The 2008 season came to a close mere moments after Marion Hossa’s rebound attempt trickled harmlessly past a sprawling Chris Osgood.
0.0 on the clock.
23 Red Wing players, their coaches, and a handful of media personnel flocked to the ice and began the celebration 6 years in the making.
For Detroit, it was the beginning of the celebration.
For the other 29 teams in the NHL, it signaled only one thing, the off-season is upon us. Time to build, so that we can be that team next year.
“That team” is a phrase that has eluded the New Jersey Devils for the past 5 off-seasons. Yes, it has been a longer drought for many teams, so it may seem superficial to be complaining about the lack of a title berth since 2003, for a fan base that has grown accustomed to playoff atmosphere, simply making the post season is no longer enough.
Since the end of the darkest time in the sports history, the devils have failed to come even remotely close to advancing beyond the second round. And for an ownership and front office who claim to be so devoted to achieving success, that fans cannot help but ask when will that be seen in player movement?
Two seasons ago [06-07], the Devils had a critical decision to make. Trade Scott Gomez, see what they can get for him so that he doesn’t depart New Jersey in the off-season for nothing, or hang on to him, rely on the components of the then current roster and go for the Cup.
Their choice: Keep him.
Their result: a mediocre finish to the 06-07 regular season, finishing first in the division, 2 points ahead of Pittsburg, and 2nd in the conference, 6 points behind President Trophy winners, Buffalo. [This was considered a mediocre finish, because with the Sabres hitting a skid at the end of the season, the Devils had a significant chance to not only catch them, but pass them as well.] In the playoffs, inconsistency marred the Devils again, with a poor showing in a first round series win over Tampa Bay in 6 games. The defense, led by future castoff Brian Rafalski, was exposed by a much quicker Lightning team.
In the second round, the Devils were ousted the eventual Eastern Conference champions Ottawa Senators. The Senators completely dominated the Devils in ever aspect of the game. The Devils were quickly dispatched in 5 games, winning game 3 in overtime as Jamie Langenbrunner beat Ray Emery on a breakaway. The goal was sealed the final Devils victory at Continental Airlines Arena, it would also be the final time a core group of Devils who won the last cup in ’03 would be together.
As anticipated, Gomez asked too much of the tight pursed Devils and departed for cross-river rivals, the New York Rangers. Unexpectedly, however, the Devils failed to lock up the veteran offensive minded defenseman Rafalski, who departed for his boyhood team, the Detroit Red Wings.
To replace these two critical components, the devils signed veteran talent, but below top level. Winger Danius Zubrus, who spilt time with Buffalo and Washington, and Defensemen Vitaly Vishnevski and Karel Rachunek were brought in to be patchwork for major holes left by the departing Devils. None of the three achieved the success the devils were hoping for, especially the defensemen, who were sporadically healthy scratches throughout the season.
Devil fans were left again wondering what their team was becoming following the 2008 trade deadline when no major problem areas were dealt with. The only deal brought yet another veteran defenseman Bryce Salvadore to an already crowded defense corps for tough guy Cam Janssen.
Could yet another early playoff exit, this time to those same cross-river rivals who lured Gomez away, be the tipping point for the management to realize this team needs a major overhaul? We shall find out over the course of the summer.
Over the next few weeks leading up to the opening of Free Agency on July 1st, I will do my best to provide readers with my take on the Devils and hypothesize what their moves shall be. Feel free to comment, in objection or support, to the articles and I will try to respond accordingly.
Thank you for reading, and go Devils!
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