Todd Cordell: G20 New Jersey Devils @ Minnesota Wild: Zacha returns

Wild will get stronger as season goes on... Devils probably weaker.

The mid-season grind has begun, and this is where the Devils will suffer without defensemen who are strong in zone pressure situations (I think only Greene is adequate in this regard). Unless Hynes knows how to get more goals out of this offense, she's going to be a long season from now until mid March, where I think the Devils will have a resurgent end of the season.

It's not going to be as bad as last season, but they'll be lucky if they get at least a point in the standings per game in this 45 or so game grind.

Crazy idea... but what if Zacha tried playing on Defense?

It's sure gonna be a wild game

Crazy idea... but what if Zacha tried playing on Defense?
- Leniwm1

It's an interesting but crazy idea. Considering he's been somewhat successful as a center playing wing should be relatively easy for him so they should try him there before getting desperate. There are very few guys who can convert from F to D or D to F on this level. I know Brent Burns tried playing forward and John Moore use to be a forward (but converted before the NHL) but sounds like a super longshot of working.

It's sure gonna be a wild game
- PapaSquat

It's an interesting but crazy idea. Considering he's been somewhat successful as a center playing wing should be relatively easy for him so they should try him there before getting desperate. There are very few guys who can convert from F to D or D to F on this level. I know Brent Burns tried playing forward and John Moore use to be a forward (but converted before the NHL) but sounds like a super longshot of working.
- Queenie_5_hole

I wish I had Hynes' #...

He's got the size, skill, mobility.. Just change of mindset is needed... We need help on D... We need him in lineup every game... Seems like perfect fit.

Scoring has dried up for sure but it's not like we've been playing terrible.

I wish I had Hynes' #...

He's got the size, skill, mobility.. Just change of mindset is needed... We need help on D... We need him in lineup every game... Seems like perfect fit.
- Leniwm1

Being able to skate backwards while keeping up with players in the NHL is no easy transition for a forward to make. I'd imagine he'd get burned on a nightly basis, without being able to blame him one bit

Being able to skate backwards while keeping up with players in the NHL is no easy transition for a forward to make. I'd imagine he'd get burned on a nightly basis, without being able to blame him one bit
- SteveJ123

If someone can't skate backwards they have no business in NHL.

Scoring has dried up for sure but it's not like we've been playing terrible.
- FAZOOL

Agree, out of our last 6 losses 4 of those game could have easily went the other way 2 were lost in overtime, the game against Toronto should of been a win but Anderson stood on his head and the game against the Blues was lost by one goal if you don’t count the empty net

If someone can't skate backwards they have no business in NHL.
- Leniwm1

Completely misses the point, but okay

Why don't we try Zacha through a wood-chipper?

Looking for Zacha and Henrique to come out flying in this game. If they stick with the lines from practice it should be interesting. They need to get back to winning games.

Looking for Zacha and Henrique to come out flying in this game. If they stick with the lines from practice it should be interesting. They need to get back to winning games.
- TRDevil

I like Zacha with Zajac. If Zacha could turn into Zajac 2.0 I would be okay with that.

3-0 wild


DOOMED

I like Zacha with Zajac. If Zacha could turn into Zajac 2.0 I would be okay with that.
- TRDevil

Zacha, Zajac and Bratt could be the BuZZ line..... but only if it works.

3-0 wild


DOOMED
- shvingter88

3-2 Devils

Why don't we try Zacha through a wood-chipper?
- Pomegrant

Would that qualify for a compensatory pick next draft?

Would that qualify for a compensatory pick next draft?
- smellmyfinger

Lou would have gotten one. Not sure about Shero.

Feels like it's going to be a long night already.

Just a reminder that The Wild have another 7 years of the Parise contract after this season.

Just a reminder that The Wild have another 7 years of the Parise contract after this season.
- smellmyfinger

with the injuries he looks like a shell of his former self. sad really. Parise was so much fun to watch for us.

Just a reminder that The Wild have another 7 years of the Parise contract after this season.
- smellmyfinger

Easily the worst game played so far this season. 4 shots on goal.