Waddya know Stephen Gionta gets his first career goal for the Devils today. That may very well have earned him a spot in the first playoff game. Well the regular season is over. And not a bad one at that. Here come the playoffs, looks like Florida. But how about the Crapitals beating up the Rags.
I'd take Gionta in the lineup over Boulton and Cam together. I actually thought Gionta was just as good as Josefson. Did all the little things won his battles and got an easy tip cause the defender looked like Larsson leaving someone open in the front of the net. I actually forgot where Bernier was playing was he on the 4th? I love that kid he reminds me of Brylin being an unsung hero back in the day without the scoring touch. But who sits when Clarkson comes back?
In Lou we trust Zidlicky and Poni have been two of the greatest trades we made.
Anyone know why all the Devils fans on the internet seem to hate Pierre McGuire so much? I know he's a pretty big Philly homer, but he's been really fair IMO so far this series and he's actually really complimentary of the Devils -- especially the little things that a lot of people don't see. I know he was a crappy coach, but he knows the game well and his angle during the game gives him a really unique ability to provide some great insight.
He's not just another national broadcaster that doesn't do his homework, he points out some stuff that Chico even misses sometimes.
I don't know...maybe I just like him because he sees the same things in Andy Greene that I do. I think I'm finally just elated to see him getting some praise outside of message threads started on CBS sportsline by santana8moss3. Refreshing.
One more random thought...how HUGE is this playoff run with all the talk of the "financial problems" Devils ownership is having. Obviously every game is a sell-out and if nothing else, they extended the season with at least 7 more home games. Probably more to come.
Don't know if I'm overthinking this, but can anyone say Zach Parise implications?
I hear you Santana but now is not the time to talk about Zach. I just feel if anyone doesn't want to be on a team then let them walk. Use his salary to get other players. He knows what he's got with this team it's up to him.
It's hard cause you can also make an argument Zach is only the 3rd best guy on the team. Maybe 4th if you throw Zidlicky in behind Kovi and Elias. I don't know I like Parise but I feel his best attribute is winning battles on the boards. I don't see a lights out scorer who should demand 10 mil a year.
I don't think he's going to demand 10. Obviously this is purely my opinion, as Zach has rightfully stayed hush on the topic, but I'm pretty sure he'd be happy with something that ends up with a cap hit around $6.5m. I'm hoping that a lot of the older guys (Zubrus, Salvador) are willing to take reasonable pay cuts/discounts to come back and play for the Devils. I'm pretty sure at this point the Devs have some leverage with the young guys coming up and the success that they've had so far this season. Another important factor is Deboer. His system is finally kicking in full gear and has only gotten better as the season progressed. There's no reason it shouldn't improve next season. Addionally, the system is fun for the forwards and even defencemen, something that is new to New Jersey. So basically what I'm saying is that the cap space should be there for him...all we have to do is worry about Vanderbeek and Co. being able to pay the salary.
Vanderbeel has a huge hole...not sure if the Conference Finals and if the Devils get the the Stanley Cup finals can bridge the gap and get the team out of trouble. However,no one expected them to be here and thats good.As Santana said DeBoer,his system should be selling points and create some interest to investors that think there can be deep runs which create profit. I know the economy is bad,however this years playoffs has proved money can be made with the Devils and playoffs. Anyway one thing thats nice to hear and see is DeBoer,I really am happy for him.He seems to say and do all the right things,at least in the playoffs....and thats when it counts. Hope he can make the Finals with the Devils it would be some story.
Bigtime yeah he seems to be the weak link etc.Though he isnt the goat of the series like DelZotto as far as Dmen go.Also Kredier for all his offense gets lost playing D and position,I can live with it and I am sure the assistants have this highlighted and worked on it.
