the skate of the goalie. More to come in a few…
1015 - PP over, solid effort, but no goals. And once again we’re beginning to wonder why David Clarkson is on the powerplay other than sheer frustration.
955 – Chico shows us how close Zubrus’ shot was to being in about 2 feet of open net. He credits “bad luck” to being why he only has 2 goals on the year. I could think of a few other reasons besides that.
930 – Madden decides to pass to a well covered Elias on a 2 on 1 rush rather than shoot. Andy: “They pass too much.” Chico: “devils with good puck possession” Me: [smacks forehead]
850 – Florida with their best chance of the night so far, they hit netting… above the glass.
755 – Doc reminds the audience that it has been over a decade that the devils have lost a season series to the panthers. With this being the first time that Marty has missed more than 6 games in a season to injury, does anyone else feel slightly concerned that this might be the one we drop one to the cats? Anyone?
740 – Brookbank with an attempted shot, too bad he hits all 3 panthers who were RIGHT in front of him. Andy: “poor Bergfors.” I agree. It must suck to be the poor soul who is saddled with playing on the line with Rupp and the lab rat. People complain he isn’t living up to hype… when you play with this line, would you be able to play up to form???
600 - Parise steals the puck from Nathan Horton and rushes on what looks like a 2 on 1, then he realizes Horton went right to the bench to replace his broken stick. Horton lines him up for a big hit, Parise juke moves him and just misses beating Vokoun.
537 - Shift 3 for Brookbank’s line. Only shots are on Clemmy, who’s in start number 3 in a row, nothing on Vokoun.
418 – Salvador takes a stick to the face from Dvorak, draws another power play.
337 – And the viewing public realized that profile shots of Zubrus is not kind to him… his nose is touching his visor, literally. Maybe it being uncomfortable for him could be a reason he can’t hit the net? Well, it’s a better excuse than bad luck.
231 – Oduya puts the puck on a silver platter and leaves it for Bret McLean. Who promptly goes the length of the ice and if not for a nifty glove save by Clemmy, the Devils would be trailing. Chico declares the save the best of the period. Power play over, 0 for 2
116 - Colin White goes for hooking Gregory Campbell.
End of first – Bran “I don’t hate Florida as much as I hate Toronto… yet” McCabe dumps the puck to kill the period. Had to take a shot at him too, nothing like a guy crying in Toronto that he wants to be traded to the Islanders then accepts a trade to Florida, death’s waiting room.
Stat of the period:
- 5 saves for Clemmensen. 2 of which were shorthanded.
- 10 missed shots for the Devils
During the replays with Daneyko:
- They show the matchup between Bouwmeester and Parise. His freaking stick is as long as Parise is tall.
- Claude Lemieux is playing hockey in China right now. That’s right, china.
- Devils missed shots are coming because they’re shooting high on Vokoun who normally is a butterfly goalie. Time to change that idea, maybe?
Moments before 2nd period faceoff – some guy behind doc and Chico is wearing a Gomez jersey and I suddenly have an urge to shoot the TV.
Reminder: 33 seconds of pp to kill off, thank you Mr. White.
1929 – Devils kill the penalty allowing only 1 shot. I also just realized that not once during the first did I hear the traditional “Rangers suck” chant.
1758 – Clemmy stops first shot of period, weak off the shot from Zednik. We also learn that Brett McLean is married to Chico’s niece, useless information to kill time.
1740 – Bergfors makes a few nice moves to keep possession down low in the zone and make something happen. He looks to the slot for a forward to pass to, sees Brookbank and elects to hold the puck to allow a line change. I love it. The kid would rather change lines than risk a turnover.
1608 – Clemmy with two nice kick saves since the defense decided to watch rather than play. Cough Mottau cough cough.
1445 – First “Rangers suck!!” chant. Crowd starting to finally show signs of life a period and a quarter later.
1439 – Gionta finally goes to the net and takes a hit… too bad it was after the whistle and he tripped over Vokoun. If the Devils are going to get something done this season, this is the line they need to create that spark. It is really that simple.
1356 – Madden takes a puck to the body and is slow to get up. Crap... Further review shows it hits him in the leg right on the pants. Good thing they’re padded.
1326 – Brookbank’s line logs a shot on net. Brookbank decides to actually get into the game and tries to fight Stephen Weiss. It doesn’t work because the refs are already there. Commercial!
1313 - ELIAS SCORES!! Hell of a no look pass from Zubrus to Gionta right on the tape to Elias who actually dekes Vokoun and HITS the net. 1-0 Devils.
1226 - Super Jay hits the outside of the net, again. Now that man has bad luck.
1030-950 – It looks like a freaking power play out there. What line you ask. Lab Rat and Co. Also, Mike Mottau refuses to use his body to clear the bodies from in front of the net... is it too late to trade him for Ken Klee? Or how about a traffic cone? Please?
635 – Back to typing after a pizza break. Chico begins commenting on Larry Brook’s article from today’s NY Post article saying Elias should be traded. Stoppage in play after Stephen Weiss falls on the back of Jason Cullimore’s leg. The fall looked similar to the way Kimo von Olehoffen fell on Carson Plamer’s leg in the 2005 AFC Wild Card Game.
630 – Holik and Rolston back by mid December, Chico speculates. Greene shortly after. Doc says there is a glimmer of hope for the current limited roster so they know how much longer they need to hold down the fort for. Andy: “Cause Holik is going to help sooo much.” We both speculate his return will knock Brookbank out of the lineup. Cough thank god cough cough.
435 - Gionta to Parise, Parise from the corner looking for Zuburs right in front of the net, and he never even saw it.
354 – Parise gets tangled up just in time to miss a pass from Paul Martin right in front of the net.
325 – Mike Frolik misses a chance to score his first NHL goal as Clemmy paddles the puck to the corner. Andy: “Its cause Marty isn’t playing, guys get their first NHL goal only against Marty.”
240 – Mike Mottau with a shift to forget, defensive zone turnover that nearly leads to a Panthers goal. Then an offensive turnover to kill an odd-man scoring chance. Ugh… a new net for him? Maybe? No takers? anyone? Seriously, if the Rangers of the early part of this decade cast him off, why the HELL would we get him, why?!
Period ends with Mottau turning the puck over, big freakin’ shocker. Devils 1 – Panthers 0.
During the final few minutes, I wonder if we needed to move a defenseman to the forward position so badly, why not use Paul Martin. Andy reminds me of the failed Niedermayer experiment, I then think about the fact if martin did move up, Brookbank would be back on defense and that thought scares me more than anything so I retract my statement.
During the intermission, the camera before cutting to commercial focuses on a girl between 10 and 13 licking the tips of her fingers in a back and forth motion. It is at this moment I realize I will never rub my nose or anything like that during a break in a hockey game because MSG will do everything in their power to make you look like a complete idiot. Andy concurs.
Stat of the period: Devils with 1 shot in the period. I didn’t believe it when Cangialosi said it, checked the official scoring summary, and yes, 1 shot on goal. I think that stat is slightly askew. Maybe the scorer wasn’t paying attention in favor of food like I did? I now think of Bob Uecker in Major League, “1 hit, that’s it? One goddamn hit?”
Doc and Chico kindly remind us that a 1 goal is not safe with the devils until the horn sounds. Madden moment #2 as they remind viewers of the .8 remaining goal by Ovechkin on Saturday night.
A weird angle shot of Bryce Salvador made him look almost a carbon copy of Tie Domi… creepy.
1840 – It is noted that Cullimore has not returned. My guess is he is on his way to the Carl Pavano MRI tube to get his knee examined. Parise takes a straight on shot to Vokoun to match the Devils’ total from the 2nd.
1645 - David Booth clipped the puck ever so slightly wide of the net as Clemmenson was sliding to the opposite side. Again, proving that there are much unluckier people than Dainius Zubrus.
1525-1450 – The Lab Rats have a good solid fore check, but prove why they are the 4th line by struggling mightily. I think I will keep that nick name for them, the Lab Rats. It works.
1411 - MARTIN wires a shot to the top left corner of the net! David Booth, having a period to forget, goes to block the shot and sides wide of blocking martins faked shot. 2-0 Devils.
1309 - MIGHTY MITE SCORES!!! Zubrus to Elias, draws the defender and Vokoun, to Gionta with a wide open net and he just taps it in. This line is actually building up some chemistry. What makes this play is Elias’ pass through the defender and around Vokoun. He’s often criticized, but Elias showing shades of brilliance out there.
1230 –Elias inadvertently high sticks a Panther.
Andy: So now that they’re clicking, where do we put Rolston when he comes back?
Me: The Lab Rat line, get rid of Brookbank.
Andy: That could help Bergfors out, a lot. We could put Holik there too, bump Rupp. Then trash Mottau and bring up Vrana for the extra skater.
1115 – Power play goal for Frolik. Bastard ended up getting the one he should’ve had before. Shot looks like it hit Campbell in the skate, but it just screened Clemmy. And now the worst lead in hockey is back, 2 goals.
155 – Clemmy makes a few nice saves in the crease. Camera shot from behind the net shows that he still has the number 40 painted on the back of his helmet… interesting…
43.1 seconds – SLIDING SAVE BY CLEMMENSEN ON RICHARD ZEDNEK. The kid is really making a case for him to keep the starting job in Marty’s absence by playing solid.
5.6 - Elias just misses an empty net from the blue line.
And that’s the game, Devils get to 20 points. First win in regulation since Marty went out hurt. Clemmensen’s record is 1 win above .500 for his career.
Zero points from the Lab Rats.
Stars of the game: #3 Zubrus, #2 Gionta, #1 Elias. Cheeko’s #4 star is Clemmensen.
Ah a win feels good. Now to go have a beer.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Really, Devils???
On Tuesday, NJ.com ran an article saying that often penalized, 7th defender Sheldon Brookbank was going to be moved to the wing position. No, this is not a November edition of April Fool’s, believe me, I wish it was, but Brookbank will more than likely take the ice tonight as a winger on the 4th line against the Panthers.
Typically, I would reserve commenting on my take on the concept until I see the product on the ice, but this one is just too ripe for picking.
My first “Huh?” movement came when I saw the headline and realized it wasn’t a joke. Brookbank is arguably a waste of space for a younger player. Yes, he is a player with NHL experience, but the experience he brings is marginal. He is also synonomous with taking bad penalties in the defensive zone. Now, he’ll just take a bad penalty when they have a rare chance to score.
The next moment came his answers in the interview conducted by Rich Chere. Brookbank said, "As a defenseman you play under a lot more control. If you miss your check, you're the last guy." Is he serious with that comment? His puck handling blunders have already cost the team a handful of goals. Errant passes and a below average shot add to the list of minuses on his resume. What part of his game does he think he does under control? Sure moving him from the blue line down to the lower part of the offensive zone could cut down on turnovers from bad shots or awful passes. And this could eliminate odd man rushes against the 3rd defensive pair. It opens up a major liability on the wing of the 4th line. These deep turnovers can kill a rush or nullify a scoring chance.
With this gem, "I don't really think its rocket science the role they want me in on the wing… I just think they want a good forecheck." I really began to wonder if he was being serious or not. I truly wonder if he actually believes the malarkey he is spewing or not. At what point, NHL or below, has someone sat him down and said, “Son, you could be a real weapon on offense if you were ever given the chance.”? He struggles to keep up with the opponents on the blue-line, how will he be able to skate with our own forwards? Granted one of his linemates will be Mike Rupp, the question will be how well they gel.
The worst part, above all of Brookbank’s arrogance and almost alien confidence, is what does this move say about: A) the farm team and B) the confidence in the offensive players on the NHL roster. To me, this is on the same level as a pee-wee coach letting his players play wherever they want because their season is over or there is nothing left to play for. I feel like this is the kind of experiment you make in the preseason or when you really just don’t give a crap about the team anymore.
Seriously, there is no better option out there?? Really Brent and Lou, really? There is not one player who’s a free agent for a temp fix or someone in the minors who could make a better contribution than Sheldon freaking Brookbank?!
I really hope this moves proves to be more beneficial than I fear it will. Tonight, the Devils open up a 4 game stretch of winnable games, including two against the Florida Panthers, tonight at home and then next Wednesday in Miami. The Wednesday game will be the 2nd of five in a row on the road for the Devils. I truly believe that four wins is doable, but at worst they should aim for three wins in the next four games.
Typically, I would reserve commenting on my take on the concept until I see the product on the ice, but this one is just too ripe for picking.
My first “Huh?” movement came when I saw the headline and realized it wasn’t a joke. Brookbank is arguably a waste of space for a younger player. Yes, he is a player with NHL experience, but the experience he brings is marginal. He is also synonomous with taking bad penalties in the defensive zone. Now, he’ll just take a bad penalty when they have a rare chance to score.
The next moment came his answers in the interview conducted by Rich Chere. Brookbank said, "As a defenseman you play under a lot more control. If you miss your check, you're the last guy." Is he serious with that comment? His puck handling blunders have already cost the team a handful of goals. Errant passes and a below average shot add to the list of minuses on his resume. What part of his game does he think he does under control? Sure moving him from the blue line down to the lower part of the offensive zone could cut down on turnovers from bad shots or awful passes. And this could eliminate odd man rushes against the 3rd defensive pair. It opens up a major liability on the wing of the 4th line. These deep turnovers can kill a rush or nullify a scoring chance.
With this gem, "I don't really think its rocket science the role they want me in on the wing… I just think they want a good forecheck." I really began to wonder if he was being serious or not. I truly wonder if he actually believes the malarkey he is spewing or not. At what point, NHL or below, has someone sat him down and said, “Son, you could be a real weapon on offense if you were ever given the chance.”? He struggles to keep up with the opponents on the blue-line, how will he be able to skate with our own forwards? Granted one of his linemates will be Mike Rupp, the question will be how well they gel.
The worst part, above all of Brookbank’s arrogance and almost alien confidence, is what does this move say about: A) the farm team and B) the confidence in the offensive players on the NHL roster. To me, this is on the same level as a pee-wee coach letting his players play wherever they want because their season is over or there is nothing left to play for. I feel like this is the kind of experiment you make in the preseason or when you really just don’t give a crap about the team anymore.
Seriously, there is no better option out there?? Really Brent and Lou, really? There is not one player who’s a free agent for a temp fix or someone in the minors who could make a better contribution than Sheldon freaking Brookbank?!
I really hope this moves proves to be more beneficial than I fear it will. Tonight, the Devils open up a 4 game stretch of winnable games, including two against the Florida Panthers, tonight at home and then next Wednesday in Miami. The Wednesday game will be the 2nd of five in a row on the road for the Devils. I truly believe that four wins is doable, but at worst they should aim for three wins in the next four games.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Offensive Offense
With the devastating injury of Martin Brodeur’s left arm nearly two weeks ago, the New Jersey Devils turned to veteran Kevin Weekes as the backstop.
Weekes accepted the challenge whole heartedly and turned aside 28 shots on goal from a potent Buffalo Sabres attack, including 19 of 20 in the first period. On any other team, the 93% save percentage, and two goals against, night which Weekes put up would have been sufficient to force overtime, if not a victory for the team. Unfortunately for Weekes, the Devils’ offense could not muster even a fraction of the offensive prowess they displayed the night they lost future the future Hall of Famer in Broduer in a 6-1 victory over Atlanta.
Now, to say that the loss to the Sabres is entirely the offenses’ fault is slightly unfair. Ryan Miller was on a roll, he had just come off a shut out victory and got into an easy groove facing only 3 shots in the first period. This effort was also aided by nearly 10 minutes of Sabres power play time, including a 5 on 3 for nearly 90 seconds where the Sabres netted their first tally of the game.
On the other hand, the fact that if not for Zach Parise, the Devils would have been shut out for 3 of the past 4 games. His team leading 10th and 11th goals were the only markers versus the Red Wings and Oilers. The Devils offense, while riddled with injuries, has been horrific. Going back to that Sabers game, after surrendering the first 6 penalties of the game, the Devils received 6 power plays of their own, including 3 in the third period. The Devils only have one power play goal since losing Brodeur.
Jamie Langenbrunner, Brian Gionta and Patrick Elias continue to struggle on offense. The defense is also struggling to maintain a level of consistency which could allieviate some of the pressure off the offense. But with leader Paul Martin on IR and occasional offensive threat Andy Greene also hurt, how much can you blame the backline which is looking more and more like the Lowell Devils as the injuries mount.
This is one of the most difficult seasons in recent memory in regards to the injury bug for the Devils. Brian Rolston sustained a high ankle sprain early in the season. Luckily for him, and the Devils, the injury was much less severe than it looked. But in the offseason, he was looked upon to not only bring some much needed offense to the club, but to be a leader on the power play. Bobby Holik broke his finger trying to catch a puck in the following game. With two key losses on offense and two on defense, the Devils are using patchwork to sustain the team for the time being. Brodeur’s injury, however, makes the offensive issue even more profound. The offense needs to find a spark and help shoulder the load with Weekes which Broduer’s absence leaves.
Where to go from here? The options are pretty limited for the Devils, as they are hamstrung by the cap space and the fact the entire league knows they are struggling. Marion Gaborik is rumored to being shopped around by the Minnesota Wild. Former Devil Brendan Shannahan is also in need of a good home and is said to be on the Devils’ radar. Other teams with greater cap space are believed to be in the hunt, but he would like to hear to a contender, and is said to be deciding his future by the end of this week and as early as today.
One player who I feel should undoubtedly be on the trading block is Travis Zajac. The 3rd year player has yet to find his rookie season form and is constant liability in the offensive zone. Struggling for most of last season, Zajac looked to find a groove as the season closed out, but this year, his offensive woes continue, as do most of the team’s. One rumor from a year ago which would not be a bad idea for the Devils should look to begin exploring again is Zajac for Phil Kessel of Boston. Kessel, who also had a sophomore slump last season, is off to a decent start. As stated before, a change of scenery could help both players re-discover their scoring touch.
Weekes accepted the challenge whole heartedly and turned aside 28 shots on goal from a potent Buffalo Sabres attack, including 19 of 20 in the first period. On any other team, the 93% save percentage, and two goals against, night which Weekes put up would have been sufficient to force overtime, if not a victory for the team. Unfortunately for Weekes, the Devils’ offense could not muster even a fraction of the offensive prowess they displayed the night they lost future the future Hall of Famer in Broduer in a 6-1 victory over Atlanta.
Now, to say that the loss to the Sabres is entirely the offenses’ fault is slightly unfair. Ryan Miller was on a roll, he had just come off a shut out victory and got into an easy groove facing only 3 shots in the first period. This effort was also aided by nearly 10 minutes of Sabres power play time, including a 5 on 3 for nearly 90 seconds where the Sabres netted their first tally of the game.
On the other hand, the fact that if not for Zach Parise, the Devils would have been shut out for 3 of the past 4 games. His team leading 10th and 11th goals were the only markers versus the Red Wings and Oilers. The Devils offense, while riddled with injuries, has been horrific. Going back to that Sabers game, after surrendering the first 6 penalties of the game, the Devils received 6 power plays of their own, including 3 in the third period. The Devils only have one power play goal since losing Brodeur.
Jamie Langenbrunner, Brian Gionta and Patrick Elias continue to struggle on offense. The defense is also struggling to maintain a level of consistency which could allieviate some of the pressure off the offense. But with leader Paul Martin on IR and occasional offensive threat Andy Greene also hurt, how much can you blame the backline which is looking more and more like the Lowell Devils as the injuries mount.
This is one of the most difficult seasons in recent memory in regards to the injury bug for the Devils. Brian Rolston sustained a high ankle sprain early in the season. Luckily for him, and the Devils, the injury was much less severe than it looked. But in the offseason, he was looked upon to not only bring some much needed offense to the club, but to be a leader on the power play. Bobby Holik broke his finger trying to catch a puck in the following game. With two key losses on offense and two on defense, the Devils are using patchwork to sustain the team for the time being. Brodeur’s injury, however, makes the offensive issue even more profound. The offense needs to find a spark and help shoulder the load with Weekes which Broduer’s absence leaves.
Where to go from here? The options are pretty limited for the Devils, as they are hamstrung by the cap space and the fact the entire league knows they are struggling. Marion Gaborik is rumored to being shopped around by the Minnesota Wild. Former Devil Brendan Shannahan is also in need of a good home and is said to be on the Devils’ radar. Other teams with greater cap space are believed to be in the hunt, but he would like to hear to a contender, and is said to be deciding his future by the end of this week and as early as today.
One player who I feel should undoubtedly be on the trading block is Travis Zajac. The 3rd year player has yet to find his rookie season form and is constant liability in the offensive zone. Struggling for most of last season, Zajac looked to find a groove as the season closed out, but this year, his offensive woes continue, as do most of the team’s. One rumor from a year ago which would not be a bad idea for the Devils should look to begin exploring again is Zajac for Phil Kessel of Boston. Kessel, who also had a sophomore slump last season, is off to a decent start. As stated before, a change of scenery could help both players re-discover their scoring touch.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Devils/Sabres Updates
Hours before the first of four meetings between the Devils and Sabres, I decided I should make my first post in over a month regarding some quick hits from the weekend:
According to a thefourthperiod.com report citing the Ottawa Sun, the Buffalo Sabres are looking to ship out Ales Kotalik before he becomes an Unrestricted Free Agent over the summer. While Canadians typically know hockey a heck of a lot better than Americans, I’m going to agree with David Pagnotta on this one with a big “huh?”
Kotalik has been an integral part of the Sabres’ offense. Right now, he sits second on the team in points, behind only the leading goal scorer in the NHL, Thomas Vanek.
While the report suggests that the Sabres might be anxious that Kotalik’s asking price could be too high, Maxim Afinogenov and Tim Connolly are also coming off the books next summer as well, so there will be added cap space.
Out of the three potential UFAs, Kotalik seems to be the more valuable of the bunch.
Connolly, who has not played more than 70 games in a season since his first two with the Sabres, went from being a player with immense scoring potential to an injury prone question mark. A brutal hit sustained at the end of the 2005-2006 season gave him a concussion and caused him to miss the final games of the season and the playoffs. Since then, injuries have plagued the center as he only played fifty games in the past 2 seasons, and played just his first this past weekend.
Afinogenov, on the other hand, while still delivering goals in a flashy Eastern European manner, still irks the fans time and time again. His puck handling abilities are without question solid, but sometimes he is way too flashy for his own good and it leads to turnovers. This past season, he was subject to trade speculation, as well as over the summer, primarily around the NHL Draft when rumors had him being shopped to Florida for their former center, Olli Jokinen.
The decision may come down to simply who has the better season between Kotalik and Connolly. If he can stay healthy and regain his old scoring touch, Connolly could make an argument to be retained. But if Kotalik could reach his current projected point total of over 60 points, it could be difficult for the Sabres to say no. Either way, I feel Aginogenov will not be wearing the blue and gold by the end of the regular season.
The Ottawa Sun also is reporting the New Jersey Devils are interested in re-signing John Madden during the season to avoid any problems before he becomes an UFA in the summer.
Two seasons ago, sentiment among some Devils fans was that Madden was not worth the $3 million he signed for because of his lack of offensive production and seemingly dimished reliability as one of the best back checking centers in hockey.
Today, Madden is held within the highest regard in the franchise. He is back to being reliable at shutting down the oppositions’ top lines and scorers along with his line mate, Jay Pandolfo, who had his contract extended over this past summer.
Even if he requests a raise of a million dollars or so, the price tag of roughly $4 million is well worth knowing that one line will be able to contain the likes of Crosby, Ovechkin, St. Louis, etc.
Even at 35, Madden is still a consistant player; averaging 80 games played a season since the 2000-2001 campaign. Just this past season, he scored 20 goals for the second time in his career and is on pace for 24 this season.
I can say, with almost not doubt in my mind, Madden will be back on the Devils next season.
According to a thefourthperiod.com report citing the Ottawa Sun, the Buffalo Sabres are looking to ship out Ales Kotalik before he becomes an Unrestricted Free Agent over the summer. While Canadians typically know hockey a heck of a lot better than Americans, I’m going to agree with David Pagnotta on this one with a big “huh?”
Kotalik has been an integral part of the Sabres’ offense. Right now, he sits second on the team in points, behind only the leading goal scorer in the NHL, Thomas Vanek.
While the report suggests that the Sabres might be anxious that Kotalik’s asking price could be too high, Maxim Afinogenov and Tim Connolly are also coming off the books next summer as well, so there will be added cap space.
Out of the three potential UFAs, Kotalik seems to be the more valuable of the bunch.
Connolly, who has not played more than 70 games in a season since his first two with the Sabres, went from being a player with immense scoring potential to an injury prone question mark. A brutal hit sustained at the end of the 2005-2006 season gave him a concussion and caused him to miss the final games of the season and the playoffs. Since then, injuries have plagued the center as he only played fifty games in the past 2 seasons, and played just his first this past weekend.
Afinogenov, on the other hand, while still delivering goals in a flashy Eastern European manner, still irks the fans time and time again. His puck handling abilities are without question solid, but sometimes he is way too flashy for his own good and it leads to turnovers. This past season, he was subject to trade speculation, as well as over the summer, primarily around the NHL Draft when rumors had him being shopped to Florida for their former center, Olli Jokinen.
The decision may come down to simply who has the better season between Kotalik and Connolly. If he can stay healthy and regain his old scoring touch, Connolly could make an argument to be retained. But if Kotalik could reach his current projected point total of over 60 points, it could be difficult for the Sabres to say no. Either way, I feel Aginogenov will not be wearing the blue and gold by the end of the regular season.
The Ottawa Sun also is reporting the New Jersey Devils are interested in re-signing John Madden during the season to avoid any problems before he becomes an UFA in the summer.
Two seasons ago, sentiment among some Devils fans was that Madden was not worth the $3 million he signed for because of his lack of offensive production and seemingly dimished reliability as one of the best back checking centers in hockey.
Today, Madden is held within the highest regard in the franchise. He is back to being reliable at shutting down the oppositions’ top lines and scorers along with his line mate, Jay Pandolfo, who had his contract extended over this past summer.
Even if he requests a raise of a million dollars or so, the price tag of roughly $4 million is well worth knowing that one line will be able to contain the likes of Crosby, Ovechkin, St. Louis, etc.
Even at 35, Madden is still a consistant player; averaging 80 games played a season since the 2000-2001 campaign. Just this past season, he scored 20 goals for the second time in his career and is on pace for 24 this season.
I can say, with almost not doubt in my mind, Madden will be back on the Devils next season.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)