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Devils at the quarter mark

February 9, 2013, 4:35 PM ET [26 Comments]
Roger Mussa
New Jersey Devils Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
After the first of a joke-and-home against the mighty Penguins the Devils find themselves with 17 points. Thats good for top of the Atlantic Division, top of the Eastern Conference and second only to the Blackhawks in the NHL. (I am writing mid day with many NHL games to go thus standings will change.
Yes, the same New Jersey Devils that were in the Stanley Cup Finals and did nothing to replace the departure of Zach Parise.

No doubt the Devils have looked good but also look like a tight knit group.

A few comments;
Brodeur has looked good. Today's late game save on Malkin has to crack his top 10 saves of his career.
Hedberg has looked great! I really like this tandem as one of the all time best.

Kovalchuk I have liked. I do think he has another gear but he is also trying to become better defensively and it shows. He drank the Kool Aid.

Salvador, the Captain, has played his role almost perfect. Really love what I see from him all around.

Green looks like has settled into what the Devils expect him to do. Ad points are coming.

Larsson needs to play, and make mistakes, to develop. This is where he needs to be and the Devils will be happy he did in two years as he develops into their expectations.

I do think my favorite D man is Zidlicky. The Devils have given him the green light and he has doe a great job on the PP. I think he is the missing piece in the Devils D. Love what he has given us.

Henrique a pleasant chip back into the lineup.
Elias is vintage. My favorite player and still consistently delivering. A true Devil.

And how can I not mention Clarkson? He is becoming a fantasy gem and a Coach DeBoer favorite for good reason.

Our new Crash Line has played great. Third lines make a difference and I am confident if they are out there with the opposition's top line. Very comforting.

Matteau is too early to tell but I am hoping he sticks. Nice to see him his the score sheet today.
Butler I really like his comfort in shooting the puck. Hopefully he is one of Uncle Lou's steals.

So I sond like a broker record but I do think (every year) the Devils need to add a top 6 scoring winger. Or do they?

I was having a chat with another hockey person I respect and Dion Phaneuf's name came up and his struggle in Toronto.
This prompted me to ask myself a question, Would I like Phaneuf on my team?

Here is what I would throw out there:
Volchenkov, Tedenby, a pick for Phanueuf. Would TO go for it?

Devils fans, would you go for Phaneuf and what would you give for him?

Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate
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