New Jersey Devils : The Beast of the East-Blog about the New Jersey Devils (NHL Hockey): Janssen

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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

New Jersey Devils News and notes, December 31, 2008

Monday, October 13, 2008

Devils season preview: Why the Devils are a better team

Well I don't like to brag, but I have to be the best Devils' blogger out there. In case you think I am nuts, this is sarcasm. I haven't written anything about the Devils since November 25, 2007. The Devils were just getting around after a rough start of the season.

I can't promise I will write more on a regular basis because the News and Notes take a good chunk of my hockey time every day. But I wanted to blog about the 2008-09 Devils before the season started. As you all know the season started already and of course I am late.

Needless to say, last season didn't end the way we all had hoped for. It was a tough pill to swallow to lose the the Rangers and the only positive was that we still have not been swept in the playoffs. I have to admit and everyone probably agrees, our team was just not good enough to go any further. At least not much further.

It was a year full of paradoxes, where the defense was inexperienced and somewhat shaky but still efficient, thanks in large parts to Marty. Nobody could really agree on who should play on defense. The offense was terrible and ended up affecting the team's performance. The paradox is that many observers called the players underachievers but most people agreed the team overachieved. Go figure that one out.

The new season has just started and I will say a few words about it later. I am not sure this team can go all the way but I think it is safe to say this team is a lot better than last year. I expect them to at least make the playoffs and go further than two rounds. And by the way, don't expect me to give you a season preview or predictions for the new season. All I care for and about is the Devils and the rest can rot in hell.

Why are the Devils better than last year?

Well you can start with the substractions we had. The most notable and only one is Serguei Brylin. You can say what you want about Karel Rachunek of Vitaly Vishnevski but these two never really fit in with the Devils. It was tough to see Sarge go, more so because of what he represented than what he brought last year. He couldn't find the right place or right line to fit in and the expectations were probably a little too much when Langenbrunner was still out recovering from hernia surgery.

Serguei Brylin was such a great part of this organization that it was tough to see him go. He was the perfect good soldier. Best of luck to him in his new team SKA Saint-Petersbourg.

Meanwhile the Devils brought old Devils Brian Rolston and Bobby Holik back on July 1st. I was just starting to follow the Devils when Rolston was traded to Colorado for Claude Lemieux. Even though some people think Lou gave him a little too much of everything (years and money), I think this was an excellent signing for the Devils. He will make the power play better and he gives us a top line center.

Bobby Holik is not the same player as he was when he left the Devils. He is a few years older but he can still bring a lot to the team in terms of experience, leadership and feistiness.

We now have four very good lines :

Elias-Rolston-Gionta
Rolston scored 30 goals in each of the last three season with the defensive minded Minnesota. I believe his production will be around that for the Devils. Gionta and Elias need to rebound from subpar years and I believe they will.

Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner
The ZZPop line is reunited. They showed good chemistry a while ago. Since then Zajac had a sophomore slump and Langenbrunner hernia surgery. I am sure Parise will carry this line and make Zajac and Langenbrunner better.

Pandolfo-Madden-Clarkson
One of the best duo of checking forwards are back together as Lou signed Jay Pandolfo over the summer. Clarkson should fit in well with those two and add feistiness to that line

Rupp-Holik-Zubrus
This line is a curiosity. Zubrus was signed to help forget about Gomez departure to the Rangers. Zubrus didn't produce as well as expected on the Devils top two lines last year and found himself on the fourth line with Rupp. The addition of Holik makes this line one of the biggest line in the league and Sutter will probably play them more than a regular fourth line, giving the third line more freedom than just a checking role. They also have more offense than Cam Janssen.

Extra forward: Petr Vrana has made the team after training camp. The fact he would have had to clear waivers probably helped him make the team but apparently management liked his versatility and his hockey skills.

The Defense is almost unchanged from last year except they are a year older as in more experienced. And the defensive corps that was made of rookies in now made of players who have a few games under their belt. Also Colin white will start the season after he couldn't start last year because of an eye injury and Salvador is now healthy. He didn't play much last year after being traded and he should be able to bring some stability to the defense.

Defense: Salvador, Martin, White, Oduya, Mottau, Greene, Brookbank.

Anssi Salmela also made the team for the defense. He signed as an undrafted free agent back in May and he could be a Devils success story 'a la Rafalski'

Goalies: Brodeur, Weekes
I would like to see Weekes a little more this season. I like seeing how he gets excited on the bench when there is a fight. But I'd like to see him play a little more than he did last year. I always fight with people who say Brodeur plays too much but I believe 67-70 games should be the limit for Marty. I want him fresh and rested for the playoffs. I want him to be the difference in the playoffs so he can shut everybody up. Considering last year's struggles and how tight the race was in the East and the Division, Marty had to play. That's why I believe a better offense and more experienced defense this year will allow Marty to take a little more rest.

The Devils know how to make the playoffs. The team hasn't lost much since last year. The additions of Rolston and Holik give the team more depth and more options for the offense. The fourth line will provide a defensive relief for the checking line and also for the defense. Sutter also has one year of experience behind the bench and will have more talent to work with. We won't start the year on the road like we did last year and that will also help lay the foundations of a solid season.

Saturday, March 01, 2008

Devils News and notes, March 1, 2007

The Bergen Record
Devils have plenty to ponder
Brodeur deserves Hart
Notes: Salvador's nerves show
Matchup: Devils at Canadiens
Up next: Devils vs. Capitals
Salvador looks forward to his debut with Devs

Fire & Ice
Record-breaking shutout
Awaiting Salvador's debut
Greene gets another chance

The Star Ledger
Devils are no match for energized Caps
Salvador shaky on first two shifts

The New York Post
Capital_punishment

Msgnetwork
Devils Are Stacked On 'D'

NewJerseyDevils.com
Devils suffer shutout loss in Huet debut
NJD TV: "Same Blood" montage
NJD Audio: Bryce Salvador
David Clarkson on his off-ice personality

FOXSports.com
Devils-Canadiens Preview

Yahoo NHL
Standings
Complete Team Statistics

Sportsline.com
Devils report: Notes, quotes
Devils report: Inside shots

Interchangeable parts
Devils vs. Capitals, 02/29/08

Devils Daily
And They're Off...
Salvador Nervous Before Tonight's Game

In Lou We Trust
Devils 0 - Washington 4

LowellDevilsHockey.com
Devils Plundered in Portland, 6-3

The Lowell Sun
Devils Summary

TrentonDevils.com
Pemberton Returns To Trenton From Lowell
Students of Bowne-Munro Learn Healthy Eating and Exercise Habits

The Globe and Mail
Coaching changes: Do they work?

CourierPostOnline
At 39, passionate Dowd still a contributor

Monroenews.com
Pryor has fan in Monroe County (Former broadcaster for the New Jersey Devils, Mike Miller)

Duluth News Tribune
They blazed a Bulldog trail

Multichannel News
FSNY To Morph Into MSG Plus

Belleville News Democrat
Janssen's debut is a first for Blues

Thursday, February 28, 2008

New Jersey Devils News and notes, February 28, 2008

The Bergen Record
The bottom line

Fire & Ice
Salvador looking forward to getting started

The Star Ledger
There's no singing Blues for newest Devil Salvador

The New York Post
Lou scores coup in landing blue

The Ashbury Park Press
Salvador brings 'in your face' style to Devils

NewJerseyDevils.com
Salvador ready to contribute
NJD Audio: David Clarkson

Yahoo NHL
Standings
Team stats

Sportsline.com
Devils report: Inside shots
Devils report: Notes, quotes

International Herald Tribune
Names in the Game

Belleville News Democrat
Janssen happy to be coming home

New York Sun
True Contenders Become Clear After Trading

Bleacher Report
Reflecting on today

NHL.com
Top notch boys, top notch
My Evalution of every trade made today…

Interchangeable parts
IPB’s Poetry Minute

In Lou We Trust
Why I Love the Salvador Trade

Hockeybuzz.com
Devils at the deadline and my Trade Deadline After Thoughts

Trentondevils.com
Pace Charter School Participates in the P.L.A.Y. Program

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

New Jersey Devils News and notes, February 27, 2008

The Bergen Record
Devils' win streak ends in overtime
Devils acquire defenseman Salvador

Fire & Ice
Greene's bad night
Beware of fake trade (updated a third time)
The Newark Nine
Nine is better than eight
Janssen: 'It's tough leaving'
Devils acquire Salvador for Janssen

The Star Ledger
Help on the way
Janssen dealt for Salvador
Samsonov's second goal lifts Carolina past New Jersey 2-1 in OT

The New York Post
Devs snooze, lose

Msgnetwork
This Week In Hockey: NHL Trade Deadline Wrapup
Sather, Lamoriello And Snow Discuss Deadline Deals
No Place For Janssen On Devils Roster
Devils Acquire Salvador For Janssen

NewJerseyDevils.com
Devils fall in OT, gain important point
Devils acquire Bryce Salvador
Lamoriello discusses the Salvador deal
Bryce Salvador's official player page
By the Numbers: Who Knew? Ken Daneyko
Devils St Patrick's day gear
FOXSports.com

NHL.com
View all completed trades

Yahoo NHL
Devils Team Report Feb 27, 2008
Trade deadline: Winners and losers
Power rankings: Down the stretch they come
Standings
Team stats

Sportsline.com
Devils report: Notes, quotes

News Observer
First period tough on defense
Hurricanes trade for Ruutu, who has bloody RBC debut

ESPN
Trade deadline: How it impacts teams' playoff picture - NHL

Globe and Mail
Wharnsby: Breaking down the third quarter

USA Today
Kevin Allen's trade deadline diary

Interchangeable Parts
Devils @ Hurricanes, 02/26/08

Devils Daily
Pierre McGuire: Straight or Confused?
Devils Trade Janssen to Blues, Tonight's Game on FSNY 2

Devils Category at FanHouse
Cam Janssen Does Not Sell Tickets

In Lou We Trust
Thank You St. Louis

The Beast of the East
2008 Trade analysis - Good Bye Cam

Hockeybuzz.com
Devils at the Deadline, Welcome Bryce - Fan reactions here

2manadvantage.com
Deadline day: Trade list

LowellDevilsHockey.com
Devils Romp Over Monarchs, 7-3

UnionLeader.com
An unlucky 7

NHL.com
Pens add scorer in Marian Hossa
Caps revamp roster with trades
Penguins pick up veteran Gill
Trade brings Foote back to Colorado
'Canes, Hawks swap forwards
Stars add a star in Brad Richards
Sharks nab Campbell for Bernier

SI.com
NHL Power Rankings: Bruins are climbing, Flyers flopping

TSN.ca
TSN's experts pick Ducks as team to beat

USA Today
Kevin Allen's trade deadline blog

Detroit Free Press
Rewind: How last year's deadline deals panned out

CBC
Canadiens GM Gainey taking risk with Price, Halak

Globe and Mail
Young GM outfoxes veteran counterparts
The future is now for Pittsburgh

Lets Go Sabres
A flawed system

The hockey news.com
Screen Shots: Bigger battles to fight than goalie equipment

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

2008 Trade analysis - Good Bye Cam

Well the deadline has passed and the Devils have just made one move sending Cam Janssen to St Louis for Bryce Salvador. The trade was the first of a pretty slow day that ended in a blockbuster trade of Marian Hossa to the Penguins.

What we lose in Cam Janssen
Well we lose an energy guy. Cam was clearly a fan favorite with what he brought to the team. He has brought a lot of energy to the hockey club on the fourth line last year. Unfortunately he has missed all of this year due to a shoulder injury. What people have been arguing about concerning Cam was his lack of offensive production. His energy and presence made up for that in my opinion. I will miss his hits, his fights and his attitude. John Davidson knows what he is getting in Cam after seeing him a lot while he was still on MSG. Cam gets a chance to go to his hometown and he seems to be excited about this.

What do we get
In Bryce Salvador we get a veteran defenseman with decent size. His numbers are less than impressive on the offensive side but he has a physical game and a decent +/- with a +12.

We now have a lot of depth on the back line and what we apparently needed has not been adressed (offensive D-man and top 6 forward). We have to see what the situation will be on defense with White, Martin, Oduya, Mottau who seem to be our top 4. Salvador will probably fit in the top 6. Greene, Brookbank, Vishnevski, Rachunek are up for the remaining spot.

Do I like that trade?
I feel bad we lost Cam. I liked his energy and his attitude. I think the trade is good as we get a capable defenseman without disrupting the chemistry. Cam hasn't played this year. Cam must be happy he is heading to St Louis so it is almost a win win situation. I kind of hoped we would get a forward by shipping one of our extra D-man along with a pick or a prospect but Lou must be confident this team can get it done.

Around the league
Brian Campbell, one of the most sought after player was traded to San Jose.

One of the most shocking news for me was Cristobal Huet being traded to the Washington Capitals. According to various reports, the pick the Habs got was going to be used to try to get Hossa. Hossa ended up to the Penguins and the Habs lost their goaltender. They are going to rely on the young Carey Price and Halak to carry the team. Even though Huet had a rough February he was considered their number one goaltender. They are putting a lot of pressure on the shouders of a 20 year old. The Habs clearly didn't get better.

So the Capitals got Huet and they also got Fedorov and Matt Cooke and will try to battle with the Thrashers and Hurricanes for the Division title... the only way for a Southeast team to make the playoffs.

The sick trade that happened right at the deadline was the one that sent Hossa and Dupuis to the Penguins and Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, Angelo Esposito and a 1st Round Pick to Atlanta. Hossa was clearly the top prize of the trade but the winning team of that trade might not be the one you think. As a division rival the Penguins surely upgraded their team but the price is clearly too steep. The Penguins look like the team to beat now but that is a huge trade that will probably affect the chemistry and the depth of the team. We have two games remaining against the Penguins so we will see how we match up against them. I wouldn't mind seeing them in the Conference Finals and have Madden and Pandolfo frustrate Hossa like in 2003.

I am sure some Devils fans are disappointed right now and mad at Lou but the conference is so tight and the playoff race so close that any team can come out on top. And I am sure the Devils have a shot... as much as any other team.