Grading Brent Sutter
When Brent Sutter was brought to the Devils franchise, Lou Lamoriello was able to twist the arm of the Red Deer Rebel owner and give him an opportunity to win on the big stage. Sutter’s tenure was filled with obstacles from the start, such as starting his first season on the road, moving into a new building, and injuries to key players last season. But in the end, his need to be with his family led to the decision to resign. With rumors about coaching with Calgary under his brother as GM, he will get another chance of leading his team to a Stanley Cup appearance.
Brent Sutter proved he could coach on this level and bring his system to the players. It was not easy to bring a different formula to many Stanley Cup winning Devils veterans, but he changed the dynamics of the Devils offensive attack. Zach Parise and Travis Zajac thrived under Sutter. Unfortunately, he was not able to solve the Devils’ inability to close out big playoff games while having the lead. Since Scott Stevens’ retirement, the Devils need a true “stopper” on the blue line, not players that can potentially be that role.
How would I grade Brent Sutter? Well, Devils fans should be glad he did not drag out this decision all summer long, which would change the dynamics of free agency and possibly the draft. Flames’ fans will be happy with this coach. However, with the Devils organization, they expect to win the Stanley Cup every year and didn’t even come close the last two years.
Grade: F-
Devils ownership deserves credit
Anyone that attended “Martin Brodeur Day” at the New Jersey state capitol building last Thursday would know what I am talking about. You were lucky enough to be picked, but even more to witness Brodeur receive the honor.
After making an announcement about this honor, the Devils organization received five times the amount of seats available from fans to go to this historic event and a long waiting list was needed. Fans that did go received a Martin Brodeur t-shirt, a mini goalie stick with a Brodeur autograph, a free train ride, and a boxed lunch. Best of all, Mr. Vanderbeek and his managing partner, Mike Gilfillan picked up the tab for the entire event for these lucky fans.
I’ve been to many fun events in my life, but never did I ever witness anything like this. Chants of “Let’s Go Devils!” and “Close the I-Zod!” (In reference to the old home the Devils used to play in) rained down from the balcony and constant chants throughout. Devils fans did the wave and familiar cheers that could be heard at the Prudential Center. You have to realize. This was not a hockey game, but during an official session of the State Senate and Assembly.
If this is a new plan to better market the New Jersey Devils to their fans, this is a great start. Everything the Devils did to plan this event was done first class and very well organized. I would venture to say that the Devils ownership went above and beyond for their fans. On the train, I met Ken Daneyko, NJ Devil (the team mascot), Grant Marshall, Rob Skrlac, the Devils owners, and best of all, Lou Lamoriello.
I am not sure what the media is talking about when they describe Lou Lamoriello but I found him to be extremely friendly. His presence is intimidating. Maybe it is because he is a living New Jersey legend. Not since meeting Joe Paterno did I feel that special aura in the room. We spoke for a few seconds and if there is ever a role model for kids, he is the man. He built the New Jersey Devils.
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