Should be Sal or Merril sitting.
- NickA

Sal. Our transition game sucks with both Volchenkov and Salvador.

Gelinas is getting scapegoated for the team letting up goals. Classic Deboner. Did the same thing with Kulikov in Florida.

Sal. Our transition game sucks with both Volchenkov and Salvador.
- rmdevil313

salvador is a pile of bricks.

No doubt that Gelinas sometimes looks flat-out bad in his own zone, but for what he brings offensively, this doesn't make sense. Its the stretch run here, and although the offense seems to be clicking for the past week, its still been the Devils Achilles heel all season and they need to be pulling out all the stops.

Gelinas is doing what he's supposed to be doing. He's there for his point shot and his PP prowess. The defense game will get better in time, but they can't afford to remove him right now.

To me its more glaring when stay-at-home defensemen like Salvador is just continually beat in the corners and in front of the net on every shift.

salvador is a pile of bricks.
- MrToast

Yeah, I'd rather see Volchenkov playing. Salvador looks lost.

No doubt that Gelinas sometimes looks flat-out bad in his own zone, but for what he brings offensively, this doesn't make sense. Its the stretch run here, and although the offense seems to be clicking for the past week, its still been the Devils Achilles heel all season and they need to be pulling out all the stops.

Gelinas is doing what he's supposed to be doing. He's there for his point shot and his PP prowess. The defense game will get better in time, but they can't afford to remove him right now.

To me its more glaring when stay-at-home defensemen like Salvador is just continually beat in the corners and in front of the net on every shift.
- ElvisLemieux

They should try to give Gelinas more offensive zone starts if they can't trust him defensively. He really doesn't need a lot of ice time to be effective as long as he gets to play in the offensive zone. Give him 10 mins of ES time in mostly offensive situations and a lot of PP time and we'll lower his defensive risk.

Do the Devils have the balls to use their other amnesties this summer on either Sal or Volch? I want to say yes, but I feel like they wouldn't throw money away like that. New owners though, so I dunno.

Todd Cordell: Here We Go Again
- Todd.Cordell

I think Gelinas is a case of people just seeing what they want to see.

I don't think they're better with Volchenkov or Harrold in the lineup. I don't think DeBoer thinks that either.

But, you can't gloss over some of the awful game that Gelinas has played lately. He threw the puck to Marleau for no reaosn at all late in the SJ game, which very well could've cost NJ at least 1 point, he didn't look good in Detroit on either side of the puck, very tenative leading the rush and no one played well defensively in that game. Easy paths for the Wings from the front of the net all the way to the high slot, recipe for disaster.

An effective Eric Gelinas is what makes this team better. Not Volchenkov, not Harrold, and not pretending Eric Gelinas' current level of play is acceptable.

This is the right move. And as someone already mentioned, it's not a bad idea sit Merrill for a game as well.

They need to play at the level they're capable of.

They should try to give Gelinas more offensive zone starts if they can't trust him defensively. He really doesn't need a lot of ice time to be effective as long as he gets to play in the offensive zone. Give him 10 mins of ES time in mostly offensive situations and a lot of PP time and we'll lower his defensive risk.
- rmdevil313

e x a c t l y. my gosh.

I think Gelinas is a case of people just seeing what they want to see.

I don't think they're better with Volchenkov or Harrold in the lineup. I don't think DeBoer thinks that either.

But, you can't gloss over some of the awful game that Gelinas has played lately. He threw the puck to Marleau for no reaosn at all late in the SJ game, which very well could've cost NJ at least 1 point, he didn't look good in Detroit on either side of the puck, very tenative leading the rush and no one played well defensively in that game. Easy paths for the Wings from the front of the net all the way to the high slot, recipe for disaster.

An effective Eric Gelinas is what makes this team better. Not Volchenkov, not Harrold, and not pretending Eric Gelinas' current level of play is acceptable.

This is the right move. And as someone already mentioned, it's not a bad idea sit Merrill for a game as well.

They need to play at the level they're capable of.
- njdevils350

Why is he the only one that gets held accountable? For as bad as Gelly has been the past 3 games, he's still a +2. I know +/- isn't the best stat, but I'll take my risks with Gelly if he's a positive 5v5 player than getting pinned in our zone because our defense can't complete a break out pass.

If the Devils are smart at the end of the season they will buy out Sal and offer Cory a contract extension during the season. Gelinas still needs to learn a little more defensive side but that comes by practicing and playing in games. He is still young PD just has to give him time. Cory said he likes it here in New Jersey so I hope that means he wants to stay. I honestly do not see Brodeur resigning with the Devils at the end of this season. He will probably go to a team like Chicago or Pittsburgh that has a better chance of winning the cup then the Devils. That means Cory will be the number one goalie getting about 60 starts. If this team makes the playoffs it would be a big surprise to me. Once they are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs it will be very interesting who they resign and who they do sign. The CGB line could be no more because all their contracts expire at the end of this season. Hopefully they offer Jagr a similar contract that he has this year. I wont be terribly disappointed if this team doesnt make the playoffs but I would be happy if they did. Lets go Devils!

Do you guys think if Cory started more games you guys would be in a playoff spot? Last time I checked marty had a better w/l record but Schneiders numbers were better I believe.

Do you guys think if Cory started more games you guys would be in a playoff spot? Last time I checked marty had a better w/l record but Schneiders numbers were better I believe.
- nyrangers9479

I think that would be very realistic to say.

Why is he the only one that gets held accountable? For as bad as Gelly has been the past 3 games, he's still a +2. I know +/- isn't the best stat, but I'll take my risks with Gelly if he's a positive 5v5 player than getting pinned in our zone because our defense can't complete a break out pass.
- rmdevil313

It's not about who's been bad and who's been worse. No one is pointing fingers.

It's that right now, among the defenseman, Gelinas' play is furthest below what he's capable of than anyone else on the team. Currently, he has the widest gap from "where his game is today" to "What you know he's capable of". This decision is designed only to motivate him and getting him to where he needs to be.

If it was about pointing fingers they would scratch Michael Ryder too. Ryder has been in the league for a long time. He knows he needs to be better. Therefore, scratching him doesn't serve the purpose that it (hopefully) does with Gelinas.

It's not about who's been bad and who's been worse. No one is pointing fingers.

It's that right now, among the defenseman, Gelinas' play is furthest below what he's capable of than anyone else on the team. Currently, he has the widest gap from "where his game is today" to "What you know he's capable of". This decision is designed only to motivate him and getting him to where he needs to be.

If it was about pointing fingers they would scratch Michael Ryder too. Ryder has been in the league for a long time. He knows he needs to be better. Therefore, scratching him doesn't serve the purpose that it (hopefully) does with Gelinas.
- njdevils350

Expecting two rookies to play great when the rest of the team around them is making mistakes place unrealistic expectations on them. And as bad as you say they are, we got 4 points in our last 6 games.

Expecting two rookies to play great when the rest of the team around them is making mistakes place unrealistic expectations on them. And as bad as you say they are, we got 4 points in our last 6 games.
- rmdevil313

I didn't say great. I said "the way they're capable of"

And I know what theyre capable of because I've seen it. There's nothing unrealistic about it. Further, individual errors including but not limited to puck handling rarely (if ever) have anything to do with how the team is struggling as a whole. 90% of the time if you give the puck away then you made a mistake.

Everyone can continue to make excuses for them if they want. I understand it's because you just want to see rookies play because they have potential.

I didn't say great. I said "the way they're capable of"

And I know what theyre capable of because I've seen it. There's nothing unrealistic about it. Further, individual errors including but not limited to puck handling rarely (if ever) have anything to do with how the team is struggling as a whole. 90% of the time if you give the puck away then you made a mistake.

Everyone can continue to make excuses for them if they want. I understand it's because you just want to see rookies play because they have potential.
- njdevils350

No, its because we are legitimately a better team with them in the lineup and we can't afford to keep pissing away more points if we want to make the playoffs. Volchenkov and Salvador at the same time is a disaster, we spend 2/3s of the game in our own zone,

if you watch salvador or volchenkov play and you don't think "this guy is awful" then I question if what you're watching. like, they are statistical nightmares on top of playing like trash when you look at them.

No, its because we are legitimately a better team with them in the lineup and we can't afford to keep pissing away more points if we want to make the playoffs. Volchenkov and Salvador at the same time is a disaster, we spend 2/3s of the game in our own zone,
- rmdevil313

You're right, but...

Think about it like you're the coach. Like this is what you do for a living.

You want to make the playoffs and lose in 5 to Pittsburgh?

No, you want to get in and make a run. You can't do that with certain players playing at particular levels.

Here's a question, if they were to make a playoff run, which three players (other than the goalie....) do you think would have to significantly improve between now and late April?

It blows me away every time I think about the Gelinas-Larsson pair and how both players' games excelled together. And to think.. Volchenkov, harrold, Salvador.. even Merrill.. are all seeing time, and LARSSON, who played defense during our run to game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals.. is in THE MINORS!!!!

on a positive note.
Washington losses in regulation.
Ottawa and Tampa get 1 of 2 points.
Peverley is stable. scary.

It blows me away every time I think about the Gelinas-Larsson pair and how both players' games excelled together. And to think.. Volchenkov, harrold, Salvador.. even Merrill.. are all seeing time, and LARSSON, who played defense during our run to game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals.. is in THE MINORS!!!!

on a positive note.
Washington losses in regulation.
Ottawa and Tampa get 1 of 2 points.
Peverley is stable. scary.
- MartysBetter88

I think fans overlook deficiencies in their game (at this stage in development) because they just want to "see the kids play" and they don't think this team has a chance in the playoffs. Meanwhile, these decisions are being made off of the concept of making a meaningful playoff run.

Thus, the outrage.

For example, if Zidlicky had thrown that blind pass through the middle of his own zone right onto Marleau's tape everyone would've wanted him released immediately. It's a double standard. Understandable nonetheless. Zidlciky is a veteran and you know what he is. You don't know what Gelinas is and you want to see him play.

I get that.

Salvador gets beat wide pretty regularly and everyone is filled with outrage.

Gelinas gets beat wide and everyone cuts him a break.

I get it. He's flashy and he has sooo much offensive upside. But, no one even wants Salvador in the lineup when he's getting smoked to the outside or when he can't smash people in the corners.

With Gelinas, it's ok.

Double Standard because He's a rookie with a ton of potential and not a veteran

are you retarded?

Salvador is a stay at home defenseman who can't play defense.

Gelinas is an offensive defenseman who is a rookie that doesn't play defense well.

Do you see the difference between these statements.

are you retarded?

Salvador is a stay at home defenseman who can't play defense.

Gelinas is an offensive defenseman who is a rookie that doesn't play defense well.

Do you see the difference between these statements.
- MrToast

Once again, you've twisted my words and you sound like a 12 year old.

Both Zdeno Chara and Drew Doughty can be beaten wide (hypothetically). They are also totally different types of defenseman,


You have failed to comprehend the point.

Once again, you've twisted my words and you sound like a 12 year old.

Both Zdeno Chara and Drew Doughty can be beaten wide (hypothetically). They are also totally different types of defenseman,


You have failed to comprehend the point.
- njdevils350

ugh, what are you talking about?

Salvador sucks. get over it. If you think he's good then you're dumb. It's pretty simple.

ugh, what are you talking about?

Salvador sucks. get over it. If you think he's good then you're dumb. It's pretty simple.
- MrToast

I never said he was good. You are very confused.