GOOD
Travis Zajac – Even with his scoring slump without winger Zach Parise, Zajac has exemplified perseverance through adversity this season. He has developed into a vital forward, excelling at both ends of the rink. His defensive awareness and ability to move the puck exceptionally well should make him a Selke candidate, but the team is horrific, and that storyline is clouding the recognition of Zajac. Oh, and the fact he is the only “defensive” player who can make a clean outlet pass from the defensive zone speaks even further to his value on this team.
Ilya Kovalchuk – His horrendously slow start sent some fans off the deep end, and his $100 million price tag gave them the perfect excuse to do so. Ironically, after Parise was injured, Kovy struggled to assume the role of the premier winger of the team, yet was the main force for Atlanta just a year ago. Recently, however, Kovalchuk is the reason why the power play units are finally finding some semblance of success. Problem is, the Devils need him to contribute at even strength too, but Santa isn’t going to hold him solely responsible for the underachievement of so many others, so his recent 5 game point streak has him on the good list just in time for Christmas.
Dainius Zubrus – The 6’5” Lithuianian forward has taken beyond his fair share of heat from fans due to his low numbers and high price tag. What casual fans forget is that the score sheet shows neither the intangibles nor what the player creates just being on the ice. Sure, a measure of success should be how many points are amassed, but when a team cannot score if they were playing a team full of corpses, you need to look beyond the scoresheet and look at the performance on the ice. Zubrus never takes a shift off and is obviously playing with every ounce of his heart. He is most certainly deserving of being on the good list just for his heart when those around him are clearly checking out.
Jason Arnott - Reacquired from Nashville at the start of the summer, Arnott has brought back the same hard-hitting, hard shooting game which he had during his previous tenure with the Devils. Arnott is a clear candidate for the ‘Good List’ because he leads the team in goals, from game 1 when he fired a power play goal past Kari Lehtonen until the beginning of November, he was well on his way to a 30 goal season, but he has cooled since sitting at 10 for the year. Regaining chemistry with Patrik Elias also has given some life to the 2nd line, consistency, however, is the bane of the offense.
Colin White – For the past few seasons, White has not only been the scapegoat of the fans, but has also seen his physicality and overall game go downhill in part due to his career-threatening eye injury. This season, White’s edge has seemingly reappeared and he has reaffirmed himself as one of the best defenders on the Devils. He has resumed hitting opponents at the boards and in front of the net, and has even been willing to drop the gloves after registering his first fight in over 3 years. You don’t look for White to step in offensively, but his defensive role on the team cannot be undervalued.
Anton Volchenkov – Came to the Devils as a free agent and immediately was a fan favorite. It is no surprise why he was cheered when announced on his first trip back to Ottawa, his heart and effort are a prized intangible for any team. The fans there thanked him with their ovations just as the fans of his current team have roared with applause on his big hits. Volchenkov missed significant time after breaking his nose by blocking a shot earlier in the year against Washington. Volchenkov came back and resumed the physicality which is in desperately short supply on the current Devils’ roster.
Any of the Goalies – Johan Hedberg, Mike McKenna, Martin Broduer – The Devils have the worst goal differential in the league at -40 following play on Sunday. Lazy fans would immediately throw the blame on the keepers for not stopping more than they let in, which would be a monumental error. Even after a 7-1 loss in Atlanta, you cannot throw all of the burden of Devils defensive failures on the keepers. The defense has been decimated with injuries.
Others enjoying presents without fear of coal: Rod Pelley, Adam Mair, Matt Taormina, Matias Tendenby, Zach Parise, Jacob Josefson, Tim Sestito.
GIFTS & COAL
David Clarkson – having a horrendous season scoring wise, but because of a kind gesture towards my little cousin, he automatically receives a thumbs up.
Any player not listed above or below.
BAD LIST
Brian Rolston – Can’t skate for more than 30 seconds, can’t score, can’t do much of anything yet commands $5.03 million a season and doesn’t seem to keen on trying to get any better. The lumps of coal cannot be large enough for this player.
John Maclean – The only reason he’s even going to get coal on Christmas is because he just lost his job as head coach and we don’t want his family to go cold. The expressionless, emotionless, don’t give a crap coach is now taking another role in the organization. Thankfully he will not be able to pollute the locker room with his negativity anymore.
Jamie Langenbrunner – The former hero when he first came to the team, Langenbrunner has fallen off in all aspects of his game. Of his 3 goals this season, only one has come with an actual goalie in net, [the other 2 being empty netters]. From the disaster tempertantrum at the end of last season because of being given a mandatory game off by former and now current coach Jacques Lemaire, to the lack of productivity, and the absesnce of any leadership, Langenbrunner earns coal in his stockings, and eventually an almost certain ticket out of town.
Mark Fayne - Yes, he’s a rookie, but his play and decision making has been horrendous. From improper positioning, to bash-your-head-into-a-hard-surface choices, Fayne has cost the Devils in so many different ways, it’s a Christmas Miracle he’s still on the big club.
Lou Lamoriello – He earned major points for keeping Ilya Kovalchuk and acquiring Jason Arnott. The problem is he never addressed the cap problems and has yet to start negociations with Zach Parise who enters restricted free agency next summer. He also sat on his hands entirely too long with John Maclean hoping the ship would right itself. Now the Devils are the worst team in hockey, with a steep cliff to climb if they even have aspirations of making the playoffs. If they do make it, which I am predicting, they could very well find themselves getting in by the same fashion as the Flyers did last season.
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