Thursday, October 30, 2008
Devils 5 - Toronto 6, SO Where Was the D?
The New Jersey Devils fell to the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-5 in a shootout at the Rock last night. This game is evidence that the even a team known for the better part of the last 14 years for their defense can show up and not play much of it at all.
Scott Mackie at 2MA has his thoughts from Section 209. IPB has their thoughts as well. The Star Ledger has Brent Sutter calling the team lifeless in their performance last night.See, the fact that Brent
Sutter claims that the Devils were lifeless is just not true. There was definitely some life on this team. We're talking about a night where the Devils scored 5 goals. The Devils just do not score 5 goals all that much. Colin White even had a bomb from the point that beat
Vesa Toskala, and people, when Colin White scores, it's a rare occasion. The points came from all over the lines - David
Clarkson,
Dainius Zubrus, Jamie
Langenbrunner, and Zach
Parise all lit the lamp. Brian
Gionta had a solid night with 2 assists. Matt
Halischuk got his first NHL point on his debut - and looked OK overall. What's more is that even when they coughed up their initial 2 goal lead after the first and their 1 goal lead in the third, they came back with equalizers. While the power play didn't convert, they at least kept up pressure on Toronto and got some legit scoring chances in the process - which is the next best thing to scoring on a man advantage, I think. And, on a health note,
Patrik Elias took a puck to the face but came back
so he's not the next one on a growing list of injured Devils (h/t Gulitti).The offense last night was solid and the only time they really failed was in the shootout and has to do with the other end of the rink. Were they perfect? No. Were there confusing coaching decisions? Yes (e.g. Why was the bench shortened in the third?) But they put a Toronto defense to the sword, I can't fault a Devils offense wherein they did their job and earned 5 goals.
What I can fault -
and agree with Sutter regarding the lack of mental focus and other criticisms - is the defense. The defense was absolutely pathetic. Not just the
defensemen - while Mike
Mottau and
Andy Greene put up three points and White added a goal - but the entire Devils team was pitiful on defense. The Maple Leafs love to shoot; but 48 shots on net against is absolutely pathetic. Giving up 48 shots in 60 minutes is never acceptable. Yes, the Devils held Toronto to nothing in overtime; but that just emphasizes my point. The first period wasn't so bad; but from the second period on, they didn't even try to position themselves or take a stand. The Devils' idea of defense last night was to chase Toronto around and hope for a turnover that never came. It wasn't that Toronto took 48 shots, but most of them were high quality shots. It's no wonder they scored as much as they did. The defensive game by New Jersey was poor, I don't know why
Sutter didn't try any adjustments. Then again, it really was one of those nights where they couldn't do much right on that end.
To be fair to Martin
Brodeur, the first three goals came on deflections. Can't do much about those; though the second and third goals came on some very questionable power plays. I sat in Section 1 with Marty right in front of me and I didn't see him high-stick anyone. Maybe I missed it? Clearly, the ref thought otherwise. And the
Zubrus penalty came when a Leaf just decided to pretend he was a soccer player and fall down when his stick was nearby. All I'm saying is that those calls were weak. Not as weak as the penalty killers or the defense for New Jersey was last night, but weak all the same. That all said,
Brodeur really should have smothered up the puck before it led to Jamal
Mayers dashing home a loose one (with a d-man right there NOT LIFTING HIS STICK COME ON DID THEY LEARN NOTHING FROM PHILADELPHIA) and he let a soft one go by for his fifth one against.
Vesa Toskala had a bad night, as the Devils managed to put just as many past him on fewer shots.
All three of the linked articles of the beginning praised Toronto as being filled with life. To be honest, they didn't play all that well either. Their defense was just as leaky and
Toskala was shaky all night except for the overtime and shootout. If I'm Ron Wilson, I've already got the videotape showing his team being particularly vulnerable down low and
Toskala's having some additional words with their goalkeeping coach. I don't think either goalie or team was tired (Seriously, Internet, how is Marty tired after not playing for 3 days? In October?), for that matter. Toronto rode their offense to success as New Jersey did and they got it done in the shootout. That's how they got their 2 points - their offense produced and
succeeded and everything else was below standard. If that's being filled with life or being the better team, OK, but I really can't agree with that sentiment.
The Devils got a point out of it to go with their now 3 game
winless streak, but this one is frustrating because if the defense asserted itself last night or if Marty was sharper on a couple shots in the third period, then the Devils win this game. But life and hockey doesn't care about "ifs" and I'm sure
Sutter would agree it isn't about "deserves" either. The Devils got a point and that's the result. From
Gulitti,
we learn the guys rode their bikes right after the game and
Sutter discussed with them how it went down on video in today's practice. This is, I think, a fair way to go and we all hope to see a much better performance against Atlanta this Saturday.
Especially on defense.
Labels: 2008-09 Postgame, Devils Issues, Devils Prospects, Devils Rivals
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Oh Yeah, There was This Flare
I think this warrants a separate mention. The big story coming out of overtime, other than Jeff Carter's deflection going into the net,
was that someone from the crowd threw a flare/smokebomb onto the rink after Martin Brodeur made a ridiculous save on Mike Knuble in overtime. Incidentally, this occurred before the Flyers scored their game-winner (and I do mean incidentally, there is no reason to believe the Devils lost because of it) The flare landed a few yards in front of the Devils' bench and all the players moved into the locker room hallway to get away from the smoke and the smell. Nearby fans covered up their faces; and Flyers defenseman Ossi Vaananen bravely picked up the flare to move it towards the other end of the rink.
Someone on YouTube had the clip of this, but they don't have it anymore; so unfortunately I can't point those of you who didn't see it on TV in the direction of what it looked like. Imagine a flare on the ice with a whole lot of yellowish smoke coming out of it. (UPDATE: Leave it to me to not search hard enough:
Puck Daddy has it. Here's the direct link of what the viewers saw on TV.)
This is clearly an inexcusable act and I should certainly hope no one gets the idea to do this at any other hockey game. I know some
supporters groups in soccer do this, but it's really stupid and dangerous be it in a crowd full of people or onto the actual field/rink of play. Hopefully we learn who actually committed the act as opposed to relying on conjecture and when we do learn it,
Gulitti/
Chere/et al will report it as such.
Labels: 2008-09 Postgame, Devils Rivals, Hockey - General, Hockey Issues
Devils 2 - Philadelphia 3, OT
The New Jersey Devils took the Philadelphia Flyers to overtime on Saturday afternoon, but they got beat on a late deflection from Jeff Carter to lose 3-2. I can't say the Devils played very well; but I also can't say that the Flyers did either. Throughout the game in regulation both teams had streaks of dominance. Philadelphia opened the score when Mike Knuble put in his own rebound and the team continued to do well for the following few minutes. The Devils responded early in the second when Zach Parise tipped a Colin White slapshot past Martin Biron; and then they looked good for the next few minutes. And so forth when Scott Hartnell tucked in a rebound, and when Brian Gionta capitalized on the power play by capitalizing on a great play stated by Mike Mottau and Dainius Zubrus.
Overall, it was a very intense and up-and-down hockey game. That it went into overtime was a fair outcome, from what I've seen. Moreover, that the Devils got beat on a deflected shot is more bad luck than it was a Devils' failure. Of course, this is a results-oriented business and given how most of the last 8 goals were scored against New Jersey was, the skaters - be they defensemen or forwards - needs to improve on picking up loose pucks in their own zone. This is interesting as the Devils generally thrive on snagging errant passes and forcing bad plays by the other team in the neutral zone and at the top of the zone. Still, given how loose pucks in front and rebounds can result in real easy chances for the other team, it's something to focus on. Another area is penalties: the Devils (and the Flyers) just took waaaaaay too many minors, particularly in the second period. Some of these were absolutely terrible calls: Dainius Zubrus got tagged with goaltender interference when he was shoved into Biron's arm; and Patrik Elias got 2 for roughing for just shoving Scott Upshall (I think it was him?) after a play was dead - despite that Upshall shoved his fist into Elias' face first, and despite that it's a routine occurrence in hockey games.
That all said, the Devils did play much better and more consistently than they did on Friday night. Did everyone have a great game? No. Paul Martin, in particular, wasn't great; I'm not sure why Patrik Elias was playing at right wing (
as noted by Rich Chere); and I'm not really looking forward to future endeavors of Sheldon Brookbank playing at forward. Still, the loss really can't be blamed on any one player and a bad break in overtime ended it. On any other given night, maybe it works out in the Devils' favor. At least the Devils got something out of it and they can rest up a bit before hosting Toronto on Wednesday.
Labels: 2008-09 Postgame, Devils Rivals
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Devils 3 - Philadelphia 6
"They played a very desperate game and played well," Devils coach Brent Sutter said. "They deserved to win tonight. We weren't good enough to win tonight."
I say it's almost completely true because Sutter doesn't mention the simple reason why the Devils weren't good enough. The Devils didn't play remotely close to all 60 minutes. The offense really showed up for the first period and the first nine or so minutes in the third period. They took the second period off with only 4 shots on net and a good long time didn't have any on net. Given that they scored with less than a minute left in the first, it's very concerning that they didn't build on any of the momentum they generated from Zach Parise's goal or the fact that they ended that period from losing 2-1 to winning at 3-2.
Amazingly, the Devils scored all of their goals by crashing the net. Travis Zajac got a loose puck down low, threw it at the net, and got a favorable bounce off a Flyer for a goal. Dainius Zubrus set himself up in front of the crease on a power play, got a pass from Parise, got stopped on the first shot but banged home a rebound against Martin Biron. Parise tucked a puck in at the end of the period. They all kept with the play and while it wasn't pretty it was very effective. I was surprised at the Flyers defenders were so ineffective in stopping guys up front and how Biron just didn't stop those shots - they were right at him! - until I remembered how much of a goal-sieve they have been this season. Still, the Devils found something that worked; so clearly they would continue to do it, right?
No, they wouldn't. And so, to my dismay that after the Devils led the period 3-2, we all witnessed the Flyers do the same thing in the second period for two goals to take the lead. Did the Devils try and do it again themselves? No. Simon Gagne and Scott Hartnell got in front and put home rebounds for easy goals. They worked harder in that period, but given how they scored is particularly infuriating given it's how New Jersey did it in the first. How come the Devils defense didn't do anything to stop them? I couldn't tell you. You'd think that they'd know what to do given their witnessing of the Flyers' failure to do so. Into the third, the Devils realized that they were down a goal and started playing better. They were getting some good chances on net and Martin Biron, showing that he learned something from the first period, did better at covering it up. They weren't getting down low, but compared to the second period, it was at least an effort. Yet, when Mike Richards - who had a very successful night with 4 assists - tossed a killer pass to Joffrey Lupul for an elementary one-timer on a counter-attack, it killed the Devils' momentum for a comeback. They couldn't recover; and the empty-net goal from Hartnell iced it. The Devils found something that worked on offense in the first, they relented from using it (or much of anything else) in the second, and the Flyers' defense found some focus to stop any other attempts in the third while their offense sealed the deal.
Again, I have to emphasize for the 3 of the 5 Flyers' non-empty net goals, the three they scored unanswered, there was no lack of coverage. There were Devils' defensemen where the eventual scorer was set up. They just didn't
do anything. Why didn't anyone try lifting their stick, namely on Lupul's goal where the defender was in the right place to do that? Why didn't anyone try just muscling the Flyer out from the slot? Why didn't anyone try just penalizing them just to prevent the goal? Why did the defense get repeatedly caught puck-watching? Why didn't the coaching staff let them hear about it during the intermission (maybe they did?)? Some of the time, someone scores because they were in a great position with no one to really cover them. Last night, the Devils were there - they just forgot that, on defense, you have to
do something. You don't win hockey games with such shoddy defending. Just ask, well, the Flyers.
Again, Sutter was right, the Flyers got their act together on defense and in net after the first, preyed on a suddenly-punchless Devils offense in the second, made the most of their glorious chances to retake the lead, and then they ensured it in the third. The Flyers played a more complete game, improved as time went on, and so they won. They earned their win. The Devils, clearly, did not. In any case, it makes little sense to dwell on last night. The Devils get to go to Philly for the second half of this home and home. It'll be interesting to see how fatigue will be a factor as both teams don't even get a full 24 hours between opening face-offs. The game got moved up to 4 PM EST to account for a World Series game featuring the Phillies. While the weather may prevent a baseball game, the hockey game's not getting moved at this short notice. Hopefully the Devils will have learned the lessons of last night's game and apply their new knowledge towards a victory this afternoon.
Martin Brodeur will - after a game where he gets lit up, he usually responds with an amazing performance. I think Sutter understands this and if it does happen, it'll help New Jersey's cause greatly.
Labels: 2008-09 Postgame, Devils Rivals
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Important Correction Regarding Avery Last Night
Kyle Murray e-mails me to tell me the following:
"great recap of last night's game. one thing though. you said none of avery's 4 shots really challenged marty. i disagree. the "beautiful kicksave off of a one-timer" that you alluded to later in the recap was an avery shot. the only reason it was easy for me to pick this up is cause chico made a big deal of it and said it was his best save of the night so far"
Ah. He is right.
And I even mentioned that one-timer, I didn't realize Avery shot it. Well, then, I stand corrected. Sean Avery did contribute one thing in last night's game. He had a strong shot on net that Martin Brodeur stopped with a stylish kicksave (and it
was a beaut). Regardless, Avery was putrid on the ice,
the Devils stomped all over the Stars' neck 5-0, and we at the Rock (and those of us who watched it on TV or heard it on the radio) enjoyed that.
Be like Kyle and feel free to e-mail me whatever you think or any questions. Who knows, they may even end up here!
THIS IS SOME NEWS HERE:
Gulitti is reporting that Brodeur will start tomorrow night against Philadelphia. As if there was any doubt, but the confirmation is good to have. Also: expect the same line up that torched Dallas for 5 last night. I don't think they'll put up 5, but with the way Philly's bleeding goals - they are tied with, well what do you know, Dallas for the most goals against this season with 29 - who knows!
Labels: 2008-09 Postgame, 2008-09 Season, Devils Rivals, Media
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Devils 1 - Rangers 4
They aren't wrong, in that the root causes was the same. The Devils, as a collective whole, did not play anything close to a complete game. I would argue they didn't even play a collective good 20 minutes. The start was OK, the second half of the second period was more of what we wanted to see from New Jersey: the defense stopping the Rangers stone dead, the forwards upping the tempo and getting more on Henrik Lundqvist, and a goal. But that's...17-18 minutes? The rest of the game was controlled by the Rangers. They performed much better on special teams, they controlled the puck better more often than not, they held off New Jersey from getting a shot for significant portions of time, and they even got some of the breaks as a result of their hard work and play on the ice. I hate typing this, but the Rangers were the better team last night and the game's final score reflects this.
It's not that Brodeur fumbled a Brandon Dubinsky shot or Aaron Voros was allowed to set up one too many times right in front. Yes, those were flaws and those need to be addressed. But the underlying cause is that pretty much the entire team didn't bring the effort they needed. Only the fourth line of Mike Rupp, Bobby Holik, and Dainius Zubrus was who I felt played consistently well - and a large part of that is because they sparked the Devils to play much better in the second period and get some momentum going. Even then, this wasn't a game that warrants high praise for anyone on this roster. It's not one player or one line, but the 19 guys (I can't really criticize Kevin Weekes, can I?) active in the game and the coaching staff lost this game.
They said the Devils were ready (h/t Gulitti). Yet, the penalty kill forgot that they can move Voros from the slot. The Rangers did it well on their penalty kills when Sutter tried to set up two people in front of Lundqvist in third; it
is possible. However, until the Devils realize that they need to set the tone early, diversify their offense, tighten up their special teams play, and don't get discouraged when the Rangers have a few good shifts, we could see this repeat again. Next time it may not be Voros screening Brodeur; but maybe Nigel Dawes bombing up the wing to much success or the Rangers defense (who did a good job styming New Jersey's offense along with Lundqvist) just shutting the Devils down in the neutral zone. The particulars will change, but the root cause and general result may not.
Labels: 2008-09 Postgame, Devils Issues, Devils Rivals
Monday, October 13, 2008
A Quick Thought about Tonight's Loss
After the Rangers' third goal, their second power play goal from Aaron Voros, Glenn "Chico" Resch had the following to say on the telecast: "Well, it's difficult to clear the crease."
That doesn't mean you don't
try. Marty can't stop what he can't see. The fact that Voros was able to do it multiple times is inexcusable, especially after the first goal. That said, Voros isn't the new Sean Avery, but the old root cause of the Devils' playoff loss turned it's ugly head; but I'll touch on that tomorrow.
I will say this: this loss sucks, but the sun will come up tomorrow and the season is far from over. This will not last.
Labels: 2008-09 Postgame, Devils Rivals
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Game 1: Devils 2 - Islanders 1
The Devils have won their first game of the 2008-2009 NHL regular season at the Rock
by a score of 2-1 against the New York Islanders. (Link, as it will be for this season, goes to the NHL.com recap). The game itself wasn't the best effort by New Jersey, but clearly better than the Islanders'. If I'm an Islanders fan, I'm not looking forward to the following:
- Freddy Meyer the Fourth getting 20+ minutes a night (He had 21:46)
- Jon Sim in the top two lines (and power play time!)
- A constant theme of coughing up the puck between the center line and the top of the circles while bringing up the puck
Your 2008-2009 Islanders, fans!
But it is only the first game of the season, so we can't extrapolate the other 81 games like this. So I apologize for the slams on your not-so-good hockey team, Isles fans. In any case, the Devils weren't great. Colin White took two stupid penalties, caused a penalty shot, and the only thing he did well last night was hit people (and got 5 for his efforts). The team sort of took the second period off, generally took too many penalties, and their decisions shooting could have been better - Brent Sutter should remind the team that forcing shots through players in front leads to more blocks instead of getting to the goalie.
This isn't to say the Devils' sucked. Their special teams were good. Aside from the quick power play goal against in the first period, they looked good killing the other four penalties. The power play was not only threatening but effective with Zach Parise putting home an equalizing rebound. It's always good to start a season of goals with one in a situation that's been traditionally poor for the team in recent seasons. And the idea to use a unit of four forwards, Anssi Salmela lined up at wing, and with Elias and Rolston at the points was something to see. The Devils also were the superior team in picking up loose pucks, preying on the Islanders' consistent mistakes with the puck, and generated better offensive rushes. The defense generally did a good job keeping the puck in and Johnny Oduya and Bryce Salvador were particularly effective in the back. The forward lines in general worked pretty well on the ice - nobody really looked out of place; and, as usual, Martin Brodeur was a beast, only being beaten by a tip-in.
Was it a great performance? No. But ultimately, hockey is a results-oriented business and to do that you need to A) play better than the other team and B) score more goals than the other team. The Devils did that and that's good enough. Especially over a team that the Devils lost to so many games last season.
However, there's no time to really celebrate the win as the Devils travel to Pittsburgh - well, they should be there by now - to play the Penguins tonight. The Penguins went 1-1 against Ottawa and the Devils forwards should be eager to take on a depleted backline. Though, I'm sure the Devils defenders aren't as eager with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin coming in to try and rock their respective worlds. It's another division game and it should be a thing, so be sure to watch it tonight at 7:30 PM (EST) (on MSG+ 2, goodness, that is just awkward to type).
Labels: 2008-09 Postgame, 2008-09 Season, Devils Rivals
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Season Eve 2008
OK. That's not big nor a find. But it's also where Mattias Tedenby is, so there's that reason to follow HV 71. Along with former Devil, the shooting-averse Jan Hrdina.
But seriously, today is the last day we have to go without some Devils season hockey because Opening Night is tomorrow! 7 PM against the Islanders at the Rock, and hopefully the night will finish with 2 points for the good guys (not the Islanders, you silly goose). Tomorrow we will see Marty with a new mask,
Anssi Salmela getting a start (h/t
Gulitti. Poor Sheldon Brookbank, I didn't think Anssi would start right away), and some competitive hockey. And the hockey becomes competitive right away. The Devils get to visit Pittsburgh on Saturday night and then off to MSG against Our Hated Rivals on Monday. This season begins against the division the team struggled so much against last season. It's an opportunity not only for the Devils to start the season strong, but for a psychological boost. I'm sure Brent Sutter has told the Devils many times about how they lost to the Islanders, Penguins, and Rangers so many times last season and I'm sure the Devils are especially aware of this - extra-especially for the Rangers. Some wins could get their minds right and gain some confidence over their division rivals.
Of course as this happens, and after I'm done with reviewing previews, Mark Everson (NY Post) and Rich Chere (Star Ledger) have them.
Everson is surprisingly positive in his article in the Post; his thesis is that the team did well last season and now with more potential offense up front, it should be expected that they do better. I don't disagree with that line of thought, and his prediction is
pretty close to what I feel. Chere takes it a step further by using the powerful medium of video where Chere and Tom Bergeron preview the team. Small nitpick first: John Madden's first game was in 1999 and became a regular in 2000. Still, it's an excellent video. Bergeron does well setting up each section and Chere is absolutely great in this. He's knowledgable, he's thorough without being longwinded, and he's got plenty to say (and bold considering his predicitions for Patrik Elias and Zach Parise). Overall, the preview is positive - he sees New Jersey challenging for the top of the conference.
In any case, the time for talk is over and the time for hockey is upon us. What to do in between?
Look at the Lowell preview at Hockey's Future to gain some thoughts from Jared Ramsden about New Jersey's AHL affiliate. If there's any Lowell blogs out there, let me know, I'd like to see what a follower of the team thinks of the team from time to time.
You can check out Mike Ashmore's blog about the Trenton Devils; he'll be covering the team and updating this regularly - so you can get your Jeff Frazee fix. Lastly, if you want laugh for 5 minutes straight,
check out proof that a minor league affiliate can own their NHL team. Yeah, I know it's preseason, but it's still a loss to
your minor league team. A team filled with players not good enough or not ready for the NHL.
That gets one of these.Anyway. Important point: Devils hockey begins tomorrow at the Rock, I'll see YOU in Section 1! Unless you're not there, then I won't see you - but it's OK because we will see
Jersey's Team.Labels: 2008-09 Season, Devils Game, Devils Legends, Devils Rivals, Hockey - General, Media, Personal/Site News
Monday, September 15, 2008
Growing a Devils Legion
If you have noticed by the end of last season or during the playoffs or have been to
the Devils' official website, you've likely heard of the
Devils Legion. Basically, it's the organization reaching out to those who have supported the team via an online community. As far as i know, to be a part of the Legion, you have to do one of three things. Other than being a Devils fan, of course.
1) Be a season ticket holder of some kind.
2) Submit something online - be it a picture, a video, a story, a drawing, or "other."
3) Be
Patrick Warburton.While we all can't be Patrick Warburton, options 1 and 2 are pretty good choices. I happen to think this is a great way to drawing interest into the team. It allows those who are already "in"to show off their support of the team in a creative manner and be recognized for it. It can be of interest to those who aren't "in" and could be a way of convincing them that the team directly supports their supporters. I mean, what's more attractive? A professional hockey organization giving their fans space to
tell their story and
share their pictorial moments of "bleeding Devils red?" Or a series of commercials where a die-hard fan continually gets
abused or
made to look like a fool or
taking a wrist shot to the testicles? Oh, sure, I enjoy those commercials. But I'm a Devils fan. How can I not enjoy a Rangers fan taking a shot to the groin? Even if it isn't real? However, the message there is: be a fan of our team, like this doofus.
I don't think that's a good idea (albiet hilarious to their rivals). I think the Devils are onto something with this Devils Legion. My only complaint - other than that they should have done this sooner - is that they really need to put it out there. Hopefully, they'll make more of a point that it's a community rather than saying "you're one of us" like last year's commercial-esque spots. While I enjoyed the spots, such as
this and
this and
this, it doesn't tell me much about what the Legion actually
is. It tells me to join it - or perhaps I already had (I'd hope so just on the basis that I do this.) - but it doesn't tell me, or anyone else, how. If they are going to use the same spots, which would be fine, just edit them to include how they can join the Legion by going to the Devils' website. If they are going to use new spots, well, they need to make sure they include that. (Related Aside: If you submit a video, could it become a spot for the Devils Legion? That'd be a good question to ask, actually.) This way new and recently new fans can start to be a part of something and long-time fans who may not necessarily go poke around the Devils' official site all that much will learn about it too.
Incidentally, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea if the
Devils' site included a little section on the front page of the site to highlight features of the Devils Legion. They have a nice sized rectangle below Merchandise and next to the widget (?) for the schedule, standings, and statistics that could hold that quite nicely. While the page does have a tab up top for
"Fan Zone" and a side graphic for the Devils Legion, a little something just to show off what's new over there. It could give vistors more of a reason to check it out.
Regardless of the nitpicks, overall, I think it's a good decision by the organization to start this and I sincerely hope they continue it. It shows that they are interested in growing a community, giving the Devils fanbase an area for them, and they actually are doing something to promote the team.
Labels: Devils Issues, Devils Rivals, Hockey - General, Media
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Those Other Teams Pt. 5: Carolina & Ottawa
Today, and as a conclusion of this segment and discussion of Devils Rivals Who Aren’t the Rangers , let’s consider who I feel are two teams that have the potential to become rivals in some regard, but aren’t quite there yet.
The first are the Carolina Hurricanes. You may know them as the Team formerly known as the Hartford Whalers. Specifically as the team that Lou traded “The Little Ball of Hate” Pat Verbeek after a sub-par 26 goal, 47-point season – the season before that he set the team record in goal scoring with 46. Verbeek wanted more money, Lou said no, and he was traded for Sylvain Turgeon. While Turgeon wasn’t really an adequate replacement (30 goals, but only 17 assists) and Verbeek prospered in Hartford, he was eventually traded to Montreal for Claude Lemieux. I don’t think I need to explain what Claude Lemieux did for the Devils.
Anyway, the Whalers couldn’t stay in Hartford and eventually moved down to the Carolinas in 1997. The Hurricanes have been inconsistent in their 10 years, only making the playoffs four times and only consecutively twice. However, in those four times, they encountered the Devils three times. The first was in 2000-2001, as the Devils steamrolled them – and Stevens steamrolled Shane Willis - in 5 games. Good times! Except for the Domi hit and the Devils not repeating as Stanley Cup champions, but there we are.
But the other two times have been infuriating. The Carolina Hurricanes soundly beat an admittedly disappointing Devils squad in the next season in 2001-2002. The Devils finished 6th in the East, Elias was snake-bit all year long (and at center), and the big bright spot that I can remember was Jamie Langenbrunner breaking out for the squad. The Canes weren’t that impressive, but they got hot in net in the first round. Kevin Weekes and Arturs Irbe (Yes! Irbe! And he's someone's favorite player of all time! Seriously!) started to became the hottest tandem in the league and the Devils were just frustrated to no end. Not only did the Devils lose, but it was a stepping stone for Carolina. They rode the hot goalies all the way to Stanley Cup Finals – only to be decisively beaten by Detroit in 5 games.
And if that wasn’t enough, nearly the same thing happened in 2005-2006. The Devils won their division with an amazing winning streak, and the Hurricanes had an amazing regular season. The Devils gloriously swept the Rangers and the Hurricanes got past Montreal in 6 games. The two met in the second round and history started to repeat in some form. Cam Ward got hot, the Canes collectively raised their game, and the Devils couldn’t figure him or Carolina’s amazingly on-point collapsing defenders. Another playoff loss to Carolina and it was another stepping stone to a Hurricane Cup Run. This time, the Canes earned their prize in an entertaining 7 game series over Edmonton. Incidentally, both teams have yet to make the playoffs since then.
But beyond those two playoff losses, I can’t think of much else to hold against Carolina. Revenge in the playoffs would be nice though. Now that we’ve had that, let’s look at another team where the Devils are less than .500 against in the playoffs – the Ottawa Senators.
First, there was 1997-1998. A great Devils season where they won the division, only let up a mind-bogglingly low 166 goals all season (Martin Brodeur was just as amazing then as he is now), and many thought they could make some serious noise in the playoffs. Consider it revenge for going out in the second round early to Our Hated Rivals in 1997. But the Senators had other ideas and shocked the Devils. In 6 games, the Devils struggled mightily and while they scraped out some wins, they could play consistently enough against the Senators. The Devils would end a great regular season with a disappointing first round exit (and it’d happen again in 1999 against Pittsburgh, but that was 7 games).
While the Senators got bounced by the Washington Capitals in the second round, it was a starting point for the franchise.
The team started winning the division and making the playoffs regularly – with the expectation of going deep.
Instead, the team got bounced in the first round three straight times before going all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2003 to be beaten by the Devils in an epic 7 game series –
decided by Jeff Friesen in one of the biggest clutch goals in franchise history.
But the Senators would continue to keep on fighting and provided two more troubles for the New Jersey Devils. They effectively ended the Devils era at the Continental Airlines Arena in 2007 in 5 games and they spoiled opening night of the new arena. Other than some big (and recent) regular season losses to them (e.g. 8-1 in 2006), that’s pretty much it. Like the Hurricanes, the Devils have had trouble against this team in the playoffs and in some moments. However, I still don’t think the losing has been consistent enough or long enough to really consider them as teams you’d always want to beat out of spite. Nor do I think either team has an animosity for each other unless I’m forgetting something significant. Maybe if it continues for the next few seasons, maybe, but now - not quite as bad as the other teams in the Atlantic Division. If you feel otherwise or think there’s another team worth mentioning, please let me know either through the comments or via an e-mail.
Labels: Devils Issues, Devils Rivals, Hockey - General
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Those Other Teams Pt. 3: Pittsburgh
Rounding out our non-Rangers division teams that aren’t the New Jersey Devils are the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins are interesting in the phenomenon of “other teams.” If you’ve only paid attention to hockey since 2006 or so, and there’s nothing wrong with that, you’d think the Penguins are a bunch of smug skaters. What with their Sidney Crosbys and their Evgeni Malkins and their formerly banana-pad clad Marc-Andre Fleurys and their Sergei Gonchars and their terrible car commercials and their enthusiastic fan base. They think they are so awesome with their massive (in terms of hockey) media coverage and that their team is the first in the New NHL to dethrone New Jersey as Atlantic Division champions. They ran it up 7-1 late in the season and soundly beat the Devils at the Rock to help secure that spot. That second seed did help them – even at least a little bit - in their goal to go All the Way™. Just by virtue of being better than New Jersey, it just gnashes your teeth a little bit right?
In all honesty, I haven’t grown to hate the Penguins. While, I can’t pity them, there’s been a lot of flux in Pittsburgh from 1994 onwards. Between lockouts one and two, here’s a set of high and low lights for Penguins fans:
-The Rise of Jaromir Jagr.
-Alexei Kovalev, Martin Straka (when healthy and not having exercise equipment fall on him), and Robert Lang getting together to do somethings and all followed by losing each of them.
-Alexesy Morozov developing his talents of being one of the players to get Martin Brodeur’s number; only to find out he would never use them in a truly important setting.
-The first Penguins selection in the NHL draft from 1995 through 2002. OK, Milan Kraft, Brooks Orpik, Colby Armstrong, and Ryan Whitney all made it to the league in some way – but for a first rounder, you’d want an impact player. Not really a barely mediocre scoring forward, a defenseman who earned his nickname of “Hooks,” a mediocre forward with a big nose, or a pretty good d-man (Whitney is good, but 5th overall good? I don’t think so).
-The Ivan Hlinka coaching experience/fall out. Considering how bad Michel Therrien's English can be, that Lemieux supposedly wasn't happy with Hlinka's communication says a lot. Oof.
-Not having much of a defense through this whole era. I mean, we’re talking about seasons with Janne Laukkenen (a.k.a. The Glass Menagerie) as a first pairing player; seasons where Ian Moran (who is a bad defenseman, who makes bad plays, etc.) had to play significant minutes.
-That one game in 2000 where Randy McKay and John Madden each put up 4 goals on the Penguins. The Devils won 9-0 and it was the first time since 1922 that teammates did so well in one game. (That was totally awesome, but absolutely miserable for a Penguins supporter.) Double oof, right there.
-The Fall of Jaromir Jagr – capped by that Jagr trade netting Kris Beech, Michal Sivek, and Ross Lupaschuk in return. Triple oof.
-To be fair, the 2000 and 2001 seasons were pretty strong, but a run in 2001 was ended by a Devils squad looking to go All the Way™ (and nearly succeeded).
-The emotional return of Mario Lemieux as a player, an owner, and as a player-owner.
-The team nearly going under with fears of relocation and bankruptcy (not at the same time); saved in part by Lemieux’s plan.
-To be fair, the team was pretty horrible from 2002 through 2004 with financial issues and poor personnel decisions, deservedly coming in last in the Atlantic.
-Rico Fata – regular NHL forward!
-Dick Tarnstrom: Leading 2004 scorer with 56 points! (Fun fact! The defenseman led the team in shots as well. Maybe if Ryan Malone shot it more, he’d have more than 22 goals and 11 assists that season).
So earlier in this decade, the Penguins resembled the Islanders in terms of results – two good, playoff making seasons surrounded by failure Though, the Islanders were never in danger of going under or moving to Kansas City or somewhere else (nor did they got as deep as the Pens did). That said, the Penguins rebuilt themselves properly and with a bit of luck by being able to harness the talent of their top picks in this time period – namely, Fleury, Malkin, and Crosby. (No, Whitney doesn’t belong with that group.)
So that’s where it really stands. Since the back-to-back Cups of 1991 and 1992, the Penguins started to trend down from championship contenders to a pretty good team that might make a run to a gutted mess that required them to start over. The selections of Malkin and Crosby – let’s not forget Malkin was drafted in 2004 – gave the team a brand new look, a brand new excitement, and helped make the squad a whole hell of a lot better. If you’re an Islander fan, you’re reading this and probably wishing for someone like them to help take your franchise to heights once before reached. Because the Penguins weren’t so great and mighty – Philadelphia represented more of a challenge to the Devils in the late 90s – and that they were awful in the early part of this decade, it’s hard to have a heated rivalry. It’s not like with the Rangers where they could finish dead last in the league for 20 straight years and it’d still be satisfying for the Devils to wail on them in a game.
Fortunately, as the Penguins become consistent in their greatness – and they likely will with two Hall of Fame talents leading the way – it’ll become a lot easier to hate on the Penguins. Not necessarily out of jealously, but out of wanting to knock a rival out. I’m kind of looking forward to that.
Labels: Devils Issues, Devils Rivals, Hockey - General
Friday, August 15, 2008
Those Other Teams Pt. 2: NY Islanders
Since I really fell in love with the Devils since 1994 or so, my own summation of the Islanders is two-fold:
1) Generally always behind New Jersey except in the 2001-2002 season where they finished 1 point ahead of the Devils.
2) Both comical and sad at the same time.
The first point is fairly self-explanatory. Yes, I understand the Islanders have had the Devils' number - most recently this past season. Yes, I understand that the Islanders were a dynasty in the early 1980s and were generally good up until 1994 except for a few hiccups. Yes, I understand I don't know anything about true legends like Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, Billy Smith, Denis Potvin (who was the progenitor for a popular chant used today), Clark Gilles, and Al Arbour. I'm sure that were I born 10 years earlier, I'd have a different perspective on the Islanders and would certainly like them a lot less. Yes, I understand that.
But I can only ramble on about what I've seen. And from what I've seen, this has not been a consistently good team since Arbour was behind the bench. While they could even sweep the Devils in the season, it's highly questionable from year to year that they can even make the playoffs. Since 1994, they've done it exactly 5 times and that includes the 1994 playoffs. It's been an era of constant coaching changes, deals that come back to bite them in various parts of their body, and rebuilding only to rebuild again.
That leads me to point 2. As a division rival, this is very funny to see. The pick that became Jason Spezza and Zdeno Chara (oh, and Bill Muckwalt) for Alexei Yashin back in 1999? That was good. But the subsequent signing of Yashin to a 10 year, $87.5 million contract? Priceless. The days of "Mad" Mike Milbury. Speaking of horrendous and amusing deals, there was the infamous deal made at the 2000 Draft. Roberto Luongo and Olli Jokinen to Florida for Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha. Sure, the Isles snagged Rick DiPietro; but Luongo and Jokinen developed into impact players for Florida and in the league as a whole. Parrish and Kvasha, well, they weren't bad, but not vital players.
When it came to the draft itself, the Islanders have had some success, having drafted some very good prospects. But they rarely benefited as most of them prospered elsewhere due to a trade - along with the aforementioned players there was Todd Bertuzzi, Bryan McCabe, Wade Redden, Eric Brewer, among others. It just kills you as a fan of the Islanders and it slays the rest of your rivals with chuckles, smirks, chortles, and ever-present "heh." Moreso when you consider the returns on some of these deals.
And when the Islanders drafted bad, they were
bad. If your team has four first round picks in any draft, at least one of them has to hit. In 1999, it was Tim Connelly, Taylor Pyatt, Branislav Mezei, and Kristian Kudroc.
None of those guys ever did made something of themselves for the Islanders. If they did, it was with somebody else. There were some big whiffs like Brett Lindros in 1994 (in all fairness, injuries messed him up - not the Islanders' fault); Mike Rupp at
sixth overall in 1998 (seriously); their whole 2001 draft; Robert Nilsson over Zach Parise (thanks!) in 2003; and they may have just done it again trading down when they could have got Nikita Filatov. If you want to find more, feel free to search Hockey DB's
year-by-year draft list for the Islanders, and be amazed at what spot was Dan LaCouture drafted overall.
Even when a player stuck around or got signed a ridiculous deal - hello, Miroslav Satan! - to play on Long Island in what they call an arena, who would be the coach? Al Arbour remains as the last bench boss to have lasted at least 5 years in the same position, and that was done back before 1995. Sure, the Devils have had a revolving door at coach; but the franchise (and its players) had a set team philosophy and remained successful. Each coach for the Islanders had their own take on the team, mostly having to answer to "Mad Mike" most of the time until the last few years, and so there wasn't much of a consistent style or overriding philosophy. Since Arbour, the most any coach has lasted at Nassau has been 2 seasons: Butch Goring, Peter Laviolette, and Ted Nolan, you all earn a no-prize for that feat. Laviolette was the only one to have had the team make the playoffs in both years, but he jumped to Carolina and eventually took them to a Cup. So much for Islanders management wanting to keep him.
But so what? They had an aloof GM, hindsight kicked the franchise in the face for over a decade, they've had some colorful record with prospects, and a lot coaches. Nice of you to give us that extended aside, great blast from the past, but really, so what? Well, because of all that -as funny as it could be/still is (seriously, the Yashin deal) - it's quite sad. As Devils fans, we've experienced great seasons on a regular basis - such to the point where we tend to expect deep runs into the playoffs every year. For an Islander fan, I would imagine making the playoffs consistently would be an amazing feat. But the once-shining franchise is now a orange-and-blue mess that they've been trying to clean up for the last 15 years. They're re-building
yet again. They're looking to youth
yet again. They're hoping to still be "players" in February and early March
yet again. When you seriously think about it, it's just sad to watch. Even if they sweep the Devils, should they pick in the top 10 again, what would it all really mean? Not a whole lot.
For these extended reasons, I really can't hate the Islanders. I just pity them. I can't say their fans are particularly known for their arrogance (see: Toronto, Montreal) or generally being jerks (see: Philadelphia, Rangers). I just feel bad for them. Do I want the Devils to beat them? Of course! But it doesn't cause the same thrill of getting over one of your hated rivals. Even when the Rangers were especially bad, it was still great to see New Jersey beat them. For the Islanders, it's just not the same. How their franchise has rotted through poor decisions plays a big role in that.
Labels: Devils Issues, Devils Rivals, Hockey - General
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Those Other Teams Pt. 1: Philadelphia
We hate the Rangers. But who else do the Devils hate? To be honest, I don't think any team really rates on the hate list like the Rangers. When the losers in blue shirts come around, we look to raise the hate. Some do it every game (unfortunately and annoyingly). But let's look at some other teams that Devils fans especially do not really care for.
*(Taunting tip! Ask a Flyers fan if they remember Vanbiesbrouck, Boucher, Chechmanek, Esche, and/or Niitymaki? Then ask them if Biron will be next and be replaced in about 3 seasons?)
On the proverbial Expletive List for rival teams, the Flyers would take the #2 spot in many Devils fans' eyes. After all, they are the key role that makes the Rangers Suck chant more juvenile by proclaiming that they swallow. In all fairness, there's a lot the Skating Pylons have going for them. First, they are from Philadelphia. Second, they are from Philadelphia. Third, they have a reputation of dirty players going all the way back from the mid-1970s to now, where
guys like Steve Downie keep a terrible tradition going. A look at the penalty stats at NHL.com justifies this rep. They finished as one of only three teams to have had a player assessed with 2 match penalties, tied with Toronto with the most game misconducts issued (6), and the third highest amount of total penalty minutes than any other team last season with 1,457 (1 minute behind second place Vancouver and 8 behind Anaheim). There is a reason that Philadelphia Discipline is a joke.
As it is stands, they are quite unlikeable - especially considering point #3. But the fourth and most crucial, their constant failure. A team led by the Legion of Doom in the mid-90s? No Cups! Eric Lindros making a comeback when the Flyers seemingly had the Devils done in the 2000 playoffs? The Devils smacked them right in the face in 3 straight as
Lindros got smacked to the ice. Even if the Devils aren't involved, the Flyers just live to disappoint. Consider the 2006 first round against Buffalo, Game 6. Must-win game, the Wachovia Center is packed in orange, and
the Flyers proceed to lie like a cheap rug for the Sabres to the tally of 7-1. Were I to use a tired Internet meme to describe that, it was a true "EPIC FAIL." To see a geographic and unlikeable rival fail in so many ways and on so many levels (e.g. after that Sabres failure, they missed the playoffs completely! Oh ho ho ho. It doesn't get old.) is very enjoyable, indeed. If you enjoy your rivals consistently disappointing, you know you truly don't like them to a point.
In a way, their constant failure is what keeps the Flyers from being truly as hated as the Rangers. I mean, even if the Flyers beat the Devils in the playoffs or an important game, I'll feel bad. I certainly won't like it and neither should you. But at the same time, I can't feel too burned. Why? Because I am that confident that they won't get it done. 1975 was a good long time ago, Philadelphia faithful. Maybe if the franchise truly evolves and puts together a likeable team, that may change. But at this rate, they'll keep it up and we'll have the closest thing to the 1940 chant all over again. It can even fit in the rhyming scheme so we don't have to come up with something new!
My sympathies to the Devils fans in southern New Jersey and those in eastern Pennsylvania that you must endure the Flyers dominating your pro hockey zone. At least you can look forward to the Devils beating them -
again and
again and
again.Labels: Devils Issues, Devils Rivals, Hockey - General
