Last year, the New Jersey Devils had a dismal start to the season. However, halfway through January the Devils pulled a 180 and began piling up win after win. Unfortunately for the organization, the push came too late and the team missed the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. But there is good news for you Devils' fans and it starts with the beginning of a new season. This coming year, the Devils will continue to build off of this success and should be an extremely competitive team.
The offensive roster begins with a familiar name: Kovalchuk. Once the center of a contract controversy, he has since settled into his role in New Jersey. Kovalchuk represents the epitome of an offensive player. Last season he had 245 shots and was a minus-26. Who cares about defensive, right? Personally, I wouldn't want anything to do with this type of player, but he does put points on the board - an important ability. The Parise situation confuses me. The organization has one of the best American players in the game and they're not going to lock him up to a long-term deal? I understand they have the whole year to extend his services, but why chance it? I'm a huge Parise fan and look forward to seeing him healthy on the ice. He has tremendous hockey sense and always knows what to do with the puck. I wish I had any idea what Elias is going to do this year. Oh wait, I do! One of the most consistent players over his career, we should expect him, if healthy, to produce around 60-65 points. Zajac is another terrific young player for this organization. He can be used in any situation and gives the team everything he has - all the time. With Parise healthy, expect his production to soar. Zubrus is a big body with hands. Like many other players listed on this blog, I had the opportunity to watch him play in Buffalo. I wasn't impressed with his play here, but I have seen his talent. He needs to spend more time in front of the net. This team is weak down the middle and Zubrus needs to do better than just 30 points. Clarkson had an awful season for the Devils last year. I don't think he's a bad player by any means but if his production is low again this coming season, he should focus on getting underneath the other teams' skin - a skill he possesses. I was surprised to see the Capitals rid their roster of Steckel. He is a fantastic two-way forward. With only 12 points last season, he has nowhere to go but up. If the organization provides him with more ice time, we will see him flourish. Josefson, Palmirei and Tedenby are all up-and-comers who will continue to progress. They saw an increase in their responsibilities after turning the season around last year. I expect more of the same this coming season. I admittedly know nothing of Zharkov and will be interested in his role with the team. Boulton was brought in to supply the Devils with more sandpaper. He won't produce a lot of points, but he will create a ton of bruises. Janssen will do the same, just not as nobly. What a scumbag. Pelley rounds out the group with some speed and grit.
Offensive Score: B
The Devils rely on their defense not to score goals, but to stop them. Volchenkov is a tremendous shot-blocking defenseman who's not afraid to throw his weight around. Another ex-Buffalonian, Tallinder, is a solid defensive defenseman. He struggled early last season, but like many of his teammates, picked up his play towards the end of the year. Greene produces the most points from this group. He is a young, talented defenseman who should see an increase in ice time, especially after his previous performance. His plus/minus last year (-23) should increase by quite a bit. Salvador was injured for the entire season last year, but provides stability for the goaltenders. His return will help. With such a young team, I feel lost when mentioning certain players like Fayne, Corrente and Fraser. Of these three, Fraser has the most experience but hasn't produced as anticipated. Fayne, based solely on statistics, had a phenomenal year accumulating 14 points in his first 57 games in the NHL. Apparently, Corrente doesn't exist. I don't know much about this kid, but again, I look forward to studying.
Defensive Score: B-
Goaltending is where the Devils have and will continue to shine. One can't say enough about the play and career of Brodeur. He is arguably one of the best goalies to have ever played the game and doesn't appear to be slowing down. I can honestly see him playing a few more seasons and really padding those career statistics - separating himself even further from the "normies." Hedberg is an excellent back-up, probably capable of handling full-time duties. But at 38, that ship has sailed. The Devils are going to need to find the goalie of their future...and soon.
Goaltending Score: A
Hopefully they play a full season this time around!
No comments:
Post a Comment