DevilinLA

What some people here fail to realize is that if Sutter decided to resort back to a pure trapping team tommorrow this defense lineup would still have problems. Thankfully I think he realizes that we desperately need to become a more competitive offenseive team to be able to win games now in the new era (let alone the lack of quality defensemen available in the market). Having said that, with the exception of Martin (who upped his game bit yesterday - especially with the cute spin moves a few times), and regardless of the shots on goal total, this defense seems to lack a solid sense of communication, anticipation, and general confidence in the zone. Its almost as if they can feel everyone biting their nails in the stands when the puck comes into the zone. Who's to say - perhaps its still an adjustment period, after all most of these guys are young, and there are currently no grizzled veterans in the zone to follow as example (ala Stevens/Dayneko). It's unfortunate that we are in a situation with our personnel that doesn't allow for many "rookie mistakes" - but that is where we are. Also, I think at some point VV will step up to the plate - but when? Yesterday was a sloppy game defensively - had it been a better team, it easily could have been a route, for once you can thank the offense for refusing to quit. BTW - if you want to talk about luck you should have watched the Bruins - Sharks game yesterday (4 posts, an offensive onslaught, and a miracle by the B's at the last second to defeat a team that was pulling out all the offenseive stops to move the puck).

I think the best thing about Sat.'s ATL game is the team actually looked energized and competitive, not perfect by far, but most players seemed to be working hard. Here's the breakdown as I see it: Offense - Finally making things happen. The guys looked more communicative and in sync (even when the doors got shut). Puck battles were better as was anticipation all around. A general air of hunger for a win. Lets hope this becomes more consistent. Defense - Still poor, and at times really embarassing...if the offense would have played as it did in previous games this could have easily been a rout gone the other way. Seemed almost as if when the puck strayed into our zone that shots automatically found their way to the net. Still a lot of positioning issues. Goaltending - Obviouslly Marty had a bad game, One has to wonder whether or not he is consciouslly adjusting his game due to a lack of confidence in the defence pairs in front of him....or could be just a phase. Stars - Madden (constantly working - should be considered a canidate for the C), Zajac ('nuff said), Brylin (came through big), Elias (seems to be making a more consistent effort - the results showed up on the scoreboard today). Results today were the combination of a sustained effort and refusal to quit by the offense, and a large bit of luck (stupid ATL penalties, Offsides calls on oddrushes, Marty's 0:15 glove) that we were able to capitalize on. We need to solve this defense problem ASAP before we start playing within confrence. They need to play a much tighter breed of hockey.

Elias looked so hungry tonight he could have ate the puck itself!!! Maybe he's been reading the boards as of late. Regardless, there was an actually an offense tonight that looked lively, crisper, and hungry for a win. Let's hope Patty stays hungry!!!!!!!!!1

DONE DEAL - finally an exciting. competitive game (w/the best outcome)! Apparently: GOD IS A DEVILS FAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Patty comes through SO BIG - instant confidence booster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

DEVs fans across the nation...holding their breath...!

GIO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Can it actually happen!!!!!!!!!!!

GAME ON!!!! - "she's breathing doctor!!!"

Talk about slow - I am starting to think that Rachunek is a defensive liability. The D corps themselves are playing here like they don't even know each others names. - much less a unit. Good comeback...but I think its gonna take close to "divine intervention" to get both this offense to keep up its best game so far and get the defense to play well enough at the same time to win this one. but...who knows...maybe god is a Devils Fan!

Pando - nicely done...

This defense is just plain INCOMPETANT!!! What's worse is this is not a team that can put 2 goals from behind to tie...not in this condition....

Well, I guess we can only play for 20 minutes....

Good solid effort all around. Wow, we have an offense...whodda thought! Now...can we play 40 more minutes of equal focus and some respectable defense? Look up everyone ...the sky doesn't seem to be falling yet!!!!

Sutter and Parise are the future of this team - from Lou's perspective. Even if we have to wait some to see the benefits. Honestly, I don't believe that Vishnevsky has been looking all that bad... if he can just get more consistent.

Gotta at least give Sutter some credit for trying to get this team to evolve into a new post-lockout team style of play that can compete with some of the other cup contenders. It's not a complete metamorphisis from the old, but I think Lou relazide that some changes in style needed to be adapted based on new rules and a less than quality selection of defenseman available on the market. I think its tough for a lot of fans to be patient until it begins to adapt.

Just wanted some opinions: We all know that Sutter is trying to implement a new system for the boys these past few games, and obviouslly it is going to take some time to adjust. So, while we painfully watch through the "growing pains" of each game here's a question to consider: Can this team team play this new system and style of play effectively with the personnel Sutter has available to him? If so...what needs to happen? If not...would any personnel changes, trades, or shifts make a difference? Personally, I'd like to give this thing a chance...but I'd like to hear some opinions from the informed posters here relative to this "system" we hear so much about.

Sutter is not the problem - at this point he could probably lace up himself and be as productive as our current offense. That being said - he's gotta learn to control himself regardless of the call.

I guess once you leave, you leave, and you give up the right to that number. Probably the least of your worries if you are the type player considering a fat new contract. Can't help but wonder what kind of psychological pressure it puts on the new guy in that jersey though - like Mottea.

Not Marty's best night, but you can hardly blame him for the other 2 goals. Would love to hear his inner monologue while watching these defence pairings in front of him though...

Blame the refs, the calls, the new system...come on! Regardless, you still have to put the puck in the net at least once to win a hockey game, we didn't even come close and haven't really had much success in doing so, so far in any of the games (with exception of a few strokes of luck). If this team doesn't offensively step up we're in for a long season. Sutter - give him some time to adjust. Defence - yup, needs work - but these guys are not guys your going to be able to hold one goal games with like previous years. Goaltending - give this guys some motivation to play by someone else actually stepping up their own game The Season - its early yet...relax. Best so Far - Parise (our best effort player) Asham (he's giving 100%), Madden (he's working out there), Gionta (get rid of him and we'll see many more scoreless games) The Frustration - People are pissed because we got OWNED tonight - no two ways about it, on EVERY level of the game - every period. At least the other games were competititve Saturday will tell the tale....