Roger Mussa: Let’s keep the streak going!!!!

Thanks for the post, Roger!

- Don’t you think Wedgewood is playing well? I can see him being our backup. Why not keep him?

-Bastian week to week
-Blackwood still out but "close"
-Zacha is back
-Merkley is in for McLeod

I think they should keep Wedgewood as backup for the time being. As the Devils improve the defensive core over the next year or two, the Blackwood/Wedgewood will suit us fine.

God PK is terrible.

Goose sucks this year. He isn't on the same page as the rest of the team. He's too slow, shoots when he shouldn't, doesn't when he should.

Goose sucks this year. He isn't on the same page as the rest of the team. He's too slow, shoots when he shouldn't, doesn't when he should.
- Leniwm1

Giveaway machine

Giveaway machine
- Thunder_daddy

its like he glides more than skates, with his legs more open and stick/puck not close to his body so its easy to predict what he's going to do.

Why is Ty not running the PP. This might be the last game I watch this year.

and why was Bratt right in front of the net? perhaps a guy that won't get pushed over?

Another hat trick for Mercer tonight!

Thanks for the blog every 3rd or 4th game Mussa!

That Drysdale kid looks good on D in ANA. Just thinking how big that 1 slot in the draft can be. Have high expectations for Holtz as well, but their toy seems just a bit shinier based on position played.

Thanks for the post, Roger!

- Don’t you think Wedgewood is playing well? I can see him being our backup. Why not keep him?
- Jazzmaster30

It’s hard to think Wedge is going to become a legit NHL backup at this point of his career; but his numbers are pretty good this year and he is only 28 years old. I think he’s a good candidate to bounce between the NHL and the AHL.

It’s hard to think Wedge is going to become a legit NHL backup at this point of his career; but his numbers are pretty good this year and he is only 28 years old. I think he’s a good candidate to bounce between the NHL and the AHL.
- Queenie_5_hole

Doomed.

It’s hard to think Wedge is going to become a legit NHL backup at this point of his career; but his numbers are pretty good this year and he is only 28 years old. I think he’s a good candidate to bounce between the NHL and the AHL.
- Queenie_5_hole

Goalies do take a long time to develop and then drop off quickly. These are his peak years and might be a solid backup for a couple of years. But yeah, he's obviously not a long term option and just on a hot streak at the moment.

Goalies do take a long time to develop and then drop off quickly. These are his peak years and might be a solid backup for a couple of years. But yeah, he's obviously not a long term option and just on a hot streak at the moment.
- Pomegrant

If Wedge can play this solid he’s a decent backup choice. I’m just thinking we’d want some legit 3rd option down in the AHL talent. It’s more a concern with goalie depth in the organization.

Why is Ty not running the PP. This might be the last game I watch this year.
- Thunder_daddy

Great question, next question.

Another hat trick for Mercer tonight!
- vlongo4419

16 goals in 19 game...that is impressive. I believe he is top three in points per game (some teams have played as many as 11 more games).

Will Holtz and Mercer have an opportunity next year to crack the lineup or will they end up in Bingo?

Will Holtz and Mercer have an opportunity next year to crack the lineup or will they end up in Bingo?
- shoobedevil

They definitely both have a chance. Gonna really depend on the type of work they put in in the offseason and how they look in camp. But Mercer is certainly a more polished player atm, so it honestly wouldnt surprise me if Mercer made it out of camp and Holtz needs to start in Bingo. Also remember that Holtz will have an adjustment period to the smaller ice as well

So here are my mid season take aways

Overall, for the most part I like the effort and how most games they didn't seem out of the game, even when we lost so many in a row it didn't seem that it was a total disaster, more of a couple absolute disasters on D and just can't finish instead of not playing D at all

The effort is there is just that we don't have the finishers


I am liking what I am seeing from maltsev, sharongovic and the young guys, who have stepped up

Was expecting more from palms, vats and gusev

There are still many question marks but we have improved greatly from last season even though our record may not show it

What to do with palms?
What do the devil's need to do in the off-season?

It’s a tough call what to do in the off-season. Part of me thinks one more mild off-season.. see where the kids are at next year and then make decisions at the deadline to add or sell again.
On the other hand.. we could add a real top 6 winger (as we sell away one in Palmieri?). The kids may benefit from a skilled winger to learn from. Also thinking of Nico and Jack, that they may benefit from an experienced skilled winger.
Otherwise we may have the blind leading the blind. Yes it’s great young guys are taking steps forward, but I still see value in a skilled guy maybe on the backside of his prime.. may be more affordable while still providing the experience without being a detriment on the ice. We need a guy that can keep up with our skilled players and teach them new tricks.. inspire further greatness.

So idk. Half our regulars are still on like stage 2 out of 5 with development. I do believe that regardless of next year, 2022 has to be the year we make a playoff push and add. It can’t be delayed 2 more seasons after this one.

Providence's season is officially over, so Tyce Watch is on! Lets hope Fitz can get him signed and atleast in Bingo asap

Maybe a Schwartz? Saad? Tatar? They can score.
If we had last year’s Palmieri I’d rather just keep him, but maybe these 3 offer more skill, while he offers more grit? Maybe trade Gusev, keep Palms and get a ufa? Depends on the return.

On D.. how’s Larsson looking? Denis Savard is another option. bring back Murray?

Zacha-Hischier-Bratt
Schwartz-Hughes-Holtz
Sharangovich-Mercer-Kuokkanen
Johnsson-McLeod-Bastian

That’s IF Holtz and Mercer make it and Foote doesn’t. The only downer to inking a top 6 winger and/or Palmieri is it takes roster spots from the kids. Lots of youth in that bottom 6... but that’s just how the depth shakes out. We have kids that are good enough to play, but not good enough for the top 6 roles necessarily... so they comprise the entirety of the bottom 6. Schwartz would be the only veteran on the team. Johnsson will be 27, Zacha 24, Bratt, McLeod, Bastian 23.. those are our oldest forwards lol. Zajac bas played well this season. Maybe bring him back a year to stabilize the bottom 6 and maintain the leadership role. Have Mercer Bing 1 more year.
Or maybe Palmieri will bounce back. He doesn’t seem to be enjoying himself based on his facial expressions.. so maybe he’s not the guy we need in the room?