Roger Mussa: State of the Union and 5 Burning Questions

great blog. No advanced stats at all.

Roger Mussa: State of the Union and 5 Burning Questions
- Devils Advocate

I'd like to be optimistic but these are not all second line players. Also, if the Devils don't sign Carter and keep Bernier as a reserve, then they are a really soft team too. I endorsed the Volchenkov buyout, but you look at this team now and physicality has to be a bit of a concern. That's why I'd fully support moving Zubrus and another part to make room for Carter. Zubrus really adds no value--he's a huge guy who never uses his body and can't score. I think he's main value is his post game comments and locker room shenanigans. I still think it'll be a huge mistake not to bring Carter back in.

As for Marty...it's over, Roger. Move on. The fans have already given him his send off and everything. Just close the door already.

Roger Mussa: State of the Union and 5 Burning Questions
- Devils Advocate

1 we won't know until everyone hits the ice. Havlat is a big question mark to me

2 I think you've got the lines that we'll see. Maybe they swap henrique and Elias.

3 yes

4 hopefully

5 yes

My lines:
Cammalleri- Zajac- Jagr
Clowe- Elias - Havlat (Elias at center. Havlat will get a chance with Patty)
Ruutu - Henrique- Ryder (Wish we had another option at C so rico could stay at wing)
Zubrus- Josefson - Gionta (or Carter - Zubrus- Gionta or (Zubrus- Gionta-Bernier)

We trade Brunner, and Bernier is an extra. You didn't list 4 2nd lines because it's debatable whether Gionta is even an NHL caliber player and Zubrus is at best a 3rd line winger these days. If he's at center, he's a 4th liner. What we have is a 1st line (see Todds article on Zajac and Jagr), 2 seconds, and a 4th. I do like our depth with Boucher, matteau, and Sislo.

On D, I don't like the combinations.
Merrill - Greene (Greene can handle playing his off side and these are the 2 guys I trust the most to handle the tough minutes)
Salvador - Zidlicky (Because that's what I think will happen, and someones got to play with Sal)
Gelinas- Larsson (Because it worked great last year and pairing each young guy with a vet is over-rated. Hopefully this ends up as the second pairing by midseason).

1. Yes, and I don't know that they're built to win, but they'll be competitive in the east. And I feel confident they'll grab a playoff spot of some sort.
2. They're NHL players, they can suck it up. Jagr and Zajac should be kept together, so he hopefully won't have any reason to complain.
3. He already is, and I'm mainly worried about his ability to play at both ends.
4. His best asset is his ability to make stretch passes, something that we rarely get to see due to the Devils ultraconservative transition game. We'd see him pile up some points if the Devils had any semblance of a rush attack.
5. I think he will. If Kinkaid struggles, the Devils might make a move, but I bet Deboer will just ride Schneider the whole way.

As for Marty...it's over, Roger. Move on. The fans have already given him his send off and everything. Just close the door already.
- jersey1414

Marty is waiting for an opportunity (injury) to a starting goalie in the NHL. It could be any team, including the Devils.

I'd like to be optimistic but these are not all second line players. Also, if the Devils don't sign Carter and keep Bernier as a reserve, then they are a really soft team too. I endorsed the Volchenkov buyout, but you look at this team now and physicality has to be a bit of a concern. That's why I'd fully support moving Zubrus and another part to make room for Carter. Zubrus really adds no value--he's a huge guy who never uses his body and can't score. I think he's main value is his post game comments and locker room shenanigans. I still think it'll be a huge mistake not to bring Carter back in.

As for Marty...it's over, Roger. Move on. The fans have already given him his send off and everything. Just close the door already.
- jersey1414

And, yes, we dont look tough at all...

I see 3 possible lines possibilities for forwards.

The first is the most straight forward keeping the second line as is with Cammalleri filling the whole in the top line. Then Havlak gets the edge over Ryder and Ruutu over Zubrus for skill reasons. Then Zubrus displaces Gionta as 4th line center because of his responsible play and ability to win face-offs.

Cammalleri-Zajac-Jagr
Henrique-Elias-Brunner
Clowe-Ruutu-Havlak
Gionta-Zubrus-Ryder

The next option focuses on Henrique as a center and how he could form a decent partnership with Cammalleri similar to that of Zajac/Jagr. I could also see this as a spot which would fit Havlak nicely. Which leaves Elias to move up to the top line (which he has been effective on in the past). The rest kind of fills out itself.

Elias-Zajac-Jagr
Cammalari-Henrique-Havlak
Clowe-Ruutu-Ryder
Gionta-Zubrus-Brunner

The final option looks to depth at center. I see it as Zajack/Henrique/Elias just because Henrique is on the upswing so once again we would probably want to see if he has chemistry with talented players such as Cammalari (who clearly shouldn't be on the third line). This would also give Havlak a chance to play with Elias without the pressure of being in the top 6. Finally, here I would like to see Clowe on the top line for he did look nice there for that small stretch before he got hit in the head... again...

Clowe-Zajac-Jagr
Cammalari-Henrique-Brunner
Ruutu-Elias-Havlak
Gionta-Zubrus-Ryder

I see 3 possible lines possibilities for forwards.

The first is the most straight forward keeping the second line as is with Cammalleri filling the whole in the top line. Then Havlak gets the edge over Ryder and Ruutu over Zubrus for skill reasons. Then Zubrus displaces Gionta as 4th line center because of his responsible play and ability to win face-offs.

Cammalleri-Zajac-Jagr
Henrique-Elias-Brunner
Clowe-Ruutu-Havlak
Gionta-Zubrus-Ryder

The next option focuses on Henrique as a center and how he could form a decent partnership with Cammalleri similar to that of Zajac/Jagr. I could also see this as a spot which would fit Havlak nicely. Which leaves Elias to move up to the top line (which he has been effective on in the past). The rest kind of fills out itself.

Elias-Zajac-Jagr
Cammalari-Henrique-Havlak
Clowe-Ruutu-Ryder
Gionta-Zubrus-Brunner

The final option looks to depth at center. I see it as Zajack/Henrique/Elias just because Henrique is on the upswing so once again we would probably want to see if he has chemistry with talented players such as Cammalari (who clearly shouldn't be on the third line). This would also give Havlak a chance to play with Elias without the pressure of being in the top 6. Finally, here I would like to see Clowe on the top line for he did look nice there for that small stretch before he got hit in the head... again...

Clowe-Zajac-Jagr
Cammalari-Henrique-Brunner
Ruutu-Elias-Havlak
Gionta-Zubrus-Ryder
- IrischesGlueck

Sooo many possibilities and flexibility. Which is what worries me.
DeBoer isnt afraid to shuffle lines and for first few games we may see that.

I doubt we would sign Marty if Kinkaid doesnt work out most likely go with Clemmeson its why we signed him

I doubt we would sign Marty if Kinkaid doesnt work out most likely go with Clemmeson its why we signed him
- Jeff_121

You are likely correct, but my theory sounds too juicy not to explore.

Marty is waiting for an opportunity (injury) to a starting goalie in the NHL. It could be any team, including the Devils.
- Devils Advocate

It can't happen. It won't happen. Under no circumstances. It's not fair to Schneider, to DeBoer, or to Marty.

If it was not for Tokarski's ply in the playoffs, I would have seen Brodeur playing the back-up to Price this season ... Letting him end his carriere where his father used to work and all.

Suck to be Brodeur for now...

great blog. No advanced stats at all.
- jimbro83

Are you on every single Devils blog?

1. Yes, but depth is irrelevant if production is absent. Also, the perceived depth will be gone, Lou will have to make some moves to shed FWs. Also, will Lou shed the right FWs to maintain "depth" and productivity? Or will he be forced to move some FWs with value since everyone knows he has to make some moves?
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. Yes
5. Kinkaid or Clemmer

I'd like to be optimistic but these are not all second line players. Also, if the Devils don't sign Carter and keep Bernier as a reserve, then they are a really soft team too. I endorsed the Volchenkov buyout, but you look at this team now and physicality has to be a bit of a concern. That's why I'd fully support moving Zubrus and another part to make room for Carter. Zubrus really adds no value--he's a huge guy who never uses his body and can't score. I think he's main value is his post game comments and locker room shenanigans. I still think it'll be a huge mistake not to bring Carter back in.

As for Marty...it's over, Roger. Move on. The fans have already given him his send off and everything. Just close the door already.
- jersey1414

Physicality was a concern last season, too.

NJ has been soft for a while. If Clowe didn't have jello for a brain and Carter was re-signed they may be tougher to play against, but I've said that since 2012 this team hasn't been tough to play against physically. They're tough to play against in terms of controlling play & possession, but they're soft.
Sadly, as much as he was a shadow of his former self, Volchenkov may have led the team in hits. Losing him will hurt, but only if Lou doesn't have a tougher physical defensive prospect. Hegleson perhaps?

Unfortunately, he probably has no realistic shot of making the team.

I think Merrill could be tough to play against (and so could Larsson if he filled out & actually used his size), but NJ needs work in the toughness department.

Salvador is done. He a slow pushover at this point.

NJ wears teams down by forcing pursuit & generating frustration, but not by physically beating them down over 60 mins. If they could find a way to get tougher physically & continue to maintain great possession stats they could be a beast of a team to play against.

5. Tim Thomas midseason signing, take it to the bank.

I hate the idea of pretending to be the head coach, but everyone putting Havlat in the bottom 6 makes my head hurt.

Cammalleri-Zajac-Jagr
Henrique-Elias-Havlat
Clowe-Zubrus-Ruutu
*Carter/Matteau-Gionta-Bernier

(Josefson, Whitney)

Physicality was a concern last season, too.

NJ has been soft for a while. If Clowe didn't have jello for a brain and Carter was re-signed they may be tougher to play against, but I've said that since 2012 this team hasn't been tough to play against physically. They're tough to play against in terms of controlling play & possession, but they're soft.
Sadly, as much as he was a shadow of his former self, Volchenkov may have led the team in hits. Losing him will hurt, but only if Lou doesn't have a tougher physical defensive prospect. Hegleson perhaps?

Unfortunately, he probably has no realistic shot of making the team.

I think Merrill could be tough to play against (and so could Larsson if he filled out & actually used his size), but NJ needs work in the toughness department.

Salvador is done. He a slow pushover at this point.

NJ wears teams down by forcing pursuit & generating frustration, but not by physically beating them down over 60 mins. If they could find a way to get tougher physically & continue to maintain great possession stats they could be a beast of a team to play against.
- FLdevilsFAN

Agreed teams way too soft. As I like to say we are annoying to play against not tough.

Wow silly questions but i will give it a whirl.

1. I don't know. I think we got lucky last year with the lack of injuries to our vets. Hopefully they can play smart and get lucky there again.

2. The Devs are always about line shuffling. We need more of that. Problem is that's not Pete's style. That said, hopefully Pete will get the axe soon and we can bring in Albelin who is a Devil. I truly hope Chris and Tommy are working VERY close together b/c that's the future of our franchise i think.

3. The sophomore jinx is a possibility for Gelly this year. If that goes down, he could still improve from his mistakes. So that is a obvious yes.

4. Yes he will be fine. He just has little upside in my opinion. He is a bottom paring Swedish D.

5.Hopefully they end up signing Marty. I think all of Schneider's demands of more playing time will likely end up with him getting hurt or something. Marty will probably be "working" out with the the team come fall and see where it goes form there. The team played real hard when he was between the pipes last year. I mean he would give up a softy, then we would legit try and get that 1 back. Id love to see him get 700 in NJ.

1. Possibly but not saying much haven't been deep the last few years.

2. Camm-Zajac-Jagr
Henrique-Elias-Ruutu
Havlat-Zubs-Clowe
Gio-Jo-Bernie

3. I think so, Gelly showed a lot of promise and I think with time and trust he will shine. He has so much natural talent just needs to figure out the mental aspect of it and he will be fine.

4. I (frank)ing hope so!

5. Hmm interesting one not sure but the organization is high on Kinkaid and right now its his job to lose. But I could totally see Lou bringing Marty back don't care what has been said by either side. Bottom line if Marty calls Lou and asks him for a job I think Lou would give it to him.