Aitchmack

Now we've finally got to the end of this season we can, hopefully, say goodbye to the following UFAs: Nosek, Tierney, Smith, MacDermid, DeSimone and Kahkonen. I will miss none of them. The RFAs are Mercer, Nolan Foote, McLeod and Cal Foote. I'm guessing the last two will be gone. Nolan Foote could still have a bottom six role imo if he is finally healthy, so, maybe a one year prove yourself deal. I'm pretty sure we all want Mercer back. After this season I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a bridge deal as I don't think anyone really knows where he's going to end up yet. At the AHL level there will be the usual large turnover of players with the only notable RFAs being Clarke, Hatakka, Daws and Schmid, and it wouldn't shock me if they all return.

Some good points there. I'll add to it by saying we don't know how much Fitz tried to make changes, both to the head coach or players, but the people he wanted weren't available or were overpriced. Having said that, my faith in him has gone down several notches.

There's probably teams in the play-offs that'll can their coaches when they get eliminated that Fitz might want to look at. Can't see any changes by Friday, but Fitz really needs to be ahead of the curve on this.

Can we change coach between periods?

Just seen the joyous news. Thank fck for that! I'm glad Fitz has only appointed a temporary coach. Let's see where this takes us. LGD!

Keystone cops defending on that third goal.

You, me and pretty much anyone else might think the bolded is a good idea, but Lindy? I'm not holding my breath.

Simply not good enough in any department.

Even if there isn't a permanent replacement, if you're serious about trying to get to the play-offs, you get in a coach until the end of the season. There just aren't any justifiable excuses why Ruff is still in charge.

This. LGD!

I always thought he was pretty decent for us, but it certainly hasn't gone well for him in Pittsburgh. Can't see many teams wanting to take his contract on.

I have no doubt that every action by both the NHL and individual clubs has been scrutinized and cleared by their legal teams. It's the only way they can protect themselves against being sued at a later date.

+ find a new goalie coach. How Rogalski still has a job defies belief.

I think we need a goalie coach as much as we need a goalie. Rogalski hasn't received anywhere near the criticism he deserves.

I never used to rate him, but he's grown on me. He definitely stepped up in the playoffs last season and he's been really solid this year.

They already have someone to hand towels to the players. Send him to the press box I say.

I'm looking forward to this game immensely. It seems like forever since we were last watching Devils hockey, but it hasn't been as long as in previous years. My expectations for the team are definitely greater than they have been for a long time. Are we finally going to see a power play that can make a difference in games? Will Jack hit 100 points? Will Bratt, Nico & Dougie outperform last year's totals? Will Luke & Holtz make the step up? Will the goalies be as good as last year? Can't wait to find out. LFGD!

Disappointing as it might be for Nemec I don't think it's a surprise. I can't see any way he doesn't get a chance as the season goes on, though.

Well, not experts at all, that's why I used the quotation marks. I've seen it on a three or four sites where they've been predicting how the division will finish. Rags finishing second and the Devils third. It really had me scratching my head. Not because I think the Devils will be all conquering, but because I just can't see what is so great about the Rags. They look bloody average.

I know it's only pre-season, but having seen the Rags play a couple of times now, I'm baffled why some "experts" have them finishing above the Devils and competing for a cup. And, after watching the pre-season games so far do you get a different feeling from the Devils team? They seem to have a confidence or belief in themselves that hasn't been there before. I really can't wait for this season to start.

The 4th line looks like it's going to get under the skin of a few teams this season.

I totally agree with the bolded comment. Not 100% sure Holtz is NHL ready yet, but he certainly looks like the rookie forward most likely to stick with the team, at the moment.

I can't wait for the season to start, so I'll take any game I can find a stream for tonight. LGD!

That's just terribly sad news. His life had only just started. As you said MadDog. Fvck cancer.

I'm sure you're right that it isn't plan A. In all honesty, I'm not expecting him to make much of an impact at camp.