The Hockey News: New Jersey Devils to Finish 5th in East in 2009-10

by John Fischer on Aug 16, 2009 6:30 PM EDT in Devils Issues, Views & Analysis

In the run-up to their annual yearbook, The Hockey News is releasing their 2009-10 regular season predictions one-by-one for each conference. Today, they have revealed where they think the New Jersey Devils will finish fifth in the Eastern Conference next season. Here is their reason why:

Defense-first coach Jacques Lemaire is back with the team he had his most success with, winning the Stanley Cup in 1995. With Martin Brodeur in goal and an underrated — if unspectacular — blueline, the Devils are poised to be competitive again in the East this season. But the offense will likely suffer under Lemaire, meaning New Jersey will fall some.

By process of elimination, THN's writers think Philadelphia, Washington, Boston, and Pittsburgh will finish ahead of the Devils. Possible, as two of these teams did finish ahead of New Jersey, and Pittsburgh and Phildelphia may take a leap next season. Their rationale for the Devils finishing fifth in the conference also isn't unreasonable, in my opinion. Of course, I'd like to think they'll do better; but fifth in the conference wouldn't be too horrible. Expect to see a lot of this rhetoric in other NHL previews as October becomes closer: Lemaire is a defense-first coach, Brodeur is still in goal, underrated blueline, Devils always competitive, offense will suffer, etc. As Devils fans, this should not be new.

There is one point I do disagree with and it's that last bit about how the offense will likely suffer under Lemaire. I think the offense may suffer regardless of Lemaire, as I expect Zach Parise, Jamie Langenbrunner (who had a career year last season), and Patrik Elias to put up similar numbers to last season or less. Expecting and demanding a point per game season for a player's year to be a success is a very difficult task, and so we may see fewer goals overall as a result. Of course, other players can step up or these same players can go out and prove me (happily) wrong.

Anyway, let me know what you think of THN's prediction either by voting in this poll or leaving further thoughts in the comments.

Poll

THN predicts the Devils will finish 5th in the East in 2009-10. What do you think of THN's prediction?

I agree with the prediction, the Devils will finish 5th

79 votes

I disagree, the Devils will finish higher than 5th.

214 votes

I disagree, the Devils will finish lower than 5th - BUT will make the playoffs.

37 votes

I disagree, the Devils will finish lower than 5th - AND miss the playoffs.

4 votes

334 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

nope

either devils or philly will win the divison so the devils will be 1-4.

by Imperator_Celtic on Aug 16, 2009 6:47 PM EDT reply actions

i think it’s a three team race between Pittsburgh, Philly, and NJ. But I give NJ the edge because of their goaltending and they’re the division champs now.

by themiddle91489 on Aug 16, 2009 6:58 PM EDT reply actions

LOL

everyone has high hopes for the devils. 100% think they’ll go higher than 5th.

by Nothinggoespast on Aug 16, 2009 7:11 PM EDT reply actions

The "pundits" say this every year

Every year they pick the Devs to finish in the bottom half of the conference (or worse) and every year we’re in the top four.

This is a rebuilding year anyway. I’d be thrilled if they just got out of the first round.

by claudelemieux on Aug 16, 2009 9:01 PM EDT reply actions

Don’t ask why because I have no answer but I have this funny feeling that they will do well this upcoming year more because of their offensensive game than their defensive game-I know it goes’ against all logic and sounds crazy,but…..you never know.

by eppy on Aug 16, 2009 9:09 PM EDT reply actions

I'm just not grasping all the love for Philly

They lost a pretty good role player in Knuble and added Captain Elbows and a few players with styles reminiscent of the Broadstreet Bullies (because THAT works nowadays), and swapped out two unreliable and erratic goalies for two different but equally unreliable and erratic goalies… and they’re suddenly favorites?

In any event, count me in as one who expects a higher seed of the Devils, but would settle for 5th.

Of course, once the season starts, realism goes out the window and I see only through black and red shaded glasses, and I expect them to win every game on their unstoppable march to a Cup.

by elesias on Aug 16, 2009 9:10 PM EDT reply actions

I would agree about Philly if THN is thinking they’ll take the division. Even then, it could be a very tight race between the three teams and so two of NJ, Pittsburgh, and Philly could easily end up in #4 and #5.

Of course, once the season starts, realism goes out the window and I see only through black and red shaded glasses, and I expect them to win every game on their unstoppable march to a Cup.

Like a real supporter! I like it!

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by John Fischer on Aug 16, 2009 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions