Devils' disturbing trend

[Rock]

Devils' disturbing trend

http://www.bergenrecord.com/page.php?qstr=...2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2

Thursday, October 23, 2003

By TOM GULITTI

STAFF WRITER

EAST RUTHERFORD - The problem, as the Devils saw it, wasn't that they let another lead slip away.

It was that the lead wasn't big enough.

From any perspective, it added up to a stunning 2-1 loss to the Florida Panthers on Wednesday at Continental Arena.

The Devils appeared headed for a 1-0 victory until the Panthers got goals 42 seconds apart from Jay Bouwmeester and Olli Jokinen in the final 5:23 to snap a five-game winless streak (0-3-2).

The defending Stanley Cup champions remained winless at home (0-2-1) and have lost their last two. Only 10,016 showed up to see Wednesday's loss. If not for a last-second goal from Sergei Brylin in a 2-2 tie in their home opener against Toronto a week ago, the Devils would be 0-3 at the Meadowlands.

They have been ahead in all five contests thus far, but have one victory (1-2-2). They have let two third-period leads slip away.

Last season the Devils went 69 games before losing two in a row in regulation. This season, it's taken them five.

"Obviously, we've been giving away a lot of points late in games that can come back and haunt you late in the season when they're so valuable," right wing Jamie Langenbrunner said. "It's not too early. The season has started."

It was Langenbrunner who provided a 1-0 lead by finishing off a 3-on-2 rush 5:15 into the third period. But that advantage proved insufficient.

"It's not like it was a huge lead," Devils' captain Scott Stevens pointed out. "It was a paltry lead."

Which gets to the root of the problem.

The Devils haven't scored more than two goals since a 3-3 tie in their season opener in Boston. They have scored just 10 times all season.

"We can't play 82 one-goal games," center John Madden said. "At some point in the year, you've got to score two or three goals early and put some teams away."

(Madden said the same last year, the difference is that last year he said it later and the Devils had a winning record at the time.)

The Devils had a chance to do that Wednesday with three first-period power plays, including a 5-on-3 for 42 seconds, but they couldn't convert. Surprisingly, their power play produced five goals in their first four games.

Panthers' goalie Roberto Luongo deserves some of the credit. He stopped 32 of 33 shots and was sharp throughout.

Jeff Friesen appeared to have Luongo down and out when he gobbled up a Scott Niedermayer rebound in front with 5:40 left in the second. In his haste to give the Devils the lead, however, he fired a wrist shot behind the goalie, but wide of the right post.

"I missed a wide open net," Friesen said. "I think it hit [Viktor] Kozlov's stick and went wide. We have to start capitalizing on chances like that.''

The Devils also ran into a little bad luck. Langenbrunner struck the right post with a wrist shot from the right circle with 3:04 left in the second. Ninety seconds later rookie defenseman David Hale hit the right post.

That didn't seem to matter after Langenbrunner scored, but things quickly unraveled in the final minutes.

First, Bouwmeester fired a shot from the bottom of the right circle that deflected off the stick of Devils defenseman Brian Rafalski in front and skidded between goaltender Martin Brodeur's pads with 5:23 remaining. Jokinen scored the game-winner only 42 seconds later. Brodeur made a left arm save on Niklas Hagman's slap shot from the left circle, but the rebound carried to Jokinen, who fired it home from the right circle for his second of the season.

"When you go out and you play tight games, a bounce can decide the outcome of the game," Brodeur said. "When you're hot, you win these games and when you're not something happens that prevents you from winning games."

DEVILS BRIEFS: After sitting out the first four games as a healthy scratch, defenseman Sean Brown made his Devils' debut. In addition, Niedermayer returned to the Devils' lineup after missing Saturday's loss to Tampa Bay with a sore back. Paul Martin, who scored his first NHL goal Saturday, and Tommy Albelin sat out to make room for Brown and Niedermayer. Left wing Christian Berglund also was a healthy scratch. ... . After signing with the Rangers on Wednesday, former Devil Pascal Rheaume said he believes he would have returned to New Jersey this season if not for his former agent, Don Meehan. Rheaume, who unwisely turned down the Devils' qualifying offer of $632,000 in July to become an unrestricted free agent, recently ditched Meehan for Bob Murray. ... The Devils visit Pittsburgh on Friday night before hosting Boston on Saturday.

[JesterDevil]

I still wish Rheaume would have signed. Every time I seen him play he basically had Devil tattooed on his forehead.

It's a shame.

[Ice Man]

The Devils are playing the same at the start of this season as last season however Marty was winning/stealing the games at the start of last season. That hasn't happen from Marty so far this season. So the comparison is that the start of one season to another season is that the Devils are actually playing the same in my opinion.

Marty's shoulders were sore from carrying this team at the beginning of last season. Just not hapeen so far this season.

Igor is doing wonders with the PP but he can't do the scoring all alone. He looked good last night on the PP but the rest of the Devils players were resting.

The only offensive line with any spark was Madden Pando and Langenbrunner.

Gomez continue to flounder and as a result spent about the same time on the bench as the previous game. Marshall was moved off of the Elias line but no difference was seen because the problem is Gomez or Elias or both. I stick with Gomez as the problem at least Elias plays the PP and PK.

Are you ready for a trade of Gomez? Is it time? If he continues to flounder he could be worth nothing in a trade, think about that. Maybe Almo will buy out his contract. Almo was the only player that made Gomez look good, without Almo Gomez has stunk. Three different coaches have had to get all over him during different mid seasons for playing poorly that should tell you something.

The Devils offense is weak and has been weak. They don't have the player or players. They will scramble back on defense more because of last night and that will hurt them again as far as offense. Burns has to turn them loose with offense and let them see what happens. This is nothing new with the Devils teams.

You get what you pay for-----The Trap.

Edited October 23, 2003 by Ice Man

[redruM]

Off 5 games you want to trade gomez???

How about we discuss some of thr ridiculus lines??

gionta w/ elias and gomez??? ridiculus!!!! 5 ganmes into the season and we are already flipping lines???

and then we have rupp marshall and i'm not even sure who???

This is probably the ugliest part of my personality... but its time to question the coach?? why is Brown not playing while albelein is??.... why is gionta playing.....

I know its early, but so far I donot like this team this year....they donot crach the net, all shots are from long range, not commitimet to finishing checks....

and now they have already blown a 3rd period lead....I'mnot happy...

[msweet]

I know its early, but so far I donot like this team this year....they donot crach the net, all shots are from long range, not commitimet to finishing checks....

The only line crashing the net is the Madden line.

And they are our checking line.

I've yet to see Marshall or Rupp in front of the net.

[M.]

Olp's favorite agent Meehan stikes again! Too bad this time it cost us Pascal.

[Jas0nMacIsaac]

The Devils are playing the same at the start of this season as last season however Marty was winning/stealing the games at the start of last season. That hasn't happen from Marty so far this season. So the comparison is that the start of one season to another season is that the Devils are actually playing the same in my opinion.

Marty's shoulders were sore from carrying this team at the beginning of last season. Just not hapeen so far this season.

Igor is doing wonders with the PP but he can't do the scoring all alone. He looked good last night on the PP but the rest of the Devils players were resting.

The only offensive line with any spark was Madden Pando and Langenbrunner.

Gomez continue to flounder and as a result spent about the same time on the bench as the previous game. Marshall was moved off of the Elias line but no difference was seen because the problem is Gomez or Elias or both. I stick with Gomez as the problem at least Elias plays the PP and PK.

Are you ready for a trade of Gomez? Is it time? If he continues to flounder he could be worth nothing in a trade, think about that. Maybe Almo will buy out his contract. Almo was the only player that made Gomez look good, without Almo Gomez has stunk. Three different coaches have had to get all over him during different mid seasons for playing poorly that should tell you something.

The Devils offense is weak and has been weak. They don't have the player or players. They will scramble back on defense more because of last night and that will hurt them again as far as offense. Burns has to turn them loose with offense and let them see what happens. This is nothing new with the Devils teams.

You get what you pay for-----The Trap.

lol, that why Gomez got 70 points with McKay and Lemeiux and his pace went down playing with Mogilny for the last couple of games of the season. Gomez needs a grinder that can finish, Berglund would be my first bet, he play identicle to Lemieux, maybe Marshall can fill the void for McKay. I don't really know but Burns better break Elias and Gomez up, they arn't good for each other, I don't know how many times I said it.

[rbdf]

Trade Gomez?

Why?

Because Elias can't finish any of the great set ups?

Because Elias has become afraid to go into the corners for a puck?

Because Grant Marshal, as much as I like him, is nothing more than a 4th line grinder - who benefited greatly in last year's playoffs because of his linemates bouncing pucks off him.

Yeah, that's real smart, trade the playmaker. What happens next year when larionov is retired and the dev's have exactly -0- playmaking centers? I've yet to see Rupp pick his head up and see the ice, know who is where and who is going where, and lace a puck through 3 opponents sticks and skates to set someone up. Frankly, I don't think I ever will see that from him. Madden, although capable of some nice work with Langs and Pando (god I wish he would finish once in a while), is still a defensive specialist, who makes things happen off transition plays because of his defensive prowess.

I admit, the Gomez/elias combo doesn't exactly work as well as it should - individually, you look at these guys play and your amazed by their talents, but together, other than gomez being able to feed pucks through traffic to set up quick snap shots by elias (that so far have been wide or into a goalie's chest) just doesn't seem to be working. Maybe you try elias with larionov, gomer with freisen? Or, maybe shift gomer onto maddens left wing and let him set up langs and madden as they seem to be the only guys able to bury a puck lately?

Bottom line, it's what, five games, in october? If it's still like this in January, then I'll worry and look for trades. Until then, juggle a bit, try out some rookies and let's see if we can find some pieces that click.

[Devils731]

Trade Gomez?

Why?

Because Elias can't finish any of the great set ups?

I must be missing these great set-ups. I actually thought Elias played a fantastic game last night in spite of his linemates. He had a bunch of chances to score, including hitting a crossbar. I saw him creating a lot by himself though.

-Scott

[Ice Man]

OK rbdf you make a case for dumping Elias. I can see your point but I just don't see Gomez making those plays as a playmaker you speak of. Neither is doing the job but as I posted Elias is on PP and PK and doing well on PK. Marshall that's another story he shouldn't be with the Devils he brings nothing of what they need to the ice.

redruM you bitch at me for wanting to trade this early, my decision is based on not just these 5 games. You bitch and get upset about the line changes, they are because Burns sees the same as I regarding Gomez. Gomez's first game he played almost 18 minutes now he is down to 12 to 13. Burns sees that he doesn't have it yet and I wonder if he ever will. So that's why the line changes and change Gomez requires a shift in all lines except the Madden Pando Langer line that shouldn't change they are the only I repeat ONLY ones coming to play on the ice for the Devils so far.

Good try Jason, Gomez didn't get 70 points with only the two guys you mentioned. Almo made Gomez. His production fell off with Claude. McKay was on the line with both. Gomez looked good during those times because he was new to the league and because the opponents were focused on Almo or Claude and McKay. Once they left then Gomez showed what he really was a young kid needing help while he has hustle his move are always the same and every one knows them. He can't work with Elias or Elias can't work with him. Probably better to trade them both for what the Devils get for the money.

Every one keeps saying it's only 5 games into the season. They say it's too early. I agree no one trades today but one must be thinking about it before the value of these players goes down any further. How quickly some forget that the same bitching about Gomez and Elias was going on last season by many that post here. Three (3) different coaches have had to get on Gomez's case, WHY? Answer me that. There is a message there and not a good one.

It's time.

And redruM it's not time to question the coach, he is like a book. All defense. He's never had a good offensive team or one that plays the PP well. He is all about defense. Play defense and win low scoring games, that's it. If on offense be prepared to backpedal quickly to defense so therefore there isn't any finish for fear of being caught down low. Burns is frustrated because the team isn't holding a lead with defense so he is shifting the lines to see what that does to their heads. Burns will win therefore the Devils will win when they, the team, get on the defensive pages of the book. He strongly believes this and has throughout his coaching career. He's a COP and that means demands respect and won't stand for BS or players that won't follow the game plan. That's why Lou got Burns to reduce the inconsistency of the former Devils teams and he has reduce that issue. Lou wants defense because it's less expensive and it is usually what wins playoffs. They don't have money for offensive players they are losing money and fans each year. This is the best they can do. Only 10,000 there last night. It's a Catch 22. The defense isn't as good this year because of Devils player losses and youth on the defense. Burns is trying to season the defensive youth.

In time the defense will improve and the Devils will win. Marty isn't stealing any games either as he did last season early on.

The offense won't get better. It will be highly productive in peaks ands valleys but few peaks. Like last year. How quickly we forget.

In the meantime consider that Gomez isn't very productive. Nor is Elias. I would rather try to get Elias going with using different players than Gomez. Simple as that, can't do both. Elias has talent but it's being restricted by Burns pressure to play defense.

[Pepperkorn]

Can't you just make these a short and sweet "trade Gomez" and leave it a that.. you know or even "it's time" since you're so fond of it...that's even better in fact! Just "it's time" end of post -- understood.

[NJayDevil]

If we trade Gomez, could we package fans to go along with him?

I package Gomez/Fans that panic after 5 games for Comrie/Fans that have patience.

That I will do.

[Devils731]

Who will understand that some people have wanted to trade Gomez for years and it isn't based on 5 games? Sorry its just annoying to have my opinion written off because some people generalize and assume its some sort of snap judgement based off a bad start.

-Scott

[Triumph]

But it is a snap judgement based on a good start... that is to say, the incredibly fortiutous manner that Gomez's career began.. remember, he was on the third line his first year, and the 2nd his second year. It's very unlikely that most other teams in the NHL could keep Gomez in those roles considering the seasons he was having. But as a result of the Devils' depth being eaten away, he's now the 1st line center. He's not yet 24. Give me the names of all the other 24 year old 1st line centers and show me their production in that role, then I'll get mad at Gomez for not living up to those standards.

College players are just making the NHL at 23 or 24. Gomez has 4 NHL seasons. He's only going to get better. Unless he goes through another effortless slump this season (which I doubt since this is his arbitration eligible year and we know for damn sure he's applying), we're keeping him.

Edited October 23, 2003 by Triumph

[westcoastdevfan]

If trading Gomez will bring back somebody who can score, please do so. The Devils offense is boring with no creativity. They have some brilliant flashes but no body except for Langenbrunner and Friesen can finish. It has been almost painful to watch. I am not concerned though after just 5 games. If not much has changed after 20 games, a move needs to be made.

[Ice Man]

I like Triumph's point. He is young and doesn't belong on the first line. Expectation exceed the ability. But then Marshall doesn't belong on the first line either and Gionta doesn't belong there. So it's Lamerillo's fault. I don't disagree. So its play defense and hope they can hold on and then have some (many) breaks during the playoffs and Cup finals.

Can't trade Lamerillo--yet.

[olp]

The offense won't get better. It will be highly productive in peaks ands valleys but few peaks. Like last year. How quickly we forget.

Yeah! It is just like last year, and we all know how much they sucked. I think it is you that forgets GR.

Poor GR, had to bite his tongue all summer because the Devils actually succeeded. Nothing to complain about. Nobody to bash. Must have been a horrible summer. Ah, but the Devils are losing, so out he comes!

And yes, GR. It is time. Time for your meds. All that winning drove you to lunacy.

[Nieuwy25]

It's the Stanley Cup Championship hangover that I think every Championship team lately has gone through. They didn't have offense last year either, but they got enough to get the job done. Just give it time!

[Jas0nMacIsaac]

Gomez is a perfect 2nd line center, the problem is we don't have a true first line center and we may have to wait 2 or 3 years for Parise to jump on that role. Rupp is at best a 3rd line center and should be on the 4th line IMO or maybe in Albany, I really don't like what he brings to the devils lineup. He is huge, soft, no mean streak, slow, defensive liability, and average offensive talent for a 3rd line center, once you think of it, he is much like a european.

[rbdf]

All anyone has to do is focus on Gomez for one game and you will see this kid pick up teammates with his peripheral vision, never letting on to the defender that someone is coming into position, then lace a pass right out to their shooting hole. Where do you think all of elias' little one time snap shots come from? They come from Gomer finding him in a split second while a d-man and center are pouncing on gomer in the corner or along the boards, and gomer squeaks the puck out to him. How many times has he set up ralfi or neids as the late trailer skating into the play while everyone was focused on cycling the puck around in a circle in the corner, then out of nowhere gomer sends it to the high slot to catch neids or ralfi in full stride coming across the blue line. The kid is phenomenal, but because he doesn't score a ton of goals, and hasn't had anyone (tell me who on the devils in the last 3 years could be considered a finisher) to finish, well then to all the naysayers, this kid sucks, he's got an attitude problem, he'll never amount to anything, blah blah blah.

How many people criticize neids for being lazy and not showing effort out there, yet, he's consistently mentioned for the norris, is well known as one of the fastest skaters in the league and every coach in the nhl would love to have him.

Watch the GAME people. Not just the outcome, not just the puck. Watch the entire setup, try to see what the players see. Very, Very, Very few have the gift that gomer has. To see the open guy when you've got all the time in the world and everyone is standing still is easy (like on the power play). To be able to do that at full speed, full stregnth and be able to see who is ABOUT TO BECOME the open guy, and precisely where that opening will be, and further still, squeeze the puck out to that space is the gift that gomer has. Ron Francis has that gift. Yzerman has that gift, Hull & Shanni do not . Mari-old has that gift, Jagr does not. Sakic has that gift, but Forsberg does not. The ability to see the whole ice and all the skaters as things unfold at full speed and anticipate the next move of every player out there, at full speed with attackers closing in on you, sticks and skates getting into passing lanes, players coming over the boards and joining the rush late, etc. etc.

Watch the GAME people, not the puck.

You miss 90% of the action, you miss what makes this game what it is, if all you do is follow the puck.

[Ice Man]

Hey olp

read again: "So its play defense and hope they can hold on and then have some (many) breaks during the playoffs and Cup finals."

Many many many breaks last season.

With the Devils there is nothing to talk about all summer, never is unless it's about not signing UFA.

The talk about the Championship ended in July what more could be said. It's time to get on to today.

You live in the past I choose not to. Unless there is a benefit. I choose not to be a homer. I see what's happening on the ice and I don't like it.

I don't think olp that I am the only one not happy with the Devils play after 5 games this season. Many many excuse can be made for them. None are acceptable.

We expect too much. All except you.

[Jerrydevil]

I expect the offense to pick up, and I'm not ready to write off Scott Gomez. He needs to play better, yes.

As for Rupp, I'm hoping that those predicting that he won't amount to anything are wrong, but a guy who's 6-foot-5 shouldn't be invisible on the ice. And he has been invisible.

[olp]

Yeah, I guess you're right. After all, defense only won them 3 cups.

When exactly did I say I was happy with their play after 5 games? Reading between the lines again GR? I am not particularly happy, but I'm also not ready to jump the gun and make trades after only 5 games either. I am not particularly pleased with their play so far, but to start the trade talk after 5 games is assinine.

You are right though. You do expect too much - not a reasonable amount of success - too much.

Oooh, and I'm glad I'm a Homer. I love Homer!

[rbdf]

WOO HOO!!!

[Devils731]

I watch the games, I watch Gomez's great vision lead to turnover after turnover. Gomez is very good at picking up the late trailer, but that does not make him a playmaker. He dances around the ice zigging and zagging and more often than not the team who controls the puck after Gomez releases it is the opposing team.

-Scott