Jerseydevils0324 Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 (edited) I feel we are very depthful at forward and do have some quality guys for the 3rd and 4th lines. Include minor leaguers, and injuries. When healthy Top 15 Forwards 1a. Kovalchuk 1b. Parise 2. Elias 3. Zajac (when at 100%) 4. Henrique 5. Zubrus 6. Clarkson 7. Ponikarovsky 8. Sykora 9. Josefson 10. Bernier 11. Carter 12. Tedenby 13. Palmieri 14. Mills When playoffs come around you have reserve forwards on the roster. There is plenty of size here with Poni, Zubie, Bernier, Kovy, Palmieri, and Clarky adds some size. So there shouldn't be much of a need for Boulton/Janssen. Parise and Kovy split top spot for me. Maybe one or two more guy should be added for the deadline (injury depth @center, and a another solid 3rd/4th liner. What would your ranks be? Edited February 6, 2012 by Jerseydevils0324 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DevsMan84 Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 (edited) What would your ranks be? 1) Kovy 2) Parise 3) Elias 4) Zajac 5) Henrique 6) Zubrus 7) Clarkson 8) Sykora 9) Poni 10) Josefson 11) Carter 12) Bernier 13) Palmieri 14) Zalewski 15) Mills 16) Boulton 17) Sestito 18) Zharkov 19) Janssen 20) Tedenby Edited February 6, 2012 by DevsMan84 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beetlebum Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 Elias Kovy Parise Zajac Henrique Zubrus Clarkson Sykora Poni Josfeson Teddy Bernier Carter Boulton Zharkov Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nessus Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 1. Kovalchuk 2. Elias 3. Parise 4. Zajac 5. Henrique 6. Zubrus 7. Josefson 8. Ponikarovsky 9. Clarkson 10. Tedenby 11. Sykora 12. Zharkov 13. Bernier 14. Carter 15. Boulton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DevsMan84 Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 1. Kovalchuk 2. Elias 3. Parise 4. Zajac 5. Henrique 6. Zubrus 7. Josefson 8. Ponikarovsky 9. Clarkson 10. Tedenby 11. Sykora 12. Zharkov 13. Bernier 14. Carter 15. Boulton Tedenby is ahead of Sykora!? Really?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharifijanov2099 Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 I think the interesting part of this thread is namely the top players. That said... 1. ELIAS - best overall forward on team; makes others better, has transitioned to center beautifully, and is sound defensively as well for the most part. 2. PARISE - tons of speed, smart player, works ridiculously hard. not as much a "pure talent" as Kovalchuk, but sets a great example every night and deserves to be the captain. 3. KOVALCHUK - the most skilled guy on the team, and NJs best passer (which is often overshadowed by his propensity for goal scoring); has on-ice vision like no one else on the team; has put up a big effort every single night this season and has become a great Devil; very close with Parise in overall value, but I put him at the 3-spot for now. 4. ZAJAC - this one is difficult given his injury, and last year's lackluster performance. But prior to last year, I used to tell people he was our best defensive forward, and I still believe that will prove to be true. Has a good skillset, sees the ice well, and is definitely one of the better 2-way centers in the league. I know he's primarily been our #1 center last few years, so no one thinks of him as a #2 or #3, but that's probably the role he'll fall into if Elias & Henrique keep it up. Overall, very solid player. 5. HENRIQUE - not much sample data on this guy yet to compare him with others, but based on what we see, his work ethic, his creativity, and his ability to make things happen, he's certainly in the top player discussion, but obviously, #4 and #5 are not in the same discussion as #s 1-3. 6. ZUBRUS - one of my favorite Devils now; works insanely hard every game and has become our true utility guy; can play any position; not much of a finisher, but he's having an incredible season, and when he's not putting up points, he's running guys, digging in the corner, extremely valuable piece to this puzzle. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucifersDog Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 I think the interesting part of this thread is namely the top players. That said... 1. ELIAS - best overall forward on team; makes others better, has transitioned to center beautifully, and is sound defensively as well for the most part. 2. PARISE - tons of speed, smart player, works ridiculously hard. not as much a "pure talent" as Kovalchuk, but sets a great example every night and deserves to be the captain. 3. KOVALCHUK - the most skilled guy on the team, and NJs best passer (which is often overshadowed by his propensity for goal scoring); has on-ice vision like no one else on the team; has put up a big effort every single night this season and has become a great Devil; very close with Parise in overall value, but I put him at the 3-spot for now. 4. ZAJAC - this one is difficult given his injury, and last year's lackluster performance. But prior to last year, I used to tell people he was our best defensive forward, and I still believe that will prove to be true. Has a good skillset, sees the ice well, and is definitely one of the better 2-way centers in the league. I know he's primarily been our #1 center last few years, so no one thinks of him as a #2 or #3, but that's probably the role he'll fall into if Elias & Henrique keep it up. Overall, very solid player. 5. HENRIQUE - not much sample data on this guy yet to compare him with others, but based on what we see, his work ethic, his creativity, and his ability to make things happen, he's certainly in the top player discussion, but obviously, #4 and #5 are not in the same discussion as #s 1-3. 6. ZUBRUS - one of my favorite Devils now; works insanely hard every game and has become our true utility guy; can play any position; not much of a finisher, but he's having an incredible season, and when he's not putting up points, he's running guys, digging in the corner, extremely valuable piece to this puzzle. This list is my choice thank you for preparing it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nessus Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 Tedenby is ahead of Sykora!? Really?! I took into account their potential, to some degree. That's also why Josefson is ahead of Ponikarovsky right now. As of lately, Sykora has not done much and Tedenby seems to have just been in a sophomore slump that he will almost definitely get past. Similarly, that's why I ranked Zharkov ahead of Bernier because I believe Zharkov can be a very effective player despite doing less than Bernier this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DevsMan84 Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 I took into account their potential, to some degree. That's also why Josefson is ahead of Ponikarovsky right now. As of lately, Sykora has not done much and Tedenby seems to have just been in a sophomore slump that he will almost definitely get past. Similarly, that's why I ranked Zharkov ahead of Bernier because I believe Zharkov can be a very effective player despite doing less than Bernier this year. Zajac had a bit of a sophomore slump too, but still a managed decent numbers. Tedenby has pretty much fallen off the face of the planet. Also I like zharkovs hustle, but I don't want him taking a spot away in the lineup from someone who can produce. A lot of players hustle, but I'd rather have someone who can score here and there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justdo3043 Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 1) Elias 2) Kovy 3) Parise 4) Henrique 5) Zubrus 6) Zajac 7) Clarkson 8) Poni 9) Sykora 10)Josefson 11) Bernier 12) Carter 13) Tedenby 14) Zharkov 15) Palmieri 16) Mills 17) Zalewski 18) Boulton 19) Sestito Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SterioDesign Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 cant believe all of you guys have not only FORGOT Janssen... but put Parise ahead of him.. ridiculous, what team are you watching? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DevsMan84 Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 cant believe all of you guys have not only FORGOT Janssen... but put Parise ahead of him.. ridiculous, what team are you watching? When I was doing mine, I did put Janssen in there at one point, and then took him out as I changed my mind on other players and then completely forgot about him lol. I edited mine again and added him in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mouse Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 1) Elias 2) Kovalchuk 3) Parise 4) Zajac 5) Zubrus 6) Henrique 7) Clarkson 8) Ponikarovsky 9) Sykora 10) Josefson 11) Bernier 12) Zalewski 13) Palmieri 14) Zharkov 15) Tedenby 16) Zalewski 17) Boulton 18) Mills 19) Sestito 20) Janssen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharifijanov2099 Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 Zajac had a bit of a sophomore slump too, but still a managed decent numbers. Tedenby has pretty much fallen off the face of the planet. Also I like zharkovs hustle, but I don't want him taking a spot away in the lineup from someone who can produce. A lot of players hustle, but I'd rather have someone who can score here and there. I think Zharkov is a moot discussion right now, in terms of adding anything to the team this season. I think it's been discussed before that he'd have to pass through waivers, and we likely don't want to risk him being claimed by another team, if he can be an effective spark plug/checker for us next year and beyond. Don't forget that we have a lot of stop-gaps right now in the lineup that likely won't be here next year (Sykora, Bernier, Ponikorovsky, Janssen, Foster, Salvador). Hopefully Zharkov and Tedenby are good enough for our squad next season, but I wouldn't expect either to rejoin the team before then. Mind you, any of the above-mentioned guys can probably play their way into a short-term contract, which is kind of nice (extra motivation for these guys to kick it up a notch). But I wouldn't assume any of those names will be back. We might wanna re-sign Poni, but a 6-game sample size isn't enough. Let's see what he does rest of the year and playoffs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cgb6397 Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 How can you put Elias ahead of Kovalchuk? not to take anything away from Patrik but you guys are really over thinking this one. Also nobody seems to want to give Ponikarovsky any love Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neb00rs Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 (edited) 1. Kovy - has accounted for maybe 10 additional wins this season. 2. Parise - a team leader, a maniac on the forecheck 3. Elias - so great on the ice - has made so many big feeds and started so many huge plays 4. Zajac - changes the way the other team has to play us - top 5 defensive forward in the game 5. Zubrus - underrated warrior. A beast at fighting for the puck along the boards and digging out possession for us. 6. Henrique - came along when no one else was playing well and honestly is the force that jump-started us this season 7. Clarkson - great at fighting for the puck and taking it deep into the zone. is a great tool to have as he can fight the other team's goon and score the gwg. 8. Sykora - clutch goal scorer 9. Poni - good 2 way game and a necessary depth addition 10. Josefson - going to be a great playmaker but not quite a noisemaker yet 11. Zharkov - what is going on? why is he not good enough to be on our 4th line? 12. Tedenby - the kid can be really good. but he'll never succeed with 3rd line players and there's no room for him to play on a higher line. 13. Palmieri - Big body. Sometimes he's good sometimes he plays like he's 5 foot 8 160 pounds. 14. Bernier - Honestly looks good out there. Has made some good plays. 15. Boulton - Solid 4th line veteran. 16. Sestito - Has played enough games to know our system and be good when called up from time to time 17. Mills - Not NHL caliber but smart enough not to try and do to much. Makes the smart play. 18. Carter - Not a necessary component but has my confidence playing a few minutes a game. 19. Janssen - Entertains us once in awhile but has proven to be unnecessary. Clarkson does his whole job plus much more. 20. Zalewski - Should not see any NHL action. Edited February 7, 2012 by ben00rs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mouse Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 I completely forgot Carter on my list. I guess I'd put him around 12, bump everyone down accordingly. Damn we're deep, especially with mediocre players. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mouse Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 How can you put Elias ahead of Kovalchuk? not to take anything away from Patrik but you guys are really over thinking this one. Also nobody seems to want to give Ponikarovsky any love He's more consistent with worse linemates. He's the best defensive forward on the team. He's an elite passer. While Kovy makes great passes, sometimes the other guy isn't ready. Look how much better Sykora is than he's been in years. No disrespect to Kovy. He's coming into his own with the Devils, but Elias is the glue on this team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cgb6397 Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 He's more consistent with worse linemates. He's the best defensive forward on the team. He's an elite passer. While Kovy makes great passes, sometimes the other guy isn't ready. Look how much better Sykora is than he's been in years. No disrespect to Kovy. He's coming into his own with the Devils, but Elias is the glue on this team. Well look at it this way, if Elias goes down, would you consider that a bigger loss than Kovy? Sure Elias is a great defensive forward, definitely has that over Kovalchuk but even the passing you're not paying Kovalchuk his dues.He can spread the puck around just as well as Elias and Kovalchuk is a huge part of why the power play is doing so well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nessus Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 Elias is a quieter player, which I think accounts for why he is so underrated. His game is about the little things that he can do with the puck and his great vision. Basically, making a lot out of a little. The stats don't lie in his case. And while I still ranked Kovy higher, either one of them probably deserves the #1. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghdi Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 1. Kovy 2. Elias 3. Parise 4. Henrique 5. Zubrus 6. Clarkson 7. Poni (I really hope he sticks around. Fits like a glove.) 8. Zajac - Should be higher, but not this moment. 9. Sykora 10. Josefson 11. Bernier 12. Carter 13. Zharkov 14. Palmieri 15. Boulton/Janssen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerseydevils0324 Posted February 7, 2012 Author Share Posted February 7, 2012 (edited) Not so sure if Bernier will cement himself into the line-up, hope he can. Here is what I would like the lines to look like when Zajac is back. Parise-Henrique-Clarkson (Speed, hard work,and grit) Kovy-Elias-Zubrus (I think they would make a great trio. Zubie and Kovy have gelled SH recently, and Elias can't hurt chemistry, only help it) Poni-Zajac-Sykora (Zajac and Poni provide good 2-Way games, could be more of a shutdown line. Poni adds size.) Carter-Josefson-Bernier (Solid fourth line) Size on every line or a physical presence, goal scoring threat (not so much on 4th line), and a playmaker. Edited February 7, 2012 by Jerseydevils0324 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mouse Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 Well look at it this way, if Elias goes down, would you consider that a bigger loss than Kovy? Sure Elias is a great defensive forward, definitely has that over Kovalchuk but even the passing you're not paying Kovalchuk his dues.He can spread the puck around just as well as Elias and Kovalchuk is a huge part of why the power play is doing so well. Yes. I appreciate Kovy's contributions, and I know he's playing the PK as well as the PP and even strengths, but Elias has doen 2 things that Kovy doesn't. 1) He plays the best d of all the forwards, and that is essential with a young, injured and mediocre defensive corps. 2) He makes the people around him better. Zach is having a offensive worse year with Kovy and Henrique than with Zajac and Langenbrunner. Henrique has played nearly as well on OFFENSE as Zajac, and Kovy is clearly better than Langenbrunner, so logically Zach should be better. I know he's trying to come back from the injury, and I would accept that, except Josefson has played better this year without Kovy as well. I'm not bashing Kovy, I think he's the second best forward on the team, and a damn close second, but he's not necessarily easy to play with. When you consider that Sykora is playing the best he has in years and Zubrus has consistently played his best hockey when on Elias' line throughout his time with the Devils, I think that's enough of a sample. Kovalchuk does things no one else in the LEAGUE can do, forget the team, and he does them with tremendous flair. Elias has quietly become the most important player on the team, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devil Fan Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 1) Elias, consistency is the reason 2) Kovy, his ability to dominate a game 3) Parise, up and down season so far 4) Henrique, opens lots of eyes 5) Zubrus, a very solid player 6) Clarkson, 20G says it all 7) Ponikarovsky, if he keeps his current pace, he will be higher 8) Bernier, same as above 9) Sykora, cooled off a bit 10) Josefson, getting better with Bern and Poni 11) Zajac, he is a top-5 when healthy 12) Palmieri, disappointing season 13) Tedenby, invisible man 14) Carter, Boulton, other call ups 15) Janssen, he is here to make everybody else look good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdgeControl Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 Last 5 games puts Zub at #2 behind kov. he's been big for us Kov Patty Zach Zub Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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