Todd Cordell: Devils Continue Making Puzzling Lineup Decisions

Real talk from Todd.

Even if the Devils won their next three games including against Boston they'd still have to play well to win more games. With this mediocre hockey you may put together a couple games together but it won't last.

Management really has to ask themselves and really they should ask the fans which would be more satisfying- a first round exit in the playoffs or a high first round pick? Because if the Devils keep trying to pursue the playoffs their odds at getting out of the first round if they miraculously got the 8 seed are probably as low as their chance of winning the draft lottery if they just miss the playoffs and finish 9,10, or 11 in the conference.

This is all about Lou and his philosophy that defense comes first....even from his offensive players. Havlat and Ryder have never been defensively responsible which is why they are sitting. I respect Lou for holding players accountable defensively, but then why not hold players accountable offensively??? Zubs, Rutuu come to mind. Bottom line is lous philosophy is getting in the way of getting any type of return for Ryder or Havlat. Which for a team hurting for prospects is very unfortunate.

I totally get the whole never say die deal, and using fancy verbage to make it sound better (Transition vs rebuild) but selling yourself short for no reason is insanity. The new owners seem to be very managing assets for the best gains, maybe they could help Lou's out here a little.

You can't tell me that all would be ruined if they sat Zubrus for a few games, put Tootoo on the fourth line and had Ryder with Camm and Zajac. Ryder is notoriously streaky, if he went on a few goal tear he would be a lot more move able for sure.

Tootoo - JJ - Bernier would be a great line 4th line to make room for Ryder. Both Tootoo and Bernier have been playing very well, don't get me wrong but they are not top 6 by any stretch of the imagination.

The flip side to this is everyone knows what Ryder is. He's never been defensively responsible. He has a great shot. Pair him with a playmaker or two and he can score. If not, he won't because he cannot create his own offense. Why do executives have to see him play poorly for the Devils to know what they are getting? If he plays and gets hurt, then he has no value at all. With the situation Pittsburgh finds itself in needing scoring from the wing they couldn't use Ryder for a modest draft choice? Look at what being in Pittsburgh did for Kunitz and Neal. Put him with other offensive players, the guy has proven he can score some. Unless Lou is asking for too much, which is another story.

I know that this is a disappointing season, but asking for effort and defensive responsibility is still a part of a winning culture. What has happened since PDB got fired first off is that Larsson is becoming the player he was capable of being all along. Secondly, the Devils are much better at keeping opposition shots on the perimeter. In terms of possession, yeah they're getting dominated. But they're definitely playing higher quality hockey. I'm not thrilled with them winning games and losing draft position, but by the same token, I think character is important too.

Where the Devils screwed up badly is by drafting Matteau. I bet Lou knew Kovalchuk was going to leave and thought the NHL would grant them their pick back without regard to draft position. If so, he was wrong.

We're winning!

Everybody needs to stop complaining and armchair GMing for a second and realize that our team has shown a lot of heart since the coaching change. Tootoo is a great example of that. I mean, did you not see his assist on the Greene goal?

What the Devils have shown over the past few weeks is more valuable than the 3rd round draft pick we'd get for Ryder, etc. This team comes to play every night and the coaching staff and management are committed to winning.

Would you rather be the Leafs? Sure, they're active in the trade market, but everybody is talking about how that locker room is straight depressing.

Todd Cordell: Devils Continue Making Puzzling Lineup Decisions
- Todd.Cordell

Couodnt agree more.

This is all about Lou and his philosophy that defense comes first....even from his offensive players. Havlat and Ryder have never been defensively responsible which is why they are sitting. I respect Lou for holding players accountable defensively, but then why not hold players accountable offensively??? Zubs, Rutuu come to mind. Bottom line is lous philosophy is getting in the way of getting any type of return for Ryder or Havlat. Which for a team hurting for prospects is very unfortunate.
- Ocean24

Ryder and Havlat are not just sitting because they aren't defensively responsible. They are sitting because they add nothing. I firmly believe if wither were put on waivers they would pass straight through no problem.

They've combined for 11 goals in 80 games played, that is unacceptable and the press box is where they belong. Tootoo and Bernier have combined for more goals with some room to spare.

We're winning!

Everybody needs to stop complaining and armchair GMing for a second and realize that our team has shown a lot of heart since the coaching change. Tootoo is a great example of that. I mean, did you not see his assist on the Greene goal?

What the Devils have shown over the past few weeks is more valuable than the 3rd round draft pick we'd get for Ryder, etc. This team comes to play every night and the coaching staff and management are committed to winning.

Would you rather be the Leafs? Sure, they're active in the trade market, but everybody is talking about how that locker room is straight depressing.
- newjerseypaul

12-9-2 since PDB was shown the door. That projects to 92 points over 82 games. Of course without Cory we may not have won a game.

We're winning!

Everybody needs to stop complaining and armchair GMing for a second and realize that our team has shown a lot of heart since the coaching change. Tootoo is a great example of that. I mean, did you not see his assist on the Greene goal?

What the Devils have shown over the past few weeks is more valuable than the 3rd round draft pick we'd get for Ryder, etc. This team comes to play every night and the coaching staff and management are committed to winning.

Would you rather be the Leafs? Sure, they're active in the trade market, but everybody is talking about how that locker room is straight depressing.
- newjerseypaul

You can be active in the trade market and get the right players. They went wrong by trading for the wrong types of players and drafting the wrong types of players ( Biggs ). They tried to build a team around a winger and that just doesn't work. Even Ovie hasn't won a cup so it's not just that they didn't get a good enough winger. Then they tried to make a leader out of a player who slept with his own team mates wife. They also have had a hard time finding a reliable goalie since like Ed Balfour. We can be active in the trade market or moving assets for a better draft and select or trade for the right types of players to build around. Also would love to know why winning right now is so great ? There are players in the league who not only have heart but SKILL as well so I could give to poops if these beer leaguers are showing aren't because half them won't be with the team in the next few years and are never going to get any better. Also with the heart thing why are no young players up getting experience from this heart ? Wouldn't it be beneficial to them ? ( talking about young forwards ) so really non of are young forwards are getting any of this culture or attitude.

You can be active in the trade market and get the right players. They went wrong by trading for the wrong types of players and drafting the wrong types of players ( Biggs ). They tried to build a team around a winger and that just doesn't work. Even Ovie hasn't won a cup so it's not just that they didn't get a good enough winger. Then they tried to make a leader out of a player who slept with his own team mates wife. They also have had a hard time finding a reliable goalie since like Ed Balfour. We can be active in the trade market or moving assets for a better draft and select or trade for the right types of players to build around. Also would love to know why winning right now is so great ? There are players in the league who not only have heart but SKILL as well so I could give to poops if these beer leaguers are showing aren't because half them won't be with the team in the next few years and are never going to get any better. Also with the heart thing why are no young players up getting experience from this heart ? Wouldn't it be beneficial to them ? ( talking about young forwards ) so really non of are young forwards are getting any of this culture or attitude.
- blizzzard

Why is winning so great? Hmm, I'm gonna have to think about that one for a sec ...

Oh, wait, I know, because the point of the game is to fraking win! What type of warped fandom do you abide by? I'm a Devils fan and I like to watch them win. Plain and simple.

Also, I'm not saying this team is capable of winning a Stanley Cup or anything. But essentially we have two options right now: (1) Play the players who give a damn and try to win as many games as possible, while making whatever trades are reasonable, or (2) Give up on the season, be as active as possible in the trade market, and pray for the highest draft pick possible. I'm gonna take the former

We're winning!

Everybody needs to stop complaining and armchair GMing for a second and realize that our team has shown a lot of heart since the coaching change. Tootoo is a great example of that. I mean, did you not see his assist on the Greene goal?

What the Devils have shown over the past few weeks is more valuable than the 3rd round draft pick we'd get for Ryder, etc. This team comes to play every night and the coaching staff and management are committed to winning.

Would you rather be the Leafs? Sure, they're active in the trade market, but everybody is talking about how that locker room is straight depressing.
- newjerseypaul

The worst thing the Devils could do right now is win. At this very moment the Devils have .8% chance to make the playoffs. If the Devils end the season finishing 24th overall, they'd only have a 7.5% chance to win the draft lottery.

The worst thing the Devils could do right now is win. At this very moment the Devils have .8% chance to make the playoffs. If the Devils end the season finishing 24th overall, they'd only have a 7.5% chance to win the draft lottery.
- tomburton99

Arizona is winning the lottery. I kind of seeing the draft going McDavid-Eichel-Strome. I'm not sure there is going to be that much of a difference between picking between 5 or 10. Unless we pick 10th and Strome goes 9th. Then I'll be pissed.

Arizona is winning the lottery. I kind of seeing the draft going McDavid-Eichel-Strome. I'm not sure there is going to be that much of a difference between picking between 5 or 10. Unless we pick 10th and Strome goes 9th. Then I'll be pissed.
- smellmyfinger

No way. League has already rigged the Lottery for the Leafs.

Seriously it'll be interesting if Buffalo doesn't draft first overall. They already started marketing and exposing McDavid to the Buffalo area.

No way. League has already rigged the Lottery for the Leafs.

Seriously it'll be interesting if Buffalo doesn't draft first overall. They already started marketing and exposing McDavid to the Buffalo area.
- tomburton99

I was half joking about Arizona. Just remembering the days of a doomed Pens franchise saved by a ping pong ball. Would certainly raise some eye brows if the Coyotes just happen to win though. Could you imagine how fast the Toronto market would destroy MCDavid?

Why is winning so great? Hmm, I'm gonna have to think about that one for a sec ...

Oh, wait, I know, because the point of the game is to fraking win! What type of warped fandom do you abide by? I'm a Devils fan and I like to watch them win. Plain and simple.

Also, I'm not saying this team is capable of winning a Stanley Cup or anything. But essentially we have two options right now: (1) Play the players who give a damn and try to win as many games as possible, while making whatever trades are reasonable, or (2) Give up on the season, be as active as possible in the trade market, and pray for the highest draft pick possible. I'm gonna take the former
- newjerseypaul

it IS nice to win games. No doubt.

It is also nice to have a winning team. What a lot of people are looking at is if a short term sacrifice can yield significant long term gains, why would you not?

To me it all boils down to this. Remember the excitement of the 2012 cup run? Remember "Henrique it's over!"

I do and I always will.

Do you remember a few random wins from last year when we didn't make the playoffs?

Me neither.

Why is winning so great? Hmm, I'm gonna have to think about that one for a sec ...

Oh, wait, I know, because the point of the game is to fraking win! What type of warped fandom do you abide by? I'm a Devils fan and I like to watch them win. Plain and simple.

Also, I'm not saying this team is capable of winning a Stanley Cup or anything. But essentially we have two options right now: (1) Play the players who give a damn and try to win as many games as possible, while making whatever trades are reasonable, or (2) Give up on the season, be as active as possible in the trade market, and pray for the highest draft pick possible. I'm gonna take the former
- newjerseypaul

That makes no sense. The biggest need for the Devils is player with high end offensive instincts, specifically a center. Zajac, while still a quality player, is no more than 2nd line center. The Devils need a first line talent to go along with Cammi. This is year to better your chances by playing poorly. Strome, Marner, McDavid, Eichel, Zacha, Rantanen all a high end players in this draft that spent time at center. Zacha and Rantanen also have time on wing too.

I was half joking about Arizona. Just remembering the days of a doomed Pens franchise saved by a ping pong ball. Would certainly raise some eye brows if the Coyotes just happen to win though. Could you imagine how fast the Toronto market would destroy MCDavid?
- smellmyfinger

Oh man, it'd be crazy. I'd feel so bad for that kid. Toronto would expect him to be Gretz.

Oh man, it'd be crazy. I'd feel so bad for that kid. Toronto would expect him to be Gretz.
- tomburton99

I was just thinking, anything less than a Selanne type rookie season and he would be labeled a bust.

The flip side to this is everyone knows what Ryder is. He's never been defensively responsible. He has a great shot. Pair him with a playmaker or two and he can score. If not, he won't because he cannot create his own offense. Why do executives have to see him play poorly for the Devils to know what they are getting? If he plays and gets hurt, then he has no value at all. With the situation Pittsburgh finds itself in needing scoring from the wing they couldn't use Ryder for a modest draft choice? Look at what being in Pittsburgh did for Kunitz and Neal. Put him with other offensive players, the guy has proven he can score some. Unless Lou is asking for too much, which is another story.

I know that this is a disappointing season, but asking for effort and defensive responsibility is still a part of a winning culture. What has happened since PDB got fired first off is that Larsson is becoming the player he was capable of being all along. Secondly, the Devils are much better at keeping opposition shots on the perimeter. In terms of possession, yeah they're getting dominated. But they're definitely playing higher quality hockey. I'm not thrilled with them winning games and losing draft position, but by the same token, I think character is important too.

Where the Devils screwed up badly is by drafting Matteau. I bet Lou knew Kovalchuk was going to leave and thought the NHL would grant them their pick back without regard to draft position. If so, he was wrong.
- BarryB1124

You can keep Ryder. But thanks for the offer

I was just thinking, anything less than a Selanne type rookie season and he would be labeled a bust.
- smellmyfinger

He's not a shooter. He really is a play maker. Eichel is more of the shoot first guy. But you're right. Anything less than a Crosby or Selanne type of season, the media and fans would wonder why his scoring has taken a dip.

it IS nice to win games. No doubt.

It is also nice to have a winning team. What a lot of people are looking at is if a short term sacrifice can yield significant long term gains, why would you not?

To me it all boils down to this. Remember the excitement of the 2012 cup run? Remember "Henrique it's over!"

I do and I always will.

Do you remember a few random wins from last year when we didn't make the playoffs?

Me neither.
- TRDevil

I like this and I agree with it for the most part.

However, keep in mind the positive of winning right now: (1) Goalie confidence; (2) Building a team identity; (3) Growth of young D; (4) Finding a coach (either Scott or Adam) that players trust; (5) Fans attending games have something to cheer about; (6) Ticket sales ... the list goes on

Positive of losing right now: (1) At most a 5% increased chance that we'll get the first pick; (2) Moving up a couple of spots in a deep draft ... and that's it.

I like this and I agree with it for the most part.

However, keep in mind the positive of winning right now: (1) Goalie confidence; (2) Building a team identity; (3) Growth of young D; (4) Finding a coach (either Scott or Adam) that players trust; (5) Fans attending games have something to cheer about; (6) Ticket sales ... the list goes on

Positive of losing right now: (1) At most a 5% increased chance that we'll get the first pick; (2) Moving up a couple of spots in a deep draft ... and that's it.
- newjerseypaul

I'd rather have an 8.5% at drafting McDavid instead of 7.5% And going from 6th to 4th would be huge in this type of draft.

I'd rather have an 8.5% at drafting McDavid instead of 7.5% And going from 6th to 4th would be huge in this type of draft.
- tomburton99

Your point is irrelevant. Of course I'd rather have a better chance at drafting McDavid. And of course I'd rather move up to 4th.

However, is it worth deliberately tanking? That's the question that needs to be answered.