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Captain America! Next, the rival Rangers |
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March 19, 2002,
Uncle Lou pulled one of the biggest, and significant, trades in Devils history.
Jamie Langenbrunner and Joe Nieuwendyk were traded to the New Jersey Devils for Jason Arnott, Randy McKay, and a 1st round draft pick.
The key to that deal was Langenbrunner, no doubt.
The next season, Langenbrunner had a then career best 22 goals and 33 assists for 55 points in 78 games. In the playoffs, he led the league in goals (11) and points (18) en route to his second Stanley Cup ring.
In July, 2006, Langenbrunner showed his loyalty by re-signing with the Devils rather than testing free agency. He signed a five-year, $14 million contract. Can you call him a true Devils, an Uncle Lou kind of player? Of course.
Jamie Langenbrunner will be Captain America and wear the “C” for Team USA in the Olympics.
This nomination is not only a testament to Jamie and his career but also represents the Devils’ organization as a whole. As a matter of fact another Devil, Zach Parise, will wear the “A”.
Langenbrunner is having a resurgence helping the Devils. Last year most would not have pegged Jamie as a Team USA member. Jamie has worn the “C” for the Devils proudly since taking over for Patrik Elias and has been an exemplary figure for the organization – something Uncle Lou is very proud of.
Thank you Captain America!
On with the season…
The Eastern Conference’s best team and one of the most consistent teams in the league this season, the New Jersey Devils, play cross river rivals the New York Rangers.
Yes, I have called them The Beast of the East and for good reason. Despite a rash of injuries to key players throughout the season, New Jersey has been able to plug in youth who have done the job very well – Rookie Niclas Bergfors leading the way with 13 goals and 14 assists.
The team seems solid up and down.
Martin Brodeur not showing signs of age or rust will most likely lead Team Canada for good reason. Marty has enjoyed an impressive year bouncing back from an off year last year.
Up front Zach Parise and Travis Zajac along with Langenbrunner (top three scorers for New Jersey) have enjoyed a great year. Patrik Elias has ignited a flame under Brian Rolston’s game since coming back from injury and given the Devils much depth.
Let’s not forget the “role players” as they are called doing a good job shutting down the opposition as well as contributing to the scoreboard – Rob Niedermayer, Dean McAmmond, David Clarkson and Jay Pandolfo to name a few.
On D, the team has not missed a beat. Even with top blueliner Paul Martin out with an injury they have played very well. On paper Johnny Oduya, Mike Mottau, Bryce Salvador, Colin White, Andy Greene and Mark Fraser looks rather ordinary but they have come to play.
The New Jersey Devils come off a loss to the Lightning (a game that lasted three days due to suspension of the game that was halted half way through) so a rival will put a little pep into the game and get the Devils on the winning side again. It will not be easy, however, the Rangers have been playing well and making up ground in the standings so a shot at “top dog” will get them ready to prove a point.
Devils Keys To The Game
1- Solve Lundqvist early on as Parise/Zajac/Langenbrunner have been hot and this line will be the key.
2- Play tough and set the tempo physically against the Rangers.
3- Not get away from what has worked - play disciplined 60 minutes avoiding distractions on the ice.
Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
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