Mitico12

The fact of the matter is that the Devs hang their heads too soon when going down by a goal or so... There's no identity on the blue line...Raffy isn't putting up the numbers he's supposed to... I'll tell you, I would have much rather have offered Nieds a little more money, as he can play both sides of the puck, rather than Raffy... I'd love to have 'em both, but I think Nieds is the better defender....

It's funny...we sit here as a group talking about these fools, while they laugh their way to the bank! Unreal...why do we even pay attention!

Parise? The guy cannot stick handle in the zone for smack...he scored a lucky break-out goal...one that Jiri Bicek could have scored two years ago...I want to see more puck control from Parise...make guys chase you

Our defense is absolutely disgusting! You can absolutely tell tonight that a guy like Niedermayer is really, really missed! We just don't have it...McGillis and Brown need to take a seat on the bench...at this point, I would rather take a gamble on Hale playing regular minutes... No shot on the point...no shot...! Any way to coherse Pittsburgh to cough up Gonchar for McGillis? I know, wishful thinking... Bright Spots... Elias will come back before the end of the season, therefore he could sign some autographs at the games... Unreal!

So, in an interview on FSN, Stan Fischler suggests that Dano be given serious consideration for the job... I love Dano, but is he ready for this if it is offered to him?

It's hard to shoot the puck when you don't have someone who can do so. The Devs, with the exception of Brown and McGillis, don't have someone, even a forward, who has a laser of a shot...alla Richer, Friesen, Sykora... Maybe when Elias gets back we have another point man... The Devs need to start looking for a shooter... I've got the solution...work on one-touch passing to get the goaltender moving side to side...sooner or later you'll get the shot in...

Well, at least LL had enough respect to give Abs his number back...I mean, the guy did spend a few months practicing for no pay...makes sense...

Parise, Martin, and Langenbrunner are not playing well enough to even merit consideration to play for the women's national team... However, Pando should have been selected...I'm disappointed that Pando won't be going...he would have made a great addition.... Sorry Pando! You're still our favorite!

Guys...this is the New York/New Jersey area...remember, Lamoriello has an Italian last name...so, with that being said, Malakhov is retired, and that's final. He'll take an envelope with some cash in it, and call it a day...he's been made an offer he can't refuse, and so he'll return to Russia with some pocket change, and never look back... Get it...

Raffy, Martin...they don't deserve to go... Parise...not even a chance... Langenbrunner...I think he's got a better shot at making it...

We should name this event (these happenings), "Devils Holiday Bash '05"... ;-)

I wouldn't doubt that Malakhov retired. He signed based on the fact that Robinson was coaching the team. Since Robinson's gone, there will be no one to get his back, so I'm certain Vlady made his way home for the holidays... Our defense has been nothing but lack-luster this season... Paul Martin hasn't produced, and Raffy is seemingly the only guy that can do something on the PP... Whitey has played strong, but has been nagged by injuries... Any chance Al Mo retires now too??

SUNDSTROM- I really think you haven't been all that observant lately. How would you figure trading away Scott Gomez would work? I mean, he's the only guy on the team that can carry the puck across the blue line, and is actually putting up points... He's one of the top 10 play-making centers in the league, and is not making a big salary... Agreed, trade away a defenseman, but Gomez you must keep!

I think not too many people have mentioned the fact that the morale on the Devils team is not what it should be. A lot of the players are playing scared because they fear being traded or waived once Elias makes his return to the lineup. It doesn't take a genius to realize that unhappy employees make for poor producers. Bobby Holik, in an article written by Tom Gulliti, confirms this very point. Not too many players on the Devs are comfortable right now knowing that they may have to ship themselves and their families away once Elias returns...this makes for poor team chemistry and a very, very bad team envioronment... I agree, not only will the Devils not win the Stanley Cup, but also they won't make the playoffs, nor do they deserve to if they keep playing this way.... Once Elias returns, the Devils will regain their identity!

Guys, keep dreaming...although Luongo for Brodeur seems like a good deal, Marty's presence in net, and off the ice, is what will ultimately keep him here until the end of his career... Marty's the Devils only franchise guy right....

Everyone is talking about Sykie making a possible return to NJ...quite improbable if you ask me, especially considering the amount of money he makes. What everyone should be speculating about is a true, bonafide center making his way to New Jersey. As it stands, the only guy that can really break the blue line coming down the middle is Scott Gomez. The Devs don't have another play-making center in the fold...Parise has been shifted to the wing, Madden was never known for his play making ability, and Rasmussen isn't exactly Sydney Crosby.... Yes, Brylin can play a variety of positions, but he's not exactly someone who I think is a top two or three center...I think he's better off on the wing if you asked me... I would start speculating that if someone is going to return to New Jersey it would be someone like Brendan Morrison...this guy can play both sides of the puck, and is very creative... Name players...it doesn't matter. The truth is, and Lou knows it, that the Devs are lacking a true, play-making center to follow Scott Gomez. As it stands, opposing teams get quasi-nervous only when Gomer, Gio, and Kozy get on the ice... Bring in another true, play making centerman!

Folks, very interesting points, but none of you have gone into detail at mentioning the lethargic play of Zach Parise. Much like the previous holder of #9 (Jiri Bicek), Parise appears to be skating for absolutely no reason at all. Hustle, Hustle, but then, nothing. Here's the future of the franchise, and yet, he's produced absolutely nothing beside being (-) minus for many of his shifts and for taking questionable penalties. Granted, you can't fault him personally for a lot of the issues the Devs are experiencing, but at the same time, he's not making much of a case for himself. Part of it may be the coaching staff's issue. He's seldom utilized in odd situations (penalties, last minutes), and as was the case with the Rangers game, they didn't let him shoot the fourth shot in the shootout. We need production from guys like Zach. Period. With regard to goaltending, I've been quite satisfied with the play of Scott Clemmensen. He's done a good job. In all deference to Scott, I would also like to see Ari Ahonen get a game in as well. Let's see what this kid can bring....

Hey everyone...I just jointed the forum again after a while, and really think the conversation is interesting... Here's the deal: Is Niedermayer gone? Well, it all depends. However, given Scott Niedermayer' tenure with the club, and his position as acting captain two seasons ago, I really believe he will be staying in New Jersey. Nieds is still in his early 30's, and is arguably the best defensemen, both offensively and defensively, in the game today. The Devils, and organization that prides itself on defense, will most likely do everything immaginable to keep Scott Niedermayer as part of the organization for at least the next 3 to 5 sseasons. Here's the reason...Scott has been one of the three anchors the Devils have had over the past decade. He's won three cups with the team, and is very acquainted with the system. He's barely ever beaten on defense, and can provide a quick burst of offense when needed. He's proven he can be a leader, and he's in very good with head coach Larry Robinson. He's a must keep as far as I'm concerned. Brian Rafalski- Also a must keep. However, if I had to choose between Nieds and Raffy, then I would defintely go with Nieds. Here's why: Niedermayer is much better equipped physically to endure all kinds of playing styles, and overall, in my opinion, is the better skater. Yes, absolutely, does Rafalski have the ability to quarterback the PP, yes. However, in general, I believe Niedermayer is a big game guy, and has been here long enough to merit the investement over Raffy. I'm inclined to believe that Nieds is a "franchise guy," having been drafted so high back in 1992, and been with the team so long. In addition, Nieds' marketability is much higher than Raffy's...Niedermayer is a top-two defensemen on the Canadian National Team, and is one of Canada's best defensemen. In a new NHL that is to become more "user friendly and marketable," Niedermayer is for certain someone who has the edge over Raffy. In the end, however, I definitely would love to have both guys in the fold. Scott Stevens- The Devils proved they could play without him for the greater part of the 2003-2004 season, however, did buckle under the pressure in the playoffs without him. No question, Scottie is a huge part of this team. However, under the new economic system, he may not fit right into the grand scheme of things. Physically, the Devils do have guys who can step up and provide: David Hale, Richard Matvichuk, and Colin White. Stevens, however, would be good as an alternate coach/consultant for the team, and thus, Lou should do everything possible to keep him linked with the organization. NOTE, however, my observations on Stevens are coming from a "laymen's" angle. There was strong speculation during the 2004 playoffs that Stevens was OK to play, however, did not do so for the following reason: Knowing there was a lockout looming, Stevens knew that if he remained under "injury status," his contract for the 2004-2005 season would be paid regardless...lockout or not. And so, that's what is being alleged re Stevens' absence during the 2004 playoffs. If this is true, Lamoriello would know about it, and definitely reconsider if this is the kind of guy he wants in his organization.... You guys have discussed Gonchar, Leetch, and Zubov...well, I don't see any of them wearing the Devils jersey next year. If anything, I see the Devils making a stab at a low-key defensemen the likes of Mike Commodore, a guy who's very familiar with the system, and has developed a great deal with Calgary. Thats it for me... Any feedback...

Emulating the game of soccer, do you think it would be a prudent idea for the NHL to entertain the possibility of having each season's top five ranked clubs play clubs from other part of the world? Tournament would be held at the end of the season, or the beginning of the season, or during the season (on a rolling basis)? Or, do you believe the top-ranked AHL teams should have a tournament against the top ranked NHL teams in something like a "Pro-Cup" or something? Just shooting out some ideas...

Hey everyone, interesting forum as I just joined. Great to see Devs fans and hockey fans alike throwing the banter around! Good stuff. As for the shootout proposition, although it is exciting to have a shootout, I think it will eventually lose its appeal if you have many, many overtime games played out during the season. In additon, the shootout may become an NHLPA tool to drive up player salaries if indeed it becomes a fan favorite... All remains to be seen...