Randoms...

Hey guys.  Hope everyone had a great summer, but now it's hockey time.  I was trying to hold out until the regular season began to start this up, but I just couldn't wait.  There's still a lot that needs to unfold before we get to opening night.  Plus the game tonight (I didn't catch the Flyers game) was outstanding even though it was only preseason (I didn't get to all of it but from what I caught there was nice intensity and good action).

I thought the idea of this thread worked well during last season.  We know people are going to be talking about clearing cap space, the new top line, and how much Johnny Mac should sit Marty.  But this is the spot for a funny joke about Brian Rolston.  Or maybe a poll to see how many times we thought Chico was justified if he decided to just punch Joe Micheletti in the face during the broadcast.  Whatever comes to your mind before, during, or after a game is all in play.

So, in all seriousness, how annoying is Joe Micheletti?  And what did you guys think of Tedenby tonight?  Without knowing his number or ever seeing him skate before, I knew immediately who he was (vs guys like Mills/Gelinas/Taormina--I had no idea who there were from the overhead).  His speed is unmistakable.  It looked like he was catching passes relatively well and applying pressure on both the backcheck and forecheck.  His problem right now is the bigger defensemen just straight bullying him around.  He's got to learn to just pick his head up and use his speed to make his linemates better.  He's got the creativity and skill, but he needs to learn how to apply it to help the team win.

Let me know what you guys think, I'm looking forward to the start of the season and hearing from you all again.  

Micheletti is a pain,really gives great headaches....and people rip Chico...PPFFFT! Anyway the Devils are going to score alot of goals this year. The team is in real good shape and really has two lines that can generate chances,skate with and get physical with anyone. If this was by design as opposed to just availability,which knowing Lou he had bthis plan blueprinted after the Devils last lost too Philly then its a raving success.I dont want to get too far ahead of the big picture because there still has to be a trade to get this team under the cap. I am hoping that the trade doesnt include Zajac....until then its a concern of mine. In any event really looking forward to this upcoming season!

Well it seems as if you could have pulled this post from the archives from last season or even the season before. This team need big help on the PP and the PK. The Devils worked their asses off for four goals last night against the Rangers, but squandered four opportunites on the PP, including a nearly 2 minute 5 on 3. To make matters worse, 4 of the five goals they gave up, were on the PK, including the game winner.

Twice they gave up a two goal lead, to lose in OT. Its frustrating to see them play so well offensively, scoring very well, and watch them throw away the game.

And Hedberg better get his schit together or Marty will be playing 75 games this year. He's making a combined total of what Scott Clemmenson, Kevin Weekes and Yann Danis made in each of the last three seasons. Maybe he only plays well against the weak Southeast division where he's used to playing. Five goals on 20 shots, and 4 on the PK is not an impressive showing for the "best backup" we've had for Marty in years. Isn't Clemmer getting about $1.5 to back up the Panthers?

Devsfan I understand what your saying and the areas you mention I am sure Johnny Mac knows about and expect those areas to be better for game 1. I was watching the action last night and just enjoyed seeing some of the faces you may not see come game 1. I also didnt have the angst and excitement I usually get because the pre season game means nothing.In fact as Devils fans of late we have come to see Regular season is just a tune up and chemisty experiment for the playoffs. I am more concerned with a steady upward progression and to get out of the first round deep into the stanley cup playoffs.

        I thought Andy Greene looked sharp.Volchenkov hits anything in an opposing Jersey,not to mention pounded Avery....something the Devils didnt do enough of and need to see more of. Kovalchuk really draws players to him and as a Devil he will dish it off and should the Devil player score the Goals Kovi will rack up assists. Hedberg is solid and will play better and be better. I dont think Clemmer and Hedberg are night and day,in fact very comparable and we know how that worked when the Devils counted on Clemmer. All in all I saw alot of good,though the result should have been different.....nice to get wins whenever you can even in a non counting exhibition game.

I think Hedberg should be ok.  Clemmer was great for the Devils.  I even thought Kevin Weeks was good for the Devils.  I mean, who can honestly say they were disappointed in Yan Danis last year?  We can't.  He didn't play enough for us to say he was bad.  And when he did play, he played really well.

just enjoyed seeing some of the faces you may not see come game 1

Well Salvador, Rolston, Zubrus, White and Langenbrunner, were all at the fan fest today at the rock. I figgured if some were absent, it could be an indication of who was going. Lou and Johhn Mac had nothing to say on the topic either.

Devsfan,certainly not an easy time for any player.Though if you were the player who didnt want to get cut wouldnt you be anywhere you could be to host fans,at charities,volunteer to play in the minors? Just kidding about the minors......though I think there are a few Devils that love the organization and the area to live but just havent had the best time producing numbers....or some just staying with the Man(wont mention names)!!!!!.

     I think you will see either one small trade just to fit Kovi in or Lou may go deep and deal 2-4 for players for 2,and the player the Devils get back maybe be something they need. Question is does Lou have to part with someone he doesnt and thats why nothing is happening. GM's may be playing hardball,why not I am sure there is alot of jealousy out there.

Interesting...

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/
2010/09/turns-out-the-nhlpa-stood-u
p-for-devils-regarding-kovalchuk-pu
nishment.php

Slap Shots has been told that the delay of approximately 12 hours in finalizing the agreement reached in the early hours of Sept. 4 was caused by the union's insistence that the Devils not be penalized with a loss of salary-cap space for having been found guilty of circumvention by arbitrator Richard Bloch on the first Kovalchuk contract submission.

The NHL, we're told, finally yielded after it became clear that the union, protecting up to $3 million of New Jersey's potential payroll, was not going to surrender on the issue.

 

That prick Bettman was really trying to go for the jugular. Imaging the heap of schit we'd be in if we were another 3 million over the cap? Everyone without a no trade would be heading out or down to the minors.

Devsfan I read that....but I have been saying LONG before that article that it was personal and that beyon enforcing said "rules" Bettman abused his power and deliberatly and malisciously tried and did hurt the Devils. I wish Lou wasnt a Gentleman and would unleash on this guy.To be honest I think Bettman is spineless and he hasnt done a whole lot for the league since coming here.

That would be a fun cage fight.  Lou v. Bettman.  

Santana thats like a Lion Vs an Impala Lou would walk away with the carcass!!!

make it a tagteam event.  lou and chico vs. ace and gary bettman

Hahahaha good stuff.  

Heres a Random.....just wondering if MaClean is thinking to himself "Wow I am loyal to Colin White and he was a part in winning Cups here.Though these Younger guys have so much more potential...and would be playing for ALOT less then what Whitey makes. I wish I had an easier way to cut White that left no blood on my hands". Just a Random MaClean Soliloquy.

The suspense for these roster moves is killing me.  No only 'the trade', but also which rookies are we going to see?  Does Salvador's apparent trip to the LTIR make things better or worse?  We might be able to wipe his cap hit off the books but now Lou definitely can't trade him (one of the 2 relatively attractive players we have).  Zubrus has been playing decent and it looks like his great playoff series wasn't just an apparition.  Does that make Lou try to hold on to him more or does it just make it easier to trade him?  Like you mention Eagle, can Johnny Mac cut ties with someone like Colin White?  Crazy stuff.

Does Salvador's apparent trip to the LTIR make things better or worse?

I've wondered the same. The language of the CBA is not clear on how it works. The only thing that is clear is that he is no longer a tradable commodity.

Has Colin White looked better in preseason play? There were times where he seemed to look pretty good. Maybe losing that mutt Mike Mottau will get White back to where he needs to be? We really should thank The Islander for taking him off the Devils hands. It sounded like Lou might try to resign him once this other mess was cleaned up.

Whatever need be White better improve.Though the lack of any demotions hints at a deal being imminent....or maybe a late demotion.Please make it all legal Lou or be 100% correct,dont give this POS Bettman any more ammunition to use against the Devils,his whipping boys!

.Though the lack of any demotions hints at a deal being imminent...

Deadline for final rosters is 3PM on Wednesday October 6. We'll know in 21 hours.

Seems like a 20 man roster is a possibility.  Kind of crazy when you think about it, which makes it a very un-Devils and un-Lou thing to do.  Especially when you consider the Devils will only dress 11 forwards and on top of that there will be 2 rookie defensemen.  No way Maclean uses a rookie Dman as a 4th line forward, that makes no sense.  If the kid is on the big squad it's because they think he can make an impact at his position.  If he were to be used as a forward he's better off learning as a Dman in Albany and just call up Palmieri, Josefson, Tedenby, Davis, or heck, even Gionta...all of them could be serviceable as 4th liners.  So that means Johnny Mac roles with 2 rookie defensemen--at least one of them getting significant ice time (he wouldn't pair both of them together as the 3rd pair).  And Kovy and Parise are going to see the ice a lot. 

The only way this makes sense is that it proves Lou isn't going to be ripped off by another team.  If he can prove that he doesn't need to make a trade he has at least a little more leverage.

 We really should thank The Islander for taking him off the Devils hands. It sounded like Lou might try to resign him once this other mess was cleaned up.

Bingo. Have faith. We could be down a White and up a Mottau and Fraser 3rd pair!