This year’s New Jersey Devils team doesn’t excite me. I don’t think they are bad either which is why I believe this will be a harder working team.
Playing Carolina had a psychological meaning since the Devils’ last game in the past season was against this very team – a game for the ages, one the Devils want to forget!
A 2-0 victory where Coach Lemaire praised every single player gave the team that little bit more of confidence despite line juggles by the Coach.
The Devils are 3-2-1 in the Atlantic, which I think is arguably the toughest division where the Rangers are playing very well, the defending Cup Champs Penguins cannot be counted out and the Flyers have a solid team. The Isles will have to wait a bit and rebuild (seems they have been rebuilding since their last Cup) around John Tavares.
The point is that in the Atlantic it’s never “still early” – EVERY game counts. What worries me is the lack of scoring but this is always a theme for the Devils. The biggest acquisition will be the return of Patty Elias, he is needed but will not be rushed. I am confident he will give a boost and make our lines deeper and a tad more dynamic.
A lot of early positives, let me give you some of my thoughts…
Marty Brodeur isn’t what he used to be but still a very good goalie.
Zach Parise is the real deal. Next Captain and one of the game’s top players. He is the go to guy.
Travis Zajac is coming into his own and playing into his big frame. He could be the breakout player for the Devils this season.
David Clarkson is getting more minutes and different game situations. Can he be a Dino Ciccarelli type of player? I have compared him to Brent Sutter in previous blogs.
Rob Niedermayer. I always wanted to see Niedermayer in a Devils jersey again, Rob is a pleasant surprise and fits the Devils mold.
Bergfors/Halischuk/Pikkarainen too early to tell but they have held their own.
Paul Martin is playing a poised game leading the team in ice time.
Johnny Oduya also up there in ice time., an all around dman.
Andy Greene needs to play more and gain a little more confidence. His rush, and almost score, last night versus the Canes shows what he is capable of. He just doesn’t want to take too many chances.
Thursday we see the Rangers again and will be yet another test and divisional game. We need to build more confidence.
Marty Brodeur is one Shut Out closer to legend Terry Sawchuk. This is just another notch on a Hall of Fame career for Brodeur. 102 Shut Outs says a lot of Marty’s longevity and the success of the team he plays for. It will come barring any unforeseeable circumstances, the sooner the better so that there is not a lot of distraction and fanfare. Good luck Marty!
Lets go Devils!
Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
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