of course it's difficult to judge this team now with all of the injuries, especially after things looked very promising at the beginning of the year with a full roster. but the vets on this team are playing like ass. madden and pandolfo seemed to have lost a step and its showed up as a terrible PK %. langenbrunner is just embarassing himself and sutter seems intent on letting him do so as much as possible. WHY is langenbrunner on the PK? WHY is langenbrunner still playing the point on the pp where he insists on only shooting when there is a player in front of him?
even elias, while he's definitely been an offensive presence, seems to INSIST on trying to pass through opposing players. the team, as a whole, has probably the most blocked shots of all teams and, even though there isnt a stat for it, probably has the most blocked passes. this team generates turnovers but is probably the worst team in the league at actually converting on them or even getting a shot on net.
i like the look of the team when it's healthy, but even then, this is not a stanley cup team. basically, if they don't at least make the finals this year, i'd say let madden walk. he's had his chance to get NJ another cup. he's been given ridiculous amounts of ice time and his line has been the face of the team for several years now.