Schnieder to start opener, Elias off IR and Urbom waived

Posted on October 2, 2013 by hasan4978

Less than 36 hours before their season opener, the Devils made news by announcing that Cory Schnieder would get the nod tomorrow in Pittsburgh, the first time someone other than Martin Brodeur has started a season opener since 1993-94.  Brodeur won’t have to wait long to get back into action though, since he’ll be getting the home opener on Friday night against the Isles.  Brodeur had initially been slated to start tomorrow night, but his father’s untimely death changed the timetable as Marty was away from the team for a few days at the end of the preseason.  In any case I sort of expected each goalie would get two of the first four games, with two straight back-to-backs to open the season.

Of more pressing importance the Devils needed to clear room to take Patrik Elias off of IR and finally did so by waiving 22-year old Alexander Urbom.  It’s questionable whether anyone will take Urbom, who does have some skills to be sure but his celing is limited and his NHL play hasn’t been great to this point.  Plus team’s rosters are mostly set right now and it’s this fact that Lou Lamoriello is counting on by exposing Urbom to waivers.  Most of my sturm und drang towards the lineup is over coach Pete DeBoer‘s lines in practice today, which is usually a pretty good indicator of the lineup the next night:

Forward lines: Henrique-Zajac-Jagr, Clowe-Elias-Brunner, Zubrus-Loiktionov-Ryder, Carter-Gionta-Bernier, Olesz-Josefson-Tedenby

Defense pairs: Salvador-Zidlicky, Greene-Larsson, Volchenkov-Harrold, Stevens-Fayne

So apparently our 22-year old former first-round pick (Josefson) is going to be a healthy scratch in the box along with our 23-year old former first rounder (Tedenby), who’s a ‘non-roster injury’.  Although I’m a bit queasy over the fact Stephen Gionta has turned from a feel-good fill-in to an indispensable regular and would rather get one more look at Josefson at the start of the season, at least you could justify having Gio in the lineup over Josefson based on their play last year.  Having Elias back at center and shifting Henrique to wing is interesting, and gives the Devils left-handed sticks at each LW position in the lineup.  Really the top three lines could all play 15+ minutes a night (with CBGB resuming their rightful fourth-line energy role), which the Devils are going to need to have happen without anyone around to suck up 20+ minutes on a consistent basis anymore.  Arguably Travis Zajac is our only forward that’s both worthy and capable of doing so left on the roster, but his offense has to improve this year. 

Really, most of my angst is the continued marginalization of Mark Fayne, who is clearly in the doghouse now.  I can understand having Anton Volchenkov in the lineup over him, based on contract and the fact he’s a left-handed defenseman and the staff’s obsessed with having lefties on the left side and vice-versa, fine.  But playing Peter Harrold over him, really?  Don’t get me wrong, Harrold’s a nice little fill-in, and a decent puck-mover but it’s not as if he’s some great defenseman himself that has to be in the lineup night in and night out.  With Zidlicky, Greene and Larsson the team should have enough puck-moving lineup to subsist on that front, unless of course they’re going to play Harrold over Larsson on the PP again, which would be yet another source of angst. Back to Fayne though, the last time he was playing consistently he was on a lockdown defensive pair with Andy Greene during the ’12 playoffs.  I honestly don’t know where it went south with Fayne and this staff, but sometimes things just break down for whatever reason I guess.  I wasn’t a fan of John Tortorella by the end of his Ranger tenure but even I felt a tad sorry for him describing his damaged relationship with Brad Richards recently, a guy he grew up with in Tampa.  In the case of Fayne, this constant yo-yoing out of the lineup will almost certainly result in him walking by the end of the year and yes, there are defensemen with more talent in the pipeline but it’s still a shame to completely waste a guy who at his best was a smart, capable defenseman.

Of course the lineup won’t be set until after tomorrow’s morning skate so maybe my angst is for naught…and to be fair to Pete, the forward depth is going to make lineup decisions extremely difficult.  That’s not even accounting for perhaps the most important nightly decisions of all – goaltending, and today Brodeur reiterated he’d be ‘happy’ with 50 games, which would basically mean starting 75% of games that aren’t on a back-to-back. It’ll be interesting to see how the coach handles it if (as was the case in preseason and in prior years judging by their stats) Schnieder does outplay Brodeur and how long it takes for the torch to be passed and everyone to be accepting of it.  Or whether Marty gets off to a fast start and Cory doesn’t, will the shiny new toy be put in the doghouse along with Fayne and Josefson?

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NHL Opening Night, other random thoughts

Posted on October 2, 2013 by hasan4978

James Reimer and Carl Gunnarsson celebrate Leafs win (TSN.ca)

Although I was busy and unfortunately couldn’t watch much of the action last night – and wasn’t interested in staying up for Winnipeg/Edmonton considering I wanted to get some sleep after a really long day – from what I’ve read it seems as if the NHL couldn’t have asked for a better start to its season, on-the-ice anyway.  Unfortunately, the concussion sustained by the Canadiens’ George Parros marred the night during an otherwise fun game between rivals Montreal and Toronto when Parros’s second fight with Colton Orr ended with a scary injury after Orr lost his balance and dragged Parros down, with the Canadiens enforcer lying motionless for a time and bleeding after having landed face-first and eventually being carted off in a stretcher.  Fortunately it seems as if Parros ‘only’ suffered a concussion but was alert and conscious afterward.  Hopefully this won’t be the latest example the anti-fighting advocates around the NHL use to push for banning it since this was a total freak accident, but it seems as if with the new rules (visors, not being able to take helmets off) the NHL’s surreptitiously trying to phase fighting out anyway.  I’m not the world’s biggest fan of goon-on-goon violence but you can’t legislate physicality completely out of the game, it just won’t be the same game.  Just like the NFL wouldn’t be the same if they went to flag football.

As far as the action goes, the Leafs won 4-3 in a back-and-forth game which had two lead changes and 100 PIM’s, a rousing start to the season for Canada’s most high-profile rivalry.  Toronto’s Dion Phaneuf made me happy I picked him in both my fantasy leagues with a goal and the Leafs happy with a +1 and a team-leading 27:01 TOI.  Also scoring for the Leafs was James Van Riemsdyk – getting the first goal of the ’13-14 season in the process – along with recent signing Mason Raymond and always underrated Tyler Bozak, who scored a shorthanded marker.  Seeing James Reimer make 34 saves last night after his strong season last year make you wonder what the Leafs were thinking draining assets to trade for Johnathan Bernier, who wasn’t even tabbed to start Opening Night. Montreal’s Lars Eller was the Habs’ first star of the night with two goals and an assist, with young linemates Alex Galchenyuk (two assists) and Brendan Gallagher (goal) also contributing offensively, which would be a good sign for the Habs going forward since that’s not their first line by any stretch.

In the marquee event last night, the Blackhawks raised their banner in a half-hour ceremony before their game against Alex Ovechkin‘s Capitals, then beat them 6-4 in another high-scoring tilt.  During a night of offensive star turns, Mikhail Grabovski turned in arguably the best with a hat trick plus an assist for a four-point(!) night.  Three of the Caps’ four goals came on the power play, which is always deadly with Ovechkin (goal, assist) and a healthy Mike Green (two assists) on the point.  Adam Oates‘ power play kept the Caps in the game as they came back to tie the Hawks three times and even took the lead in the third period before the Hawks stormed in front with three unanswered goals to win.  Joel Qunneville‘s defending champs showed off their depth with six different players scoring for the Hawks last night.  Ironically ex-Devil Johnny Oduya wound up with the game-winning goal with just over six minutes remaining, and he wound up with a +4, getting only the third(!) star of the game, behind Grabovski and Brandon Saad who had a goal and two assists for Chicago.

Hockey Night in Canada’s second doubleheader game wasn’t as marquee as Habs-Leafs but no less entertaining as Winnipeg outgunned the Oilers 5-4 in Edmonton.  Jets rookie defenseman Jacob Trouba – who I immediately picked up in my 20-team league this morning – stole the show from the Oilers’ superhyped young talent, getting the game-winning goal, an assist and putting up a +2 in a team-leading 25:02 of icetime last night.  And Trouba (ninth overall pick, ’12 draft) is only 19 years old.  As Devil fans learned with Adam Larsson some bleaker days are inevitably going to be ahead once the league scouts you and you have to improve to counteract that, especially given he isn’t used to an 82-game workload but the overall future definitely seems bright for Winnipeg with this young man.  Castoff Michael Frolik scored twice for the Jets with a now semi-svelte Dustin Byfuglien contributing three assists.  Who knew the new rules for goalie equipment would also affect Big Buff’s size…we kid cause we love.  Edmonton surely wasn’t helped by the injuries to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Sam Gagner (out two months) last night, but eventually they have to start living up to the hype.  Ironically, their leading scorer last night was Ales Hemsky (goal, assist), who is otherwise being phased out of a younger forward core.  And for all the talk of their forwards, once again their defense and goaltending was a culprit blowing a 4-2 lead with less than twenty-four minutes remaining.

Five more teams begin their seasons tonight in the three games on the docket – Leafs at Flyers, Sabres at Wings, Ducks at Avs – but the locals don’t start up till tomorrow night when the Rangers and Devils both begin on the road (the Rangers in Phoenix, while the Devils are at Pittsburgh in a division game).  Although I was busy this week and Derek already did a good job with the previews, part of me didn’t want to bother with predictions this year anyway…especially since the Atlantic Metropolitan is almost impossible to predict, with pretty much every team capable of making a realistic case that they’ll make the playoffs (aside from maybe Carolina who has a crap defense and a one-dimensional offense).  My Devils are especially hard to forecast and this is coming from a fan of the team.  I saw one prediction last night that said we could win the Stanley Cup or finish last overall.  While that’s slight hyperbole both ways, thing is – it isn’t that far off the mark imo.  No I don’t see the Devils finishing in the bottom five but they certainly could finish bottom eight-ten again if the old guys up front get hurt (crippling a Russian merc-less offense) and Cory Schnieder either doesn’t perform or get as much time as anticipated for whatever reason.  And I could see the Devils making it to the Conference Finals if the old guys stay reasonably healthy, our younger centers bounce back and our goaltending slots in nicely with Schnieder taking the baton from legend Martin Brodeur a la the Habs’ torch-passing ceremony at Center Ice, and running with it.

I also didn’t want to comment on the ‘final’ roster because everyone knows it isn’t really final, with Patrik Elias being placed on IR but still not expected to miss tomorrow’s game. Perhaps we’re waiting till the last possible minute to trade/send someone down, which even GM Lou Lamoriello came close to acknowledging the other day.  I don’t really expect anything to happen other than Alex Urbom getting sent down (hopefully clearing waivers), giving us thirteen forwards, seven defensemen, two goalies and one ‘non-roster’ injury in Mattias Tedenby.  If a trade is still made, the smart money is still on Mark Fayne going, as he seems to have been marginalized over the last year.  However it’s hard to imagine what kind of value the UFA-to be really has around the league considering he’s been in and out of the lineup since February, and routinely skating on the fourth d-pair with Urbom in practice.  While I don’t like the fact Fayne – who was on the first-pairing and did a fine job during the 2012 run – has been shelved, the fact is there are other defensemen coming up who have a higher celing than a smart, stay-at-home guy who isn’t particularly fast or physical.

On a personal note, with games coming tomorrow night and Friday I probably won’t do a recap after both but definitely will do one sometime Saturday as perhaps a two-game block overview – which I might wind up doing a lot this year with a league-leading 22 back-to-backs – along with upcoming West Coast games which will also be impossible to recap until the day after.  Truth be told, I like going off the reservation some and not doing straight recaps all the time anyway, especially when I go to games I like to give my thoughts sometimes on what’s going on at and around the arena and I’m sure I’ll do that this weekend after the home opener.

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NY Puck NHL Predictions

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Derek
Anze Kopitar is one of our picks to have a big year. viewfrommyseats.com

Anze Kopitar is one of our picks to have a big year.
viewfrommyseats.com

Predicting the NHL always presents a unique challenge. Reflecting back on last year, what was I thinking? I had the Rangers beating the Canucks in a ’94 rematch. Instead, John Tortorella and Alain Vigneault swapped places. All the more reason for why it’s almost impossible to predict what will happen. Which coach will fare better? Fuh-get ’bout it!

The biggest question is can the Blackhawks repeat. Short answer. Yes. They could become the first repeat winner since the Red Wings. It’s the NHL that has a different champ every year despite the cap and every ticky tac rule change that flusters the diehards. Hybrid icing is in for player safety. So is the helmet rule that’s geared to protect fighters from dangerous head injuries. The jersey no tuck rule is odd. It’s better off I don’t say anything I might regret later.

Even with the new rules, hockey fans are still the most passionate of any sport. The added excitement of six outdoor games including the Devils, Islanders and Rangers participating in the Stadium Series at Yankee Stadium will generate even more revenue. The Winter Classic features Original Six rivals Detroit and Toronto, who now play in the same division. This would’ve been hard to picture 20 years ago when each still existed in the old Norris. Realignment has made it possible. The other outdoor events include the Blackhawks and Pens meeting at historic Soldier Field, the Kings hosting the Ducks at Dodger Stadium and the Canucks and Senators at Vancouver’s BC Place. How exactly will that hockey game look at Dodger Stadium? That’s the one I’m most excited about.

It all takes place in an Olympic year with the world’s best players headed to Russia. By then, Ilya Kovalchuk should be recovered. Depth will get tested. There are sure to be plenty of injuries which could further throw things out of whack. With four action packed divisions and a full slate, it’s sure to be wild. Let’s take a closer look at each division and who’ll be crashing the Spring party.

METRO

+*1.Capitals

*2.Penguins

*3.Rangers

4.Devils

5.Blue Jackets

6.Flyers

7.Islanders

8.Hurricanes

ATLANTIC

+*1.Bruins

*2.Red Wings

*3.Senators

*4.Canadiens

*5.Maple Leafs

6.Lightning

7.Sabres

8.Panthers

FINAL EAST RANKINGS

1.Bruins

2.Capitals

3.Penguins

4.Red Wings

5.Rangers

6.Senators

7.Canadiens

8.Maple Leafs

9.Devils

10.Blue Jackets

11.Flyers

12.Islanders

13.Lightning

14.Sabres

15.Panthers

16.Hurricanes

EASTERN CHAMP-Capitals

CENTRAL

+*1.Blackhawks

*2.Blues

*3,Wild

4.Stars

5.Predators

6.Jets

7.Avalanche

PACIFIC

+*1.Kings

*2.Canucks

*3.Sharks

*4.Ducks

*5.Coyotes

6.Oilers

7.Flames

FINAL WEST RANKINGS

1.Kings

2.Blackhawks

3.Canucks

4.Blues

5.Sharks

6.Ducks

7.Wild

8.Coyotes

9.Stars

10.Oilers

11.Predators

12.Jets

13.Avalanche

14.Flames

WESTERN CHAMP-Kings

 

STANLEY CUP WINNER-Kings

HART-Anze Kopitar

ART ROSS-Sidney Crosby

ROCKET RICHARD-Steven Stamkos

VEZINA-Jonathan Quick

NORRIS-Erik Karlsson

CALDER-Nathan MacKinnon

SELKE-Anze Kopitar

JACK ADAMS-Dallas Eakins

FIRST TEAM Ovechkin-Crosby-Stamkos Karlsson-Weber Quick

SECOND TEAM Malkin-Kopitar-P. Kane Chara-Subban Lundqvist

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Metropolitan Division Predictions

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Derek
Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin are reunited in the Metropolitan Division. www.centericechat.com

Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin are reunited in the Metropolitan Division.
http://www.centericechat.com

The new season finally is here. Six teams are in action tonight including new Metropolitan Division member Washington. The Capitals are back where they belong playing against old Patrick rivals the Devils, Islanders, Rangers, Flyers and Penguins. The only difference is the Blue Jackets and Hurricanes are joining them in the newly formed eight team division. It’s still going to take some time to get used to the Metro. An easier nickname for what should be a very competitive division. It’s even hard to pick who will finish last.

On paper, the Pens are the team to beat. Loaded up front with the game’s two best players Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, they’ll score plenty. Pascal Dupuis, Chris Kunitz and James Neal can all finish. Already Kris Letang is hurt which bares watching. It’s all on Marc-Andre Fleury to perform with a blood clot sidelining Tomas Vokoun. The Caps boast a solid nucleus that features Hart winner Alex Ovechkin. The most electrifying player who’ll compete with Steven Stamkos for 60 goals. Braden Holtby is the goalie. Nick Backstrom is the crafty setup man. Mike Green and John Carlson are the triggers. Troy Brouwer, Jason Chimera and Brooks Laich lead a strong supporting cast. This is a team that could challenge for the division.

The Rangers have a new coach in Alain Vigneault, who’s implementing a higher tempo system that should result in more offense. The growing concern is how will that impact Henrik Lundqvist? With Ryan Callahan and Carl Hagelin questionable for the start and a nine-game road trip, they might struggle early. Much depends on Brad Richards, who’ll start on the wing playing with Derek Stepan and Rick Nash. Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello are key pieces along with a blueline led by Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh and Marc Staal. The Devils boast a pair of 41-year old future Hall Of Famers in Marty Brodeur and Jaromir Jagr. From the looks of it, they’ll have plenty of depth with key additions Damien Brunner, Ryane Clowe and Michael Ryder looking to supply more offense. Cory Schneider gives them a potential new number one goalie. How will it all work out? Patrik Elias must be a big part of it. The injured team leader is their best scorer.

The Islanders are hoping the first round defeat to the Pens will be a springboard. Gone is Mark Streit, who now plays for the enemy Flyers. John Tavares is ready to assume the mantle as captain. Forty goals and 90 points are attainable. He leads a solid nucleus that includes Josh Bailey, Matt Moulson, Kyle Okposo, Frans Nielsen and Michael Grabner. Travis Hamonic is injured to start. That means a heavier workload for Lubomir Visnovsky, who supplants Streit on the offense. How much will the Isles power play miss their trigger man along with Brad Boyes, who was replaced by Pierre-Marc Bouchard? Andrew MacDonald will also get big minutes on the back end. Evgeni Nabokov remains the man in net. Will age catch up?

You have the Blue Jackets joining the Metro. A team full of ex-Rangers. Marian Gaborik is the scoring ace who must deliver. He’s had solid chemistry with Brandon Dubinsky and rookie Boone Jenner. One of two kids to watch. Ryan Murray being the other one who could impact the blueline. Artem Anisimov will be looked to for secondary scoring along with Cam Atkinson and new Jacket Nathan Horton. Horton won’t start the season but will be back. Fedor Tyutin has quietly become a team leader and James Wisniewski must be smarter. Jack Johnson plays big minutes. The pressure is on Sergei Bobrovsky to repeat the Vezina form that had Columbus take it to the final day before missing on a silly tiebreaker. If the kids play well, they could take the next step.

With the Flyers, it’s always about the goalies. This year’s no different with the combo of Ray Emery and Steve Mason replacing departed universe extraordinaire Ilya Bryzgalov. Offense shouldn’t be an issue with Claude Giroux getting Vincent Lecavalier. Scott Hartnell is healthy and motivated. Jake Voracek and Wayne Simmonds can finish in front and Matt Read will pop at least 20. If Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier take the next step in their development, Philly will be four lines deep. They’ll want to forecheck so there’s not as much pressure on a D that leaves more questions than answers. Kimmo Timonen and Braydon Coburn are team leaders. Streit will supply offense but not much else. Luke Schenn is tough. They signed Hal Gill as an extra. Desperate times indeed.

The Hurricanes are very top heavy. A top five of Eric Staal, brother Jordan Staal, Jeff Skinner, Alex Semin and Jiri Tlusty will be counted on for the bulk of the scoring. Can youngster Elias Lindholm stick? Without Joni Pitkanen whose career might be in jeopardy which influenced the NHLPA to approve hybrid icing, there isn’t a standout on the back end. Justin Faulk is very young and already will have plenty of responsibility. They went out and signed Ron Hainsey. A solid addition along with ex-Sabre Andrej Sekera. But is it enough support for Cam Ward and Anton Khudobin? That remains to be seen.

So, how will it all shake out? Don’t hold me to this.

METRO DIVISION

+*1.Capitals

*2.Penguins

*3.Rangers

4.Devils

5.Blue Jackets

6.Flyers

7.Islanders

8.Hurricanes

+Division winner

*Playoffs

BEST PLAYER-Sidney Crosby

TOP GOALIE-Henrik Lundqvist

BEST FINISHER-Alex Ovechkin

BEST DEFENSEMAN-Ryan McDonagh

ROOKIE TO WATCH-Boone Jenner

TOP COACH-Dan Bylsma

BREAKOUT PLAYER-Kyle Okposo

ALL METRO TEAM-Ovechkin-Crosby-Malkin McDonagh-Letang Lundqvist

HONORABLE MENTIONS-Giroux, Tavares, Backstrom, Gaborik, E. Staal, Nash, Elias

M. Staal, Orpik, Carlson, Green, Girardi, Hamonic

Bobrovsky, Schneider, Holtby

Posted in Devils, NHL Preview, NY Islanders, NY Rangers | Leave a comment

Sabres name Vanek co-captain in potential final year

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Derek
Vanek's Final Hurrah? Thomas Vanek is in the final year of his contract with Buffalo. dirtydanglehockey.com

Vanek’s Final Hurrah? Thomas Vanek is in the final year of his contract with Buffalo.
dirtydanglehockey.com

With an eye towards retaining Thomas Vanek, the Sabres named their top finisher co-captain with Steve Ott. The 28-year old Vanek is entering his final year of a long-term contract that pays him $7.1 million this season. In eight seasons with Buffalo, his 250 goals place sixth on the all-time Sabres list. If he scores 18 goals, he’ll move up to fourth past popular Sabres Craig Ramsay and Daniel Gare.

Including last year, he’s scored 20 or better every season. A two-time 40-goal scorer, Vanek’s one of the most overlooked talents in the game. Playing in obscurity helps. Since consecutive Conference Final runs in ’06 and ’07, Buffalo has fallen on hard times. They’ve missed the playoffs the last two years and three of the last five. Buffalo hasn’t been out of the first round since Daniel Briere and Chris Drury departed. Now, Briere will make his debut with the Canadiens tonight when the season opens while Drury is retired. How times change.

All indications are that Vanek will leave. A potential trade candidate, he could go at next year’s deadline. Much depends if the Sabre youth movement works. A young roster that could include several players under 25 will be severely tested in the newly formed Atlantic. A division which features East heavies Boston, Detroit and Ottawa. Montreal and Toronto play tonight. Both made the postseason. Aside from the Red Wings coming over, Florida and Tampa Bay are also new making it a compelling division. Vanek will need help from the likes of Drew Stafford, Cody Hodgson, Tyler Ennis, Ott and Ville Leino. Already Marcus Foligno is hurt and starts the season on the injured list. That’s one young player they’re expecting more from. Does second-year man Mikhail Grigorenko make an impact? Johan Larsson could be someone to watch.

If they are to go anywhere, Tyler Myers better rediscover the game that won a Calder. Still only 23, the big righty has the tools but not the level of consistency. In many aspects, he’s comparable to the Rangers’ Michael Del Zotto. The biggest difference is Buffalo relies a lot more on Myers. Can the return of vet Henrik Tallinder revive him? Number one pick Rasmus Ristolainen seems to have made the roster. The Finn is 18 and a building block for the future. Newcomer Jamie McBain should bring some skill to the blueline.

Vanek might be joined by Ryan Miller. If Vanek’s been Buffalo’s best offensive player, then Miller has been the backbone in net. Now 33, he’s entering his 11th year. Hard to believe he once had the Sabres within an eye lash of the Stanley Cup Final. If only that team’s blueline wasn’t so depleted. In 2010, it was Miller Time for Team USA with the charismatic goalie backstopping them to silver in Vancouver. If only Sidney Crosby hadn’t beaten him. Miller has played in exactly 500 games for Buffalo. The most in franchise history along with 269 wins. Thirty-five more than a guy named Dominik Hasek, who remains the club leader in shutouts (55). Miller is next with 28.

Now, both Vanek and Miller could be playing their final year with the only organization they’ve known. A sad tale that Sabre fans have grown accustomed to. Unless there’s a surprise season that allows the team to challenge for the postseason, it looks like the end of an era. Even with Vanek wearing the ‘C.’

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Devils set roster: Elias on IR to start, Jagr ready to go

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Derek
Jaromir Jagr leads a new Devils attack. www.northjersey.com

Jaromir Jagr leads a new Devils attack.
http://www.northjersey.com

Monday, the Devils finally set their 23-man roster. While it looks like Jaromir Jagr is ready for the season, star forward Patrik Elias has been placed on the injured list with an undisclosed injury. The franchise all-time scoring leader is arguably the most important player on the roster. With many question marks surrounding the Devils offense, Elias is the one guy they can rely on. He led them with 36 points last season.

New Jersey is banking on Jagr and Michael Ryder to supply offense. The big question is how will Number 68 hold up during a hectic Olympic season? Still a big presence with strength and skill, it’ll be fun to watch him. He should help improve the power play along with Ryder, who supplies a big righty shot that should be good for 20 or more goals. Along with newcomer Ryane Clowe and smart addition Damien Brunner, they’ll be asked to pick up the scoring slack. In particular, Brunner is a creative player with speed which can help.

Travis Zajac and Adam Henrique are expected to bounce back. Much depends on how both centers perform. Each begins new contracts with added pressure. Henrique is the younger player with more potential while Zajac is a reliable two-way pivot who’s crucial to the Devil forecheck. Andrei Loktionov is someone to watch. The former King showed flashes last year. A very shifty skater with nice touch, he’s a wildcard. Rotislav Olesz gets a chance to play for Pete DeBoer again. Given a tryout in preseason, the ex-Panther made the most of it. If the club is to have secondary scoring, it’ll have to come from Loktionov, Olesz and injured forward Mattias Tedenby. That could determine whether the club makes the playoffs.

DeBoer can count on checkers Ryan Carter, Steve Bernier and Stephen Gionta for energy. Carter and Bernier have solid chemistry while Gionta is a classic overachiever. He can also move steady vet Dainius Zubrus around. Zubrus has been a solid player who’s carved a nice niche. A line with Clowe and Jacob Josefson is possible. Josefson is another young player who must improve. The 22-year old center has had trouble staying healthy. He showed progress on face offs.

On defense, the Devils are led by Andy Greene, Marek Zidlicky and captain Bryce Salvador. Greene is the steady two-way D while Zidlicky is the club’s best offensive defenseman. Salvador brings physicality. Much depends on Adam Larsson, who enters his third year. Inconsistent his first two seasons, the 20-year old Swede has looked more confident. He’s used his big shot more and looked steadier during preseason. If he can take the next step, the Devil blueline should be fine. Fellow Swede Alex Urbom made the roster beating out Eric Gelinas and Jon Merrill, who’ll start with Albany. With incumbents Mark Fayne and Anton Volchenkov rounding it out along with decent extra Peter Harrold, the Devils have plenty of depth.

The biggest aspect of the club is the dynamic goalie duo of Marty Brodeur and Cory Schneider. The 41-year old Brodeur is a legend who’s done it all. The all-time winningest goalie (669 wins) who doubles in shutouts (121) might be entering his last season. He hasn’t indicated anything leaving the possibility of one more year open. Brodeur is in the final year of his contract. It’ll be emotional for Devil fans every time they see number 30 in net. He’ll start Thursday’s season opener in Pittsburgh. The Devils host the Islanders Friday. It could be Schneider who gets the nod. An oddity for hockey fans. Lou Lamoriello’s biggest offseason move was trading a number one pick (Bo Horvat) to Vancouver for the 27-year old backstop. So far, it looks brilliant. Schneider was terrific during exhibition. No stranger to goalie controversies, he’ll be Brodeur’s successor. With the club having a league high 22 back-to-backs, that should allow DeBoer to balance it out. It’ll be an interesting storyline.

Here’s how the Devils roster shakes out:

GOALIES: Marty Brodeur, Cory Schneider

DEFENSEMEN: Mark Fayne, Andy Greene, Peter Harrold, Adam Larsson, Bryce Salvador, Alex Urbom, Anton Volchenkov, Marek Zidlicky

FORWARDS: Steve Bernier, Damien Brunner, Ryan Carter, Ryane Clowe, *Patrik Elias, Stephen Gionta, Adam Henrique, Jaromir Jagr, Jacob Josefson, Andrei Loktionov, Rotislav Olesz, Michael Ryder, Travis Zajac, Dainius Zubrus

*Injured Reserve

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Islanders announce roster: Reinhart, Nelson in, Strome out

Posted on September 30, 2013 by Derek
Griffin Reinhart will start the year with the Islanders. islanders.nhl.com

Griffin Reinhart will start the year with the Islanders.
islanders.nhl.com

The Islanders announced their roster earlier today. Among the notables who made the team are rookies Brock Nelson and Griffin Reinhart. The 21-year old Nelson is a former 2010 first round pick who made his debut in the playoffs last Spring. The center impressed enough to make the roster fulfilling expectations. If all goes accordingly, he could add offensive depth.

Joining Nelson is 19-year old defenseman Reinhart. With top defenseman Travis Hamonic uncertain for the season’s start, he’ll get an opportunity to prove himself. The Islanders can play him nine games before deciding whether to return the 2012 fourth overall selection back to the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL). The older brother of projected 2014 No.1 overall pick Sam Reinhart performed well during preseason. With 23-year old rookie blueliner Matt Donovan also on the roster, the club can be more patient with Reinhart. When healthy, the Isles’ blueline will feature Hamonic, Andrew MacDonald, Lubomir Visnovsky, Brian Strait, Matt Carkner, Thomas Hickey and Donovan. They optioned Calvin de Haan to Bridgeport. The former 2009 first round pick still isn’t quite ready. He’ll start his second pro year with the Sound Tigers.

Up front, new captain John Tavares leads a talented group that includes Josh Bailey, Michael Grabner, Matt Moulson, Frans Nielsen and Kyle Okposo. The remaining forwards are Eric Boulton, Casey Cizikas, Matt Martin, Colin McDonald, Nelson and Peter Regin. New acquisition Cal Clutterbuck will start the season on the injured list.

One player who didn’t make it was Ryan Strome. The 20-year old former 2011 first round pick begins his first pro season in Bridgeport. A gifted player with terrific hands, he’ll get the chance to develop first. He’s the kind of guy that can make an impact but shouldn’t be rushed. He’ll join Johan Sundstrom, who could be the first forward recalled. The 21-year old Swede enters his second pro season after tallying 32 points (11-21-32) last year.

The goalies are Evgeni Nabokov and Kevin Poulin. Here’s the roster breakdown.

GOALIES: Evgeni Nabokov, Kevin Poulin

DEFENSEMEN: Matt Carkner, Matt Donovan, Thomas Hickey, Travis Hamonic, Andrew MacDonald, Griffin Reinhart, Brian Strait, Lubomir Visnovsky

FORWARDS: Josh Bailey, Eric Boulton, Casey Cizikas, Cal Clutterbuck, Michael Grabner, Matt Martin, Colin McDonald, Matt Moulson, Brock Nelson, Frans Nielsen, Kyle Okposo, Peter Regin, John Tavares

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Rangers Set Roster: Fast, Miller make it, Kreider cut

Posted on September 30, 2013 by Derek
Jesper Fast made the Rangers roster. snyrangersblog.com

Jesper Fast made the Rangers roster.
snyrangersblog.com

Yesterday, the Rangers announced their roster. There weren’t many surprises. A strong camp from rookie Jesper Fast impressed Alain Vigneault enough to keep him up.

“We had some decisions to make and when I looked at what Fast did throughout training camp I really liked his hockey smarts, his skill level,” the Rangers coach told Jim Cerny on NYRangers.com. “Being a right-hander with Ryan (Callahan) not being ready for the start, I thought also made him a good fit. As I’ve said, talent shows no age. It’s about who can help us win some games.”

Callahan returned Sunday along with Derek Stepan. The Ranger captain is shooting for Thursday’s season opener in Phoenix. But shouldn’t rush back after recovering from a torn labrum. If he can’t go, Fast could make his NHL debut. An active player who gets in on the forecheck, the 21-year old Swede has upside. Vigneault preached the kid’s skill level and two-way play. He also brings speed. Something that can be an asset.

Also making the roster was veteran Arron Asham. A good preseason was enough for him to stick. If he can be active and stay out of the penalty box, Asham can have a role. He must improve from last year where he had a penchant for mistimed penalties. Speaking of which, Derek Dorsett will be the team enforcer. The former Blue Jacket came over as part of the Marian Gaborik trade. He didn’t have the best camp taking penalties and losing his cool. But his toughness can be a plus. He’s a good enough skater who finishes checks. If he can play smarter, then he’ll be serviceable.

In a dismal preseason, J.T. Miller was one of the few bright spots. After returning from injury, he impressed the coaching staff. Miller scored twice in the final three exhibition games. The 20-year old former 2011 first round pick earned a spot. He can play center or the left side making him versatile. He doesn’t lack confidence playing an aggressive style that should make him a favorite. It was his emergence that allowed Vigneault to cut Chris Kreider. Kreider was a disappointment. He’s just not ready. The former 2009 first rounder needs to be more consistent. The talent is there. Easily one of the organization’s fastest skaters, the former BC standout possesses a top heavy shot and the size that can make him a potential power forward. Listed at 6-3, 226 pounds, the 22-year old enters his second pro season. After struggling with Hartford, he wasn’t much better in 23 games last year posting two goals and an assist. He did score an overtime winner against Boston in the second round, neatly deflecting a Rick Nash feed to extend the series. It’s harnessing the talent. More experience with the Wolf Pack is better for his development.

Justin Falk is the team’s seventh defenseman. But he didn’t exactly get a ringing endorsement. When asked about the ex-Wild, Vigneault said he was “alright.” That’s not what you want to hear. Falk beat out Stu Bickel and Conor Allen. Bickel cleared waivers. He and Allen will start in Hartford.

Darroll Powe was one of the final cuts. The veteran penalty killing forward had a good camp. A responsible defensive player, Powe was extremely noticeable on the PK creating numerous shorthanded chances. The Rangers had plenty of work at it given all the penalties they took. That can’t become a trend.

“We just felt some of those younger players had a little bit more upside as far as talent and skill,” explained Vigneault, who also pointed out that Kreider, a youngster “has a good camp…he’s real close…but he needs to play big minutes.”

He’s correct. Powe isn’t going to bring offense. But he did score by going to the net. Something the new coach wants to see. With him clearing waivers, Powe will start in Hartford. He can always be called up if the team needs a sparkplug. Bruiser Brandon Mashinter was the other cut.

Rookies Marek Hrivik and Oscar Lindberg were also sent to Hartford. Neither did anything wrong. It’s just a numbers game. Hrivik looks NHL ready. He has good speed and offensive instincts. If he gets recalled, I’d like to see him shoot more. Lindberg was up and down. There were times he was visible and others where he didn’t stand out. He can definitely benefit from more playing time under Ken Gernander. At the very least, it looks like the Rangers have some good young talent. Last year, depth was an issue. This time around, that shouldn’t be a problem. There are plenty of reinforcements. Don’t forget Danny Kristo is also down on the farm in his first pro year. Plus former top pick Dylan McIlrath will be closely monitored. With Allen showing some ability, at least the club has some younger blueliners. The other young defensemen to follow are Brady Skjei and Calle Andersson. Skjei enters his second year at Minnesota while Andersson is playing back home for Malmo in Sweden. He has a goal and assist in two games.

As currently constituted, here’s how the Rangers roster breaks down.

GOALIES: Henrik Lundqvist, Marty Biron

DEFENSEMEN: Michael Del Zotto, Justin Falk, Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh, John Moore, Marc Staal, Anton Stralman

FORWARDS: Arron Asham, Brian Boyle, Derick Brassard, Ryan Callahan, Derek Dorsett, Jesper Fast, Carl Hagelin, J.T. Miller, Dominic Moore, Rick Nash, Benoit Pouliot, Taylor Pyatt, Brad Richards, Mats Zuccarello

Note: Hagelin’s status remains uncertain. He hasn’t been cleared for contact. It’s possible he could be placed on long term injured reserve (LTIR) allowing Hrivik or Lindberg to be called up.

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Devils deal Barch to Florida

Posted on September 29, 2013 by hasan4978

Now-former Devil Krys Barch (tsn.ca)

With players needing to be placed on waivers before noon tomorrow to comply with Monday’s 3 PM roster deadline, the first domino finally fell for the Devils when they traded quasi-enforcer Krys Barch and a 2015 7th rounder to Florida for a 2014 6th rounder and AHL player Scott Timmins.  Barch had no points and 44 PIM’s in 22 games last year in New Jersey while Timmins has had one goal and a -10 in 24 career NHL games over the last two seasons for the Panthers.  While Florida has been adding reinforcements to their roster over the last few days – signing Tim Thomas, Brad Boyes and Tom Gilbert – the Devils were just trying to create some room on the big-league roster.

Without Barch, the Devils still have fourteen one-way contracts up front plus Stephen Gionta and his two-way deal.  Not to mention eight defensemen are still on the roster, with 22-year old Alexander Urbom waiver-eligible.  Unless we keep eight defensemen (which would again be a disaster), there’ll either have to be a move there or we’ll have to risk losing Urbom to waivers.  New Jersey could also pull a bait-and-switch – sending Adam Larsson down for a day and then recalling him in favor of Urbom when teams’ rosters are set and he’d be least likely to get claimed.  GM Lou Lamoriello used this trick to get Bobby Butler through waivers at the start of the season last year, although teams might be wiser to the maneuver now.

Either way, we’ll see what the next domino is by tomorrow or Monday.

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Crowned by the Kings in Vegas

Posted on September 28, 2013 by Derek

At least it’s only preseason. In their final tune up at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the Rangers were crowned by the Kings 4-1. The same two teams played Vegas in 1991. That was a stark contrast with John Vanbiesbrouck admitting to Al Trautwig that it was so humid out that dehydration was a legit concern in 85 degree temps outside. Good thing the rematch was played inside in front of over 11,000. Even if it was 11 degrees cooler, it didn’t help the Rangers win.

Playing their fourth road game over five days, Alain Vigneault went with a mixed bag. He gave top three defensemen Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi and Marc Staal the night off. It showed right away. Off the opening faceoff, Anze Kopitar went around Anton Stralman beating Henrik Lundqvist 15 seconds in. A night after being chased by Vancouver for five goals, he allowed four over three periods. A blueline that included regulars Stralman, Mike Del Zotto, John Moore along with Conor Allen, Stu Bickel and Justin Falk struggled mightily. The latter three were vying for the seventh D. Bickel showed toughness fighting Jordan Nolan. Falk remains the favorite even though he’s been up and down. Allen likely will start in Hartford.

Special teams weren’t good. The Rangers allowed two power play goals while not getting much accomplished on their own. They gave up dangerous shorthanded chances. A theme throughout a long unorganized road trip. Unorganized because they haven’t looked sharp. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to travel. Unfortunately, the MSG renovation has them on the road for the first nine games. It still doesn’t explain why it was necessary to play the bulk of their exhibition schedule in Western Canada. The charity golf tournament that raised money for Calgary was a noble gesture. I just wonder how quickly they’ll recover. Back home for a few days, they head West again to begin the season.

Jeff Carter and Mike Richards each scored on the power play for the Kings. Carter made it 2-0 when he had all day to deke Lundqvist and slide the puck in an open side. If there was a bright spot, it was the play of J.T. Miller along with kids Jesper Fast, Marek Hrivik and Oscar Lindberg. After being called out by Vigneault along with the ghost of Chris Kreider, Miller redirected a Stralman point shot past Jonathan Quick that cut the deficit to 2-1. A neat deflection by a poised 20-year old who deserves to make the team. The 2011 first round pick has played on the left wing. He’s more active than Kreider, who still has a tendency to disappear. It’s hard to say what they should do with him. The other rookies have been more noticeable. Lindberg was involved picking up an assist on Miller’s tally. He also was part of their best line flanked by Fast and Hrivik. Of the three, Fast is the one who looks most ready. If there’s one positive, it’s that the Rangers have more young talent than previously thought. They’ll have reinforcements at Hartford.

Brandon Mashinter had another scrap but took a costly penalty that led to Richards beating Lundqvist with a clean wrist shot from the point. He’s mighty tough and could be a player Vigneault calls upon at some point this season. But you can’t lose discipline. With Arron Asham showing enough to make the roster, Mashinter will be ticketed for Hartford. What to do with Darroll Powe and Taylor Pyatt? There’s more of a case for Powe, who brings penalty killing and defensive awareness. An area that’s been lacking. Improved strength has helped. He can be a valuable extra forward. With Dominic Moore and Brian Boyle, is there really a need for Pyatt? How many fourth liners can they carry? Assuming Asham makes it along with Powe, Pyatt could be the odd man out. If they want to change the identity, then keep Miller and Fast to start the year. They’ve earned it.

At this point, Ryan Callahan is pushing for Thursday’s season opener at Phoenix. He’s cleared for contact and returns tomorrow along with Derek Stepan. Carl Hagelin is further away. Trying to figure out the 23-man roster is hard because they still need to get back to the cap. They’re $294,167 over. So, it comes down to roster cuts. It will work itself out.

One other note from yesterday. Rick Nash continues to baffle. Whether it’s holding onto the puck looking to go 1 on 4 or failing to hustle back defensively leading to lazy penalties, he isn’t a complete player. Despite oodles of talent, the 40-goal scorer has demonstrated why the Blue Jackets got rid of him. There’s no doubt he’ll produce. He’s the Rangers’ best forward. It would be nice if Vigneault got into his head about the other part of the game. Defense is still important. Even the offensive minded coach has noted that. Similar to not being able to win low scoring contests consistently, you can’t win shootouts nightly. There has to be a balance. I’m not sure I’d play Nash with Brad Richards for too long. At least Richards tries to get back.

The Rangers finished preseason 1-5-0. Their only win came against the Flyers, who have struggled. I’m trying not to put too much stock in it because Vigneault kept a lot of guys around so he can familiarize himself with the organizational depth. There might be a benefit to that. If players struggle, he should have a better idea who to call up. It’s been echoed throughout. The team will become much harder to play against once Callahan, Stepan and Hagelin are part of it. They’re the toughest forwards on the roster. I’d like to see Callahan utilized in a similar role to Kreider on the power play. He’s effective in front and has deft touch. Hopefully, icing a full roster will allow the team to gel.

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