Let's Take a Deep Breath, Devils Fans: What Can Be Done to Break the Slump
by John Fischer on Mar 8, 2010 7:52 PM EST
in Devils Issues & Views
57 comments
My fellow Devils fans, please take a deep breath.
The New Jersey Devils are mired in a big slump. A struggle that hasn't been seen in quite some time. The Devils have obtained a record of 6-12-2 in their last 20 games. Slipping in and out of periods or falling flat on their faces has become a hallmark. Solid performances are spotty through the roster and an entirely solid game by the team has become increasingly rare. You're not happy. I'm not happy. Jacques Lemaire isn't happy. The players aren't happy. Surely, Lou isn't happy. Despite announcing a deal that would have the New Jersey Nets play at the Rock, I can't imagine Jeff and the rest of the ownership group aren't happy either.. The post-game quotes after the 2-0 loss at Edmonton from Rich Chere and Tom Gulitti speak for themselves. The team has gotten healthier and healthier and yet they keep dropping more and more games in unsatisfactory performances. Everyone involved is frustrated.
Now, my fellow Devils fans, please take another deep breath.
We can choose to blame our preferred scapegoats for the horrible recent run of games such as Mike Mottau, Martin Brodeur's workload, the newly-acquired Ilya Kovalchuk, and/or a lack of youth. We can speculate over whether Lemaire lost the locker room or the coaches aren't making the right adjustments. We can point back at a dustbin of history where the success stands out but any flaw is ignored.
I don't want do any of that. Let's take a step back and look at the current situation and discuss what can be done and can't be done to break this slump. By no means are these guaranteed ways to get the Devils winning hockey games again. Consider it a thought-out rant if you want. Nonetheless, I offer these suggestions going forward.
Let's start with what I don't think will work, contrasting that with I think might work and perhaps should be tried:
What Won't Work: Stripping Ilya Kovalchuk of the responsibility of carrying the puck forward. This would be like telling Zach Parise to play away from the slot or telling Brian Rolston he's not allowed to use his slapshot anymore. One of the great skills Kovalchuk has is his speed in breaking out. Sometimes he is closed off and can't make a play, but other times, he can create his own space for a great scoring chance. To force someone else to do it wouldn't necessarily stop the former problem, but would prevent the latter from happening.
What Might Work: Mixing up the Devils' offensive approaches. Far too often in games, especially when the team struggles, the Devils seem so one-dimensional in getting the puck in the offensive zone. In order to correct it, the team needs to employ some variety. That means the gameplan isn't binary. This means that sometimes Kovalchuk carries the puck in. Sometimes ZZ Pops dumps it into a corner and try to cycle. Sometimes the power play should focus on the point. At a minimum, the Devils won't be so predictable; and if they find something that works - being able to beat the opposition silly along the boards - then they can stick with it in-game.
This is especially true for the power play. It's not that it doesn't score as much as you may think the Devils should on paper, but they're not even consistently threatening on the power play. Perhaps now is the time to reconsider Kovalchuk playing on both units. Perhaps now is the time to consider Kovalchuk playing in the traditional winger position on one unit and having some other player play the point (e.g. Brian Rolston). Perhaps now is the time to play an umbrella at times and then an overload other times. If there's an area that could use some experimentation and tweaking the most, it's the power play.
As for Kovalchuk specifically, perhaps shortening his shifts? No, it won't solve all of the Devils' problems; but it would at least give a different look for opponents.
What Won't Work: Users Cherno77 and Murdoc both raise an interesting point from the post-game thread: perhaps the opposition has figured out the Devils' ways and therefore know how to play against them. However, I don't think that's really the case for two reasons.
First, the Devils haven't really changed their style all season long. Given that Lemaire hasn't come up with a terribly complex or revolutionary way for a team to play hockey, why haven't opponents figured out how to play against the Devils far earlier in the season? A lot of players have been around the block so much, surely they can figure out what a team is doing tactically after a few shifts. Why are these struggles coming now instead of in late October or November?
Second, generally, forcing tactics on a team is like pushing a peg through a hole. If the players aren't skilled or disciplined enough to play a certain way, then forcing them to play that way would only lead to further problems on the ice. New systems require time and practice for the players to adjust to it. At this point of the season, a big adjustment is likely going to throw the team off moreso than get them back on track.
What Might Work: Similar to the last suggestion, the big area where I feel the Devils are lacking from a coaching standpoint are adjustments. Sometimes, this means changing the lines; but it really has to do with how the players are set up with and without the puck. Hockey is a game that is filled with improvisation, so you can't rigidly hold a team to a plan. Still, if a fast-skating team like Edmonton are racking up counter-attacks; then that means the forwards need to hold onto the puck more often or not go in deep at the same time to subject the defense to an odd-man rush. If a team likes to grind it out like Calgary, then either the Devils have to be willing to match shoulder to shoulder or have a teammate close by as a close, safe option for a pass. Adjustments are the key. They should be the focus for both the coaches and the players on the ice for the next few games because it doesn't appear
Of all the things involving coaching, I'm the most disappointed with the coaching is that the adjustments aren't there. Or if they are, then they aren't having a noticeable effect. It probably helps explain why second period meltdowns and third period breakdowns keep happening over and over.
What Won't Work: Firing Jacques Lemaire. Sure, the team will get a new guy (who, I don't know) and will want to impress him right away by upping their effort and everything else they can control. In the short run, the Devils will be winning game. Will it solve any of the root causes for the Devils' current struggles? Probably not, and so what will happen if/when the Devils struggle in a similar fashion under this supposed new coach? Get yet another new coach? It's simply not realistic.
Moreover, I don't think it's fair to say that Lemaire's losing the team or he's lost his touch. A lot of that happens in the locker room and behind the scenes. Yes, Lemaire and the assistants of Mario Tremblay, Tommy Albelin, and Scott Stevens do not look good now. Of course, they don't, the team's won 6 out of their last 20! No one looks good at that run. Yet, the terrible on-ice performance isn't indicative of whether the players are listening to Lemaire or not. I'm sure Lemaire isn't telling the defense to blindly clear the puck or not be in position on the ice; nor do I think the players are honestly doing anything to spite the team.
Still, you and I have no idea of whatever problems are going on in internally with the team. They're just playing bad and so it's pointless to speculate.
What Might Work: Other than focusing on in-game adjustments, I'd recommend what the Devils are doing now. Practicing. Working the guys over. They clearly needed a wake-up call. It's a good first step.
But beyond that, I would think that that it's the individual. Clearly the team as a whole isn't playing to the best of their ability, but it seems like every game it's a different set of people who aren't a factor on the ice. The only way to figure that out is to sit them down, point what's been wrong, and then point out on what they can do to prevent the issue again. Especially on defense, where each player has some kind of fault every game. I'm not saying all mistakes will go away, but they could be reduced - and that alone can make a big difference in a game.
What Won't Work: Calling up players from the AHL. A few have looked good in being called up to fill in for injuries this season, like Nick Palmieri and Patrick Davis. Matt Halischuk, Matthew Corrente, and Tyler Eckford showed a little promise in their brief stints in New Jersey. In fact, Vladimir Zharkov and Mark Fraser have even stuck with the NHL team this whole time.
Yet, honestly, is anyone on Lowell available that can make a significant difference in the lineup? Let's face it, if Zharkov and Fraser weren't being significant factors then or now, then what would anyone else do? While they have talent, Zharkov's not any better than the top 6 forwards, David Clarkson, and Brian Rolston at this point to justify more ice time or responsibilities. I like his hustle, his work ethic, and I love his speed; but he doesn't have the shot or the other offensive tools yet. He doesn't even have his first NHL goal. As for Fraser, Lemaire's been limiting his minutes for a reason because his own speed and general inexperience are an issue. Bringing him along slowly has been the right path; so throwing him into a 18-20 minute role after largely playing less than 13 minutes per night (Fraser averages 12:12/game) would be risky at best and terrible at worst.
If that's the best that Lowell has to offer right now, it's foolish to think that anyone else can change much elsewhere on the roster. And, yes, that includes Mike Mottau.
What Might Work: Again, the focus has to be from within. If that means sitting down with every player and being frank with how they have played and what mistakes they have made, then so be it. I hope this is being done.
What Won't Work: Changing goaltenders. Like Yann Danis playing more during these struggles would have made a difference at all. No offense to him, but his presence absolutely does not result in the guys in front of him playing better. It didn't happen on February 2, 2010 and there's no reason to believe it'll happen in the future. The goal for the Devils now is to get wins. The second goal is to get more wins. For the Devils to do that, it behooves Lemaire to play Martin Brodeur because he gives them the best chance to win games.
At the same time, I don't want to see much Andrew Peters or Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond on the ice in the future. Neither helps the Devils win hockey games, simple as that.
What Definitely Won't Work: Looking past any of the remaining 18 games. It's a sure-fire way to continue to lose these games. This is not April. This is not the playoffs. This is not 1999, 2000, 2003, or even last season. The focus has to be on the next opponent.
What Might Work: Focusing on smashing the Rangers in Newark on Wednesday is a good of a start as any.
Most of All: These are suggestions and just that. Doing one single thing isn't going to turn it around. One player having a great night (like, say, Brodeur in net) isn't enough to get a win. The whole team has to shape up and that falls on both the players and the coaches. I know, you're probably tired of reading that, but what else is there to say?
If I knew exactly what was wrong and what exactly needed to be done to fix the problems, that's one thing; but I don't. I know, it was such a long rant, but it's just a compendium on what's on my mind about this team and what they can do going forward. Let me know what you think in the comments, by email (at the bottom of the page), or even on Twitter (@JKFischer). Thanks for reading and I have one last point I'd like to make.
Take a deep breath. It's going to be an interesting March and April going forward.
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Danis...
Thank you for your remark on Danis. Everybody says that he has a great GAA but he has only played 4 games! But besides that, I don’t think he is a very good goaltender. I am a lover of Jeff Frazee, I wont lie. Lou needs to ditch Yann and bring Jeff up from Lowell to be the backup. Marty is not getting any younger, and a solid backup would help greatly. Ditch Danis please!!!
Haven't been able to watch the Devils on TV since 2008
Your passion for Frazee sitting on a bench instead of getting games in Lowell aside
This will also not help the team break it’s slump.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
I don’t think 4 games is enough to determine if he is a good goaltender or not. He has shown well in his 4 starts so I don’t know how you can say he isn’t that good. What are you basing that on?
You're Next!
by thatguy011071 on Mar 9, 2010 7:34 AM EST up reply actions
My 2 cents
Everybody’s high on Zharkov. And maybe he does have a lot of potential. But the Devils aren’t scoring. Zharkov isn’t scoring. I think this is at least one spot where a swap with someone from Lowell couldn’t hurt.
Brodeur: I’m probably one of the most vocal here about giving Marty the occasional day off. I have never meant it to be that Danis becomes the starter. All I think is that playing every game is not in the team’s best interests, regardless of how they’re doing.
Frazee: Sorry, jweinstein, a young, up and coming goaltender needs to play. If Frazee truly IS the Devils goalie of the future, you’re only hurting him by bringing him up to the big club to sit on the bench. If you’re not going to play your backup anyway, find someone who makes the league minimum and wouldn’t be atrocious if he had to play the occasional game. Oh, shoot, I just described Danis. Sorry, but Danis is probably perfect for the job of not playing too much.
Go Jets
Go Devils
I had another thought that I lost being distracted by the Danis post.
The Devils should probably play a scrimmage against the Lowell team. They need to learn how not to play down to the level of their opponent. Playing against an AHL team, even if it’s only slightly more than practice, couldn’t hurt their confidence.
Go Jets
Go Devils
Zharkov has a ton of potential, it’s just bad luck that he’s still got a donut under the G. I think he’s got potential to be a top 6 forward in due time…but you can’t fault him when he’s being tossed between the third and fourth lines and paired with slugs like Peters and PL3. Maybe pair him with Clarkie with McAmmond or another up-and-comer and see if there’s a spark. Zharkov’s hard work combined with Clarkson’s spunkiness and a descent center would be a solid third line if you ask me. But what good is pairing him with Rolston when Zharkov fights hard in the corners only to let that cupcake allow the defense to play it out of the zone?
I find it hard to fault Marty for anything, not with a swiss cheese defense in front of him. He was solid even when the D hung him out to dry against Edmonton. And giving up 2 goals is nothing, but it’s no good when our forwards are playing like chickens with their heads cut off.
Like I said earlier today in another thread, Wednesday against the Rags is the true bellwether game. If we come out strong and play a good 60 minutes, the slump could be behind us. If we struggle and stumble all throughout the game, then I think it’s time for Lou to do what he thinks is best. In Lou We Trust, after all.
Well one thing I would do is move Niedermayer to the 4th line and McAmmond to 3rd along with Zharkov (if only as a mix rotation with whoever is not producing) Zharkov needs more minutes.
I would also not play Peters……ever
Beyond that. I dont think its all lost yet. Because I feel Martin is going to help a lot. If this roster doesnt get it done…..Its not going to happen. Maybe next year.
I feel like i’ve been saying that since 2004…
Haven't been able to watch the Devils on TV since 2008
by jweinstein116 on Mar 8, 2010 9:31 PM EST up reply actions
sick
im so sick of watching this team, wearing the hat every day, wearing the jacket, wearing the jerseys and getting hyped up to watch my team lose to the worst team in the league.
I hope they drop out of the playoff race so I won’t have to care anymore. This team will get manhandled if they squeak in to the playoffs.
yeah, its harsh. im riding on all LOWS right now with the devils. i cant take it anymore. i dont want to care.
Get a hold of your self man! The funk the team is, I have to admit, sickening. I certainly hope they pull out of it but seeing the team put in little effort night after night just hurts because I know they can do so much better.
You're Next!
by thatguy011071 on Mar 9, 2010 7:45 AM EST up reply actions
There is a major consensus among many of us that one way to at depth to our offensive production is to tinker with the third line. I think Niedermayer and Rolston are done and the long term goal should be getting younger; but at the very least Niedermayer and Rolston have not earned their keep on the third line. Zharkov and/or McAmmond should move to the third line with Clarkson. I think we can get three lines of solid offensive production this way.
That is really the only improvement I see that can be made on the team. In every other way we are limited by personel. The D cannot get better (with the exception of a possible Martin return) and its getting too late to really call up young players; the time for that was a couple months back. Unfortunately, I think the team is severely limited in what it can do in playoffs because of a lack of defensive talent. I do not think we currently have a single D man that is above average in skills or skating, most are below average (perhaps Greene is average, but not above). I hope I am wrong but does anyone seriously think a team with no skill on the blue line can make a deep run?
this is all negative comments again.
I am not going to talk about anyone knocking them sorry. 1- We need to spend more time in the offensive zone. 2- we need to get the forecheck going again and the cycle that we used often in the beginning of the season. 3- We need to improve the powerplay which Martin will do. 4- We need to play Devils hockey again and not keep expecting Kovalchuk to carry the team. 5- We need to get more people in front of the net instead of shooting everything from the outside. 6- We need to get out there when the Devils play at home and root like crazy and get behind our team.7- We need to keep our lines together as units so they can play together all the time. 8- We need to play the 3rd and 4th lines more often to take some of the load off the top line. 9- We need to win more than 1 game at a time so we can build some momentum. 10- We need to beat the Rangers on our home ice to get that started and also beat the Penguins so we know we can beat the good teams in the playoffs. 11- We need to believe in our team again because we are the NJ DEVILS a winning franchise and a team that has won 3 stanley cups. This will all begin this week against the Rangers.. Go Devils
Donald Vasquez
Deep breath taken, but . . .
March has not been kind to the Devils in the past. I know John broke this down, but since the strike the Devils have usually done very well in the beginning of March and not so well (average at best) at the end of the month. In games since the strike, the Devils are 17-7-4 during March 1 – 15th. After March 15th, they’re 10-18-2. Take from it what you will.
The biggest way the Devils could break this slump: Beat the Rangers and Pittsburgh, 2 division rivals and then don’t pat yourself on the back for the game on the Island. Even winning one of those two would be a confidence booster.
What will help? Here I go back to attendance again, but a roaring crowd of red (and not blue) on Wednesday night will help. There was a Yankee who was struggling years back. And instead of booing him, the fans cheered him. They knew he was down, they knew he was out, and they sensed he needed something different and he got a big hit. I’m not a Yankee fan and I don’t remember which specific player that was. So, if you’re at the game on Wednesday, take that attitude. This team needs a boost. Welcome them home appropriately.
That being said, I disagree with the people who are critical of others for being negative here. THIS IS WHERE WE CAN BE NEGATIVE. . . . of course all within the realm of good taste. Because we shouldn’t boo our team at the arena, and if being negative here prevents you from doing that at games, by all means – we all need an outlet, right? Taste has boundaries, but if I couldn’t vent here – I really just think I’d continue to yell at the TV. And this is more fun.
I have respect for most sports fans with 2 exceptions: NY Ranger fans who grew up in New Jersey, and Dallas Cowboy fans who can't name the capital of Texas.
sorry I did not mean talking about anyone knocking the team.
I meant to say I was not going to knock any of the players.
Donald Vasquez
I’m ok with the Devils playing bad now and I’m not gonna worry until playoff time. We have a great team and a great coach, I’m sure they can figure out what they need to do to win. I know it’s not good for them to be dropping down the standings but it’s better for these problems to be surfacing now than in the future.
This is how I feel
Lou is Apollo Creed and the Devils are Rocky.
I have respect for most sports fans with 2 exceptions: NY Ranger fans who grew up in New Jersey, and Dallas Cowboy fans who can't name the capital of Texas.
How about....
…. if Jacques Lemaire lets lines play together for a while, instead of shuffling them every six shifts? How will any chemistry among the forwards come to pass if the players aren’t together long enough in-game to figure out how best to play with one another, what the defense is and is not letting them do, etc.? Seems to me that if things aren’t working after a couple of minutes, the interchanging begins, which makes any blossoming chemistry stillborn. Is it too much to ask him to settle on four lines, and then keep them together for a few games before passing judgment on whether or not it will work? And if not, could it at least look like something other than drawing names out of a hat and throwing those guys on the ice at any particular moment?
For that matter, how about shuffling the defense pairings and seeing if that doesn’t help? No reason the juggling should be limited to the forwards…. maybe Greene/White and Salvador/Mottau (since we’re probably stuck with Mikey as a Top-4 D-Man until Martin gets back) would work a little better? Sure can’t hurt, with some of the lapses we’ve seen recently.
As for Zharkov, I’m of the opinion that he ought to go back to Lowell at this point. You can see the potential there, but it has to be hurting his confidence that he hasn’t finished, yet. Let him go down, light the lamp a couple of times, and then bring him back up. If he’s playing 4th line, anyhow, you might as well toss Rod Pelley in there and let him have the minutes, or even PL3 if you must.
My last glimmer of hope for this team.. (not as bad as it sounds)
… as someone who has hit a rock bottom in life personally, maybe the loss to the Oilers was this team’s season rock bottom. Maybe somehow that was a wake up call. Maybe Brodeur’s play yesterday won’t go unnoticed (he played good for the most part) and the team will feel a little more confidence in him and in themselves for it.
This post isn’t scientific and doesn’t list the many things I saw wrong with the team (in only 2 periods of play I must say) during the Edmonton game. I can write pages about what I HATE about this team right now. So my only hope, and the only way I will be able to watch this team for one more game at a time, is to say that yesterday was their rock bottom. They have played really bad until then (few excpetions), and they should have learned from it. They clearly didn’t. They played uninspired hockey in Edmonton because of it. The only hope I have now is that yesterday was rock bottom and the team had some soul searching today. Well, I will see in person on Wednesday when I go to the Rock and see us take on the rags. That’s all I got. Go Devils. Paul Martin, god speed your recovery… and Go Devils!!!
someone call 911 for our power play
by Devil_Hard_Core on Mar 8, 2010 10:17 PM EST reply actions
Fight through it....
This is my first post though I have been a long time reader. Firstly, John, you do excellent work. Second. I think the team needs to fight through this as a team (since John won’t let me fire a coach.. and it WONT help). This means Marty keeps playin and Zharkov stays up. As painful as it is to watch, I would rather see them struggle now than in round one of the playoffs. Hopefully Martin returns quickly and we come out fightin on Wednesday. The Devils are a good team… they just need to figure it out as a team.
First: John, I’m glad you brought up the extreme solutions, and concluding that they won’t work (calling up players from Lowell, firing Lemaire, benching Marty/giving Danis more time). I said before though, I would like to see Danis start 3-4 games for the rest of the season (the 2 games in 2 nights situations).
A lot of finger pointing has been put on the defensemen not playing defense. Don’t get me wrong, they make mistakes. But there are 3 other players on the ice that seem to be just be there. Forwards need to play defense, especially if you on the Devils. (The last forward I remember making a good play was McAmmond backchecking on top of the circle against Calgary). When ZZ Pops had they only chance in front last game, the Oilers had 4 men in front of their own net. The forwards need to get into the dirty areas in their own zone.
Also, the backchecking and pinching in the neutral zone has been, well, invisible. Time and time again, I see the opposing team waltzing right into the zone. This will also stop defenders from advancing This isn’t THE solution, but a start. Turnovers in the neutral zone were a key to the Devils offensive pressure.
Against the Rangers, I’ll be paying close attention to this. Along with John’s mixing up the offensive strategy idea, which I like and would like to see. This week is THE turning point.
by Matthew Ventolo on Mar 8, 2010 11:27 PM EST reply actions
LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS
Guys, this team simply isn’t that good. No need to get bent out of shape about it. Again, let me state, even with Martin completely healthy, this is the exact same defense that blew the series against Carolina last year. Except only it’s worse this year because they traded away Oduya. So I wouldn’t expect anything more than a first-round loss again this year. This team is simply NOT a top-tier team. Just be happy that they’re (probably) going to make the playoffs again.
Could not agree more with you on the D. Even with a healthy 100 percent Martin, this may be the worst defense of any team going to the playoffs. Literally no skill, not a single above average defenesman. that has to be a major priority if the devils want be serious contendors in the next couple years with this contingent of offensive players. However, I do think the Devils can get by the first round, after that though, it will take above average play from very average defenseman to win.
also we over looked what Oduya brought to the team just because we had a so-so start. he was a SKILLED defenseman who could actually skate the puck up the ice and handle at the blue line. few teams would give up that skill and that why the atlanta GM said the Devils offered the most for Kovy; we had to do it because we were a ONE line offensive team without kovy. but the Oduya loss sticks out sorely at this point.
How did you come to the conclusion that our defensemen are below average and not skilled. Are you basing this comment on their NHL10 ratings? How does a no skill, below average defense manage to have the second lowest GA/G? How did our no skill, below average defensemen Paul Martin get invited to play on Team USA? I would seriously like to know why you believe this.
by C.J.Richey121 on Mar 9, 2010 1:08 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t entirely agree with you either. This team IS a top-tier team. I think thats partially why most of us are so frustrated and angered by their performance within the last two months. On paper, this is probably one of the most offensively talented teams we have ever put together. When was the last time we have ever had of the best goal scorers in the entire league on the same team (Parise and Kovalchuk)? This roster is absolutely stacked with offensive talent. Zajac is having a breakout season this year. Langenbrunner scored 29 goals last year (far off from his 15 goal performance thus far this year). Elias has been a point machine for the Devils throughout his entire career, although the last two months have been the opposite. Clarkson was poised for a breakout year. Rolston SHOULD have been better this year and is getting paid a ton of money to play. Hell, even Zubrus is playing better than I have ever seen in a devils uniform. Thats right. Zubrus.
And the defense does have the second lowest goals against in the league. That number can be deceiving, especially of late, but still. Thats mighty impressive. I think one of the reasons why most of us are so emotionally fueled right now isn’t because “our team just isn’t that good this year.” They are overloaded with talent, particularly offensive talent. We are emotional and angered because we know how good this team actually is. Lou does too, or he wouldn’t have pulled the trigger on the Kovalchuk trade. We have seen their talent throughout the entire first half of the season. Even with the additions of Kovalchuk, Elias, Zubrus, and Clarkson back into the lineup, they have severely underperformed. They are in a funk but if they can correct this ship before the playoffs, they have just as good of a chance at winning the cup as anyone else this year.
"We aim above the mark to hit the mark." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
I was thinking the same thing,not only do we perennially allow the fewest goals against but the fewest shots against especially playoff time, I recognize their blunders but teams are going to score one way or the other as the object of the game is to score and yes its maddening to see when our “D” gets to scrambling and creates scoring chances against us but good hockey teams adjust and if they didn’t score by our mistakes they would find other ways to score even if we played the perfect defensive game.If our defensive play allowed for 4 or more goals a game against us then I could find myself agreeing about the negative “D” remarks. Our “D” isn’t terrible in the big picture, perhaps some disipline and more physical play around the net and our defense will be where we would like.
To the first comment, I am not basing my assesment of the D on any single statistical indicator; instead, I am analyzing skill level and other things not often captured in the stats. It is true our goals against is strong, though I credit that mainly to an excellent season by Marty (in the first half of the season Marty was the best goalie in the league, he struggled for perhaps two weeks before the break, but had a very good game against San Jose and Edmonton last week). Having said that I’ll even allow that our D is solid in the traditional sense of blocking shots, play physical down low, and contributing to the excellent goals against. However, from an offensive and/or skills standpoint they are miserable. Its not enough to have the pure offensive we have up front. You have to have players at the blue line who can keep the puck, pass it, shoot it, etc. Our D men from a skating/skill standpoint, that is from teh standpoint of complementing our offensive up front, is just terrble. Name me a defensive player on the roster (excluding Martin, and assuming Martin to be healthy which is a big assumption) who is above average skater, puck handler, passer, etc? Name me a D man with even average skills in that regard. We dont have one. I dont know anyone here who would really ever suggest otherwise.
To follow up on the Rolston, Elias, Langenbrunner talk: all of these players have their place in Devils history and are above average offensively in one respect or another. However, we have to realize all three are PAST their prime and their production will only decline further from here on out. I hate saying that espesially about Elias, because I LOVE Elias and I will be there when we retire number 26. But these players arent producing like we had hoped, and I think this is espesially the case with Rolston. Im not sure Rolston even deserves a spot on the team. Yeah great slap shot, that only matters if you can get the puck in the slot to shoot it and he cant anymore. So while I am excited about our offensive future (assume we resign kovy) we also need to be realistic about these three players going forward. When you combine that with virtually no offensive skill or contribution from any D man, it paints a troubling picture. I hope Elias gets hot this last month. If we are going to win in the playofffs he will have to contribute more. ELIAS FOREVER!!!
All of them over the hill? Say what?
I won’t pose an argument against Brian Rolston being over the hill. Face it, he hasn’t quite been the player we thought we were getting, and we’re likely stuck with his contract unless we want to take on another team’s problems. That he wasn’t consistently a Top-6 forward even before the Kovalchuk trade says it all — he’s a complimentary player at this point in his career.
To claim Elias and Langenbrunner are done is ridiculous. It is completely fair to say that they aren’t the same players they were a couple of years ago. Nobody expects Patrick Elias to be the player he was in 2001, or even 2005. Those two aren’t the problem right now, and the numbers bear that out. Each of them isn’t that far off a point-a-game pace, and it isn’t like Jacques Lemaire runs them out there 24 minutes a night as other teams do with their stars. No one expects them to carry the team — that’s a job for Brodeur, Parise, and Kovalchuk if any one player is to do it. But they aren’t the problem, and they’re doing just fine in their roles.
The defense, and its shortcomings are certainly a viable discussion topic, and an area in need of improvement. Mind you, if you’re expecting something akin to the legendary corps of the 2000 team (Stevens-Rafalski, White-Niedermeyer, Daneyko-Souray/Malakhov), you’ll be sadly disappointed — we’ve all witnessed the depletion of that group over the years to retirement and free agency. They certainly could step up and do more. The lack of a gifted offensive defender means teams don’t have to respect the point, but can sag down, pay attention to the forwards and the low slot, and simply block long-range point shots if they’re dangerous.
Needless to say, the defense has to be a concern at this stage. One hopes that Paul Martin’s return, when (if?) it happens can help in this area. I fear, however, that the long-term answer isn’t on the Devils roster…. and if there’s one area that I don’t have great confidence in Lou, it is the free agency game. Taking on another team’s problem (Souray in Edmonton, Campbell in Chicago) isn’t exactly the solution I have in mind, even if we can shed Rolston in the process.
I am glad there is a consensus on Rolson—he is just terribly unproductive. The same should be said for Niedermayer—-he should be on the fourth line—-though we only have him for one year and I think we are stuck with Rolston for another year after this.
My point was simply that Elias and Langenbrunner are past their primes offensively and cannot be expected to carry a team any longer. That is why the kovy trade was key, otherwise our team offensively is the one man parise show. I think Elias and Langenbrunner can still be productive and will have to be MORE productive (espesially Elias) than they have been thus far for us to go deep in the playoffs given our defensive situation.
Its not that our D is so bad per se its that they are so unskilled so that they not only do not complement the offensive they actually contradict our offense and make the offense work harder.
I agree as well that we will have to get better through free agency. Re-signing kovy is a must. Without another top tier offensive player the only thing to look forward to will be Parise hitting the 40 mark each year. But we wil also have to get better on D through free agency or trade.
I am virutally alone in this community in at least recognizing what Oduya brought that is so sorely lacking on this team: skill defensively. Yes he had a shaky start and injury but there is also a reason why Lou made him a priority to sign last off season and there is reason to think he would have come around had we not traded him. We will need to replace that skill; Martin cannot do it alone, even assuming Martin is going to be player we know, which is never a sure thing after what is ammounting to a season long injury.
Factual note: We’re stuck with Rolston for two more years, at a cap hit of just over $5 million per. Worse than that, he’s on the 35+ rule, so there isn’t a way to get him off the cap short of buying him out or trading him. I don’t see the former happening, and the latter is difficult unless you take a bad contract back.
Kovalchuk is a rental, and the concept of re-signing him is in the realm of fantasy. He’s not going to sign before July 1st, and once he hits the market there will be offers the Devils simply cannot/will not match. Some team will throw the max at him (roughly $10 million per), and there’s the whole KHL factor as well.
I don’t know how much more you want out of Elias, besides staying healthy. Nothing you can really do about the concussion in Colorado, that’s one of those things that happens in today’s NHL. He has 32 points in 40 games…. and while you’d like something better than a 65-point pace (in a full-season) for a $6 million/year player, there aren’t a ton of guys in today’s NHL who put up consistent numbers every year. He’s not the focal point of the offense, but I get the impression you might want numbers as if he were.
Oduya: You have to give something to get something, and in this case Oduya was the price for Kovalchuk. Frankly, I thought he regressed after signing that big contract last off-season, and off-loading his salary allows the team some flexibility in free agency. He certainly can be better than what he showed this season, but I don’t think he’s really much better than a second-pairing defender.
I still don’t trust Lou in free agency, because his list of busts is a lot longer than his list of success stories (rookie free agents is another matter, but that might also be David Conte’s hand in things), but the Devils won’t have a lot of alternatives on the trade market unless they do someone a favor and take a bad salary. Depending on what else is involved, you might, might get Edmonton interested in a swap of Rolston for Souray, but I don’t really see the Oilers being all gung-ho for that one.
Thanks for the correction on Rolston—wow that was a terrible signing, I agree, we are stuck with him. I still wouldnt play him in the third line. When was the last time Rolston even had a challenging shot on goal? I cant remember one in a while, but I may have missed a game or two somehwere along the line.
On Oduya/Kovy: You may be correct, but if we do not sign Kovy, I think the trade was a bad move. The only thing that makes the trade worth it is resigning kovy. We gave up a talented defenseman and a number one pick with offensive promise for a rental? My own inclination is that Lou only made the trade because he is going to make a serious, very serious, attempt to sign kovy. Where are the Devils going forward without Kovy’s compliment to Parise? We were and are a one line team without him. We have just agreed that players like Langenbrunner and Elias are entering a phase where while productive, are becoming more role players than major producers. Moreover, look at the teams we will have to compete with in the East going forward: Washington, Philly, Pitt. They all have at least two prominent and young offensive players; espesially with our D in the state it is, I think resigning Kovy is a priority. I dont see where we get the offensive to compete with other top teams in the East with one scoring line. Our previous second line of Elias Zubrus and Rolston simply wasnt good enough. Rolston, a second line player? hahaha thats a joke.
Side note on Campbell in Chicago: I’m originally from Chicago, watch a lot of blackhawk games. Campbell is somewhat unpopular because he made a major blunder resulting in a goal in game 2 of the WCF last year against detroit. And Chicago over paid him a bit. However, make no mistake Chicago is FAST and Campbell and Keith literally are that speed. One of them is almost always on the ice. Now Oduya is no campbell or keith, but he had some speed and good skill. We dont have a single element of that on this Devils team.
I don’t think we’re 100% stuck with Rolston, but I don’t see how Lou can dump him without buying him out (not happening) or taking back a bad contract. I’d be willing to consider Sheldon Souray, but a contract like Brian Campbell’s is out of the question, in both term and dollars. Unfortunately, that might be the route to go.
Kovalchuk: There is no way Lou is re-signing him unless he takes a discount. The KHL has every intention of making a serious run at him, and I’ll bet they’ve already told his agent as much. The KHL wants their Russians back, and they’ll overpay. The question is if Kovy wants to stay in the NHL, and even then I suspect someone is going to throw a ton of cash at him. Lou can’t pay him nine or ten million per year (which he’ll get) without completely fouling up the salary structure — not to mention giving up all the other free agents (restricted and unrestricted) this off-season, which includes people like Clarkson.
Look at the upcoming free agent market, and the UFAs don’t exactly inspire. After you strip away players who are going to retire, or who might return but only to a hometown/current team, there isn’t a lot left. After Kovalchuk, the next best player is probably Patrick Marleau, and that’s about all that jumps out at me.
I still make that deal, because I’d rather have the salary flexibility from having gotten rid of Oduya and the potential that Kovy can win you a playoff round on his own. I think Lou made the deal for a couple of reasons — to shake up the team, to give them more firepower for the post-season, and because the window of opportunity for a title is starting to close. If he was really worried about the long-term ramifications, I don’t think he makes that deal. Signing Kovy would be good, but I’d settle for using the cap space to extend Martin, Clarkson, and to set aside money for Parise, Langenbrunner, and Greene next summer.
Washington is going to have problems inside of two years, because they will have a very hard time paying Backstrom and Semin (the latter has a KHL monster offer coming, same as Kovalchuk) along with Ovechkin. Look at CapGeek, they’ve got virtually the whole club up for free agency in the near future, and while some players will take a discount to put up numbers alongside Ovechkin, they’ve got to ice an entire team.
I’m not quite so sold on Philadelphia. They have a nice nucleus, but no goaltending, and not the most salary flexibility going forward unless they can find someone to take Danny Briere off their hands. Consider the gnashing of teeth in the City of Brotherly Love because they didn’t have the cap space to do anything significant at the trade deadline.
Andy Greene and Anssi Salmela are both above average skaters and puck handlers. Mike Mottau even though everyone hates him could probably break the top 6 on half the teams in the league. Colin White is also atleast an average defensemen so your comment that everyone on of defense is below average is wrong.
by C.J.Richey121 on Mar 9, 2010 7:32 PM EST up reply actions
Greene is probably our best D man, although I would seriously hesitate to call him well above average in any facet. He did have a stint early on where he contributed offensively and at the blue line, but lately his play has been adequate but nothing special. Even if I were to grant Greene, look at what this is saying about our D. Remember Andy Greene didnt even start the series against Carolina less than a year ago. If I recall he didnt play until Game 5 when we had the assist on Clarkson’s goal in the 1-0 shutout (our last win of the year). Now he is the best we got on D? I’m sure you’ll admit this doesnt bode well. Oduya (excluding a 100 percent healthy Martin) is far and away the best skilled D man we had on the team this year. I like Greene a lot but I doubt he will ever be offered a contract like Oduya was for being a skilled defenseman. You comment about Mottau is I think correct, he would be in the top 6 on a bunch of teams. But that doest say very much. We are trying to come to terms with whether the Devils are a top teir team. I think I guy like Mottau should at best be a 5 or 6 D man on a top team. the D is our crucial weakness. Can we overcome it? We will need above average play from some career long average defenseman.
Paul Martin
Im not saying that Martin will be a cure-all (although this line of thinking places the pressure on him) but we need to remember that this team has played without its #1 defenseman for all but 9 games of this season. Players (in this case Greene and Mottau) can step it up for a time but ultimately if they are playing above there level on the depth chart for too long it will start to show. Greene has been great all season, but he shouldn’t be getting 25 minutes a night. Mottau is a favorite scapegoat but as Jonh’s pointed out a number of times he’s a great value player and is not a constant liability. Tha being said he shouldn’t be seeing over 15-20 minutes a night. Martin coming back lets Greene and Mottau reduce their minutes and play in the situations they should play in.
Enjoyable read John, thanks
There were definitely extreme standpoints taken, but I understand why.
Tim G’s right. The reason we are frustrated is that the Devs should be better than this.
I called it a system problem because for a good while now, every team that’s played the Devils looked like the same team in different jerseys. Almost like the rest of the league got enough footage of what it takes to crack the D, how to force mistakes, and what kind of physical pressure it takes to get through Brody.
This is going to sound a little peewee league, but I say make the guys practice till they bleed today, hand them a band-aid and make them do it again. I’m sick of seeing guys 10 feet out of position, high percentage passes going absolutely nowhere, shots blazing past the cage when 1/3 of it is wide open.
Brodeur wasn’t the problem in Edmonton. But he’s looked soft or tired at times during the slump. He should. He’s worked hard and often. I totally agree that on 2 in 2 nights, give him a night off. He’d also benefit from better D play or a little bit of offensive production.
The D isn’t bad, they’re just not playing as well as they can lately. A little offensive pressure in the other end of the ice would take the pressure off. It’s gotta be brutal facing one shooting gallery after another.
Rangers are the next game. Gotta beat them. The Devs can win this game. Gotta keep it simple. Play it physical. Get some pressure on Lundie (even if it’s a couple hard charging shots. he’s shakable, but not unless you get to him physically). Let the boys play hard. Long as they don’t keep handing the puck over at the blueline or take stupid penalties, it should be a good one.
The Problems I see
As this free fall continues, the problems I see should be obvious. Our defence is terrible, why sit Frasier out the other night? Why not White or Mottau, what has Frasier done to sit instead of these two? Granted you can’t win if you don’t score which is another problem, you can not totally depend on Parise or Kovalchuk to score every goal. Where is Elias? Enough with Rolston he is a 5 million dollar drain on this team. He might have a hard shot but he hits the net 5% of the time. We are stuck another year with him, and that is 5 million we can use on other things. (maybe signing Kovalchuk long term) I know Zharkov is a rookie, but in my experience playing hockey, a foward even by accident in the law of averages scores a goal by now, not off the skate, head, body, its amazing almost a miracle he has not scored. Peters is useless not worth talking about. Brodeur looked good against Edmonton, thank God, but he plays good against the Rangers every one in ten games now. I have a fear of a one and out like the previous couple of years if they do not right this ship. I really think the Devils need to sign Kovalchuk. Brodeur is way up there now, Jamie and Elias are getting up there. I do see hope of staying one of the best teams in the league, Parise, Clarkson, Greene, Zajac, and if you sign Kovalchuk that is a great young group of players to keep the Devils going for years. All I can say is lets go Devils.
So...Anybody else regretting the Kovalchuk trade right about now?
Haven't been able to watch the Devils on TV since 2008
Nope
He’s done his share of the heavy lifting since he’s got here. Took a few games to settle in, but he’s good for several quality chances and breaks a game now. He’d be even better if things would get going offensively to take some of the pressure away. At times, it looks like he’s trying way too hard and forcing things that aren’t there. In order for any of the offense to start scoring, everyone needs to start playing better and creating some kind of sustained pressure.
Zach and Kovy are the kinds of guys that grab the team and try to carry them on their backs. Gotta respect that when times are tough, but they can’t do it alone.
If things get back on track and the playoffs don’t turn into another one and done, we’ll be thanking Lou for Kovy. I wish it were possible to keep him, but man, I don’t like many (if any) of the rosters that would result from keeping him.
I agree with this assessment. Kovalchuk has been solid. When the team almost blew it in San Jose it was Kovalchuk who turned it up in the last ten minutes and essentially got the game back under control. He was also by far (save for Brodeur) the best player on the ice against Edmonton. He’s proven to me in the short stint he’s been here (who ever really watches the Thrashers unless they’re playing your team) that he’s a top 10 player in the NHL. I was hesitant to say try to sign him but now Id love to see him and Parise run this team for the next 7-8 years. I dont think its as farfetched as a lot of pundits think, just listen to what Kovalchuk says to the press about the organization as a whole, he clearly wanted out of Atlanta because they “care about finishing in the top 8 and not about winning a championship.”
I don’t think we really know why Kovalchuk and Atlanta went to “Divorce Court” like they did, and I don’t think we ever will, either. There were a lot of accusations flying back and forth, but I figure it comes down to some combination of:
- Kovalchuk wanted out of Atlanta after all those years of losing.
- Kovalchuk wants to test free agency, knowing this might be his only chance to cash in really big.
- Kovalchuk is worried about Atlanta’s ownership situation.
- Atlanta didn’t want to meet Kovalchuk’s asking price.
Now, I’d love to see Kovalchuk a Devil for the long haul as much as anyone, but I don’t think it is going to happen unless it gets done before July 1. And if it does get done, what does that mean for next year and beyond? You’ll have to fill out a good chunk of the roster with minor leaguers and guys on the minimum to fit under the cap (Devils currently have 15 guys under contract for next year and roughly $15 mil of space per CapGeek), and that’s just next year. Can you re-sign Kovalchuk at the money he’ll want, and re-sign Parise next summer, all without having to shed major pieces — Martin this summer, Langenbrunner the next? How many teams have we seen recently get themselves into all kinds of trouble with bulky contracts and either have to make bad trades to shed salary, or not be able to make other moves when they wanted/needed to?
If the Devils win the cup or come close. I think Kovalchuk might resign at a discount but I wouldnt expect it to be long tern.
Devils flop early. I dont think will see him again.
I dont think it was ever about the money for him otherwise he would have taken what Atlanta offered. Cause they offered him a ton. He just didnt want to be there.
Exactly. Kovalchuk was asking Atlanta for a ridiculous amount of $$$ because they’re not doing anything to actually win, why not make some cash? His comments to the media have reflected someone who wants to play for a winner, thats it. If the Devils win or come close theres a much stronger chance he resigns, if they flop he probably bolts.
I agreed with so many points of this article that I was wondering to myself why we can’t ultilize our practices to correct and /or improve in the areas of our game that have been lacking. I know a full attack has to be the hardest thing to defend but there must be a way to a least minimize the damage so that if a team needs to score 3 goals to tie us we can allow maybe 1 or 2 and not 4 goals to beat us which has been the trend since last years playoffs. For my 2 cents( for defense) I think we need to practice more positional hockey in difficult situations and that we have to be more physical in front of the goal- we aren’t physical at all. Also agree why dont we mix up our attack instead of always being one-dimensional we have the players to excell in a cycling type of attack and we have the players to forecheck and bull our way to the net. We just need to do it.
What may get some scoring going (Kovalchuk-Zajac-Parise)
First off… John, I agree with you. None of those changes you mentioned (that won’t work) in-fact wouldn’t work. Too late to change goaltenders (next year is another story), can’t bring up AHL players to get the job done, and no coach is going to fix the Devils problems. We definitely need Martin back to instill some sort of confidence on D, yet I don’t see that stopping the Devils slump (guess we’ll have to wait and see). The problem I see is a complete lack of heart and the most obvious; lack of SCORING. Even with the addition of Kovalchuk, the Devils have been lacking big scoring. With our defense and inconsistent goaltending, goals are a MUST.
My one solution that may very well spark some sort of scoring:
I know I already posted on this (http://www.inlouwetrust.com/2010/3/6/1359987/parise-w-kovy) - if you would like to read it if you haven’t already… -- I think if you moved Kovalchuk up to 1st line with Zajac and Parise this could increase a surge of scoring. Keep Kovy on left and move Parise to right (no big deal as Parise can play either and that way you keep Kovy on left to open up for one timers) Now we’d not only have two dynamic players moving the puck but shots from up top by Kovy and Parise’s top-in-the-league forechecking and play in front of the net to put rebounds away. Some of you might say well this would cause teams to focus on solely shutting down our 1st line, but no matter what defensive line you put against them, the talent of the two could still dominate. They are two players that would would wonders together. John, you even mentioned yourself that the puck movement and play up top by Kovy mixed with Parise’s down low abilities could be beneficial. Goals are going to be scored by getting pucks to the net and putting away rebounds. Two things the players are known for.
As far as 2nd line is concerned, drop Langenbrunner down to play with Elias and Zubrus. Everyone is speaking of this 1-2 punch that the Devils need. What 1-2 punch?! There is no 1-2 punch. Have the Devils had scoring from both lines? Of course, but nothing nearly consistent enough. Also, it’s not like you putting a weak player on 2nd line to play with Elias and Zubrus.
All in all, you have two extremely talented players who accent each other perfectly, playing on different lines. We need consistent scoring. We need the top players playing together, especially when their playing styles mesh so well together. I know this is only one suggestion, but I feel that it is extremely valid and important to the Devils increasing their scoring.
P.S. Someone did mention that Clarkson be given more ice time. Agreed. At least the guy plays with some heart.
Per the NHL DEVILS twitter feed
At practice today, Zubrus was playing with Zajac and Parise. The other lines were:
Kovy-Elias-Langenbrunner, Rolston-Nieds-Clarkson, Peters-Pelley-Zharkov, Pando-McAmmond-Leblond.
I have respect for most sports fans with 2 exceptions: NY Ranger fans who grew up in New Jersey, and Dallas Cowboy fans who can't name the capital of Texas.
hmm
Moving Zubrus to wing to play with Parise on the other wing?? I felt Zubrus was playing pretty well as a center. Pandolfo down, Peters up?!? Don’t think this is the shake up of lines that the Devils need. Before we get too worked up I guess we’ll have to wait and see tomorrow if this actually takes place.
I still think you’re separating what would be a dominating line. If you’re going to shake lines up make them impacting. Doesn’t the following look so much more… ummm intimidating?
Kovalchuk-Zajac-Parise
Elias-Zubrus-Langenbrunner
Rolston-Niedermayer-Clarkson
Pandolfo-Pelley/McAmmond-Zharkov
by Jacques Strapp on Mar 9, 2010 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
also just realized
if these are accurate there’s no way they’re moving pando and mcammond down and pelley and peters up.. 4th line has to be pando-mcammond-leblond
by Jacques Strapp on Mar 9, 2010 3:30 PM EST up reply actions
Lemaire had Zubrus with Parise and Zajac right after Dainius’ return from injury, and they were clicking then — especially the first Toronto game. I can live with that group, whereas putting Kovalchuk and Parise together makes me worry that we’re stacking all the top offensive players on one line, which in turn makes the team easier to defend.
Perhaps a better solution would be to take the “Top 6” forwards and split them in pairs onto three separate lines, with Clarkson, Rolston, and Zharkov/McAmmond to fill out those lines? It isn’t like the team has been setting the nets on fire with their offense. Maybe mixing things up a little more, and trying to get some more out of the complimentary players by putting them with the higher-end talent might help. Can’t see how it would hurt, anyhow.
In any event, I wouldn’t read much into today’s practice. We’ve seen a lot of practice lines that get changed up after the five-minute mark of the first period, and Lemaire has spent the entire season juggling lines.
Lemaire had Zubrus with Parise and Zajac right after Dainius’ return from injury, and they were clicking then — especially the first Toronto game.
True, but they were completely out of sync in the second Toronto game, which pretty much ended that trial.
Incidentally, I’ve never been a fan of Elias as a center because he’s just so bad on faceoffs. But if it works, it works. When things aren’t going right, you try different ideas and Elias centering Kovalchuk and Langenbrunner is different.
Though I am concerned as to who’s going be set up for most of the shots as both wingers are good at long shots.
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I don’t think putting Parise and Kovy together will work in the long term. Parise gets into the corners, he battles along the boards, and gets in front of the net. Kovy is more of finesse/shooter type player. He’ll mostly skate quickly into the zone with the puck, make the sudden stop, and look to make a pass or shoot. He will be around the top of the circles for that shot.
Parise needs players like Zajac, Langy, Zubrus, and even Clarkson, to play in those dirty areas with him, cycle the puck, and either get that puck back to the point for a shot (on net please), or a centering pass. Usually when Kovy gets into a battle along the boards, he will lose it because he tries to win the puck and get off the boards. He doesn’t pass the puck along the boards during battles for that cycle to begin.
Also, some may think, “Well Kovy’s shot can create rebounds for Parise to score on.” Yeah, they may happen. Kovy’s shot is fast, accurate, and his best asset IMO. Kovy shoots high, he looks for that open area. His shot usually misses the goal/hits the back of the net/or into a glove or chest where play is stopped. That’s not a good rebounding situation.
I do think they should be on the PP together (which they have been recently if I’m not mistaken). The open ice would be beneficial where both players can use their best abilities. Parise should be around the net at all times: Screening, creating an open shot, and picking up pucks behind the net that go wide on say a Kovy shot. Kovy doesn’t have to play the boards as much as he would during 5-on-5; he would play somewhere along the point.
Now like John said, they isn’t what they should always do. They do need to mix up their offensive approach on each line, which I 100% agree with. But a team or a player should never play away from their strengths. It’s the ability to make adjustments while still being able to use most/some of your strengths that will be the most constructive.
by Matthew Ventolo on Mar 9, 2010 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think putting Parise and Kovy together will work in the long term. Parise gets into the corners, he battles along the boards, and gets in front of the net. Kovy is more of finesse/shooter type player. He’ll mostly skate quickly into the zone with the puck, make the sudden stop, and look to make a pass or shoot. He will be around the top of the circles for that shot.
This is exactly why the two players should be playing together. Anyone who knows hockey understands that most goals are scored from taking shots and putting in rebounds. Both of which, Kovy and Parise are notorious for. Yea, I agree that Parise needs another player to forecheck with and agree that Kovy shoots high a lot. Yet, he gets shots through traffic and Parise has ridiculous hand-eye coordination. On the ice or blocker high, Parise can screen the goalie, get a stick on it, and score on the rebound (all consecutively). ALSO, let’s not forget that these two players have play making abilities as well as scoring abilities.
Bottom Line: We’ll never know until it’s tried (and I’m not talking the last 5 minutes of the game)
by Jacques Strapp on Mar 10, 2010 12:13 AM EST reply actions
Anyone who knows hockey understands that most goals are scored from taking shots and putting in rebounds.
Ok…If that was a shot at my “hockey intelligence,” read what I said in the 3rd paragraph:
I do think they should be on the PP together (which they have been recently if I’m not mistaken). The open ice would be beneficial where both players can use their best abilities. Parise should be around the net at all times: Screening, creating an open shot, and picking up pucks behind the net that go wide on say a Kovy shot. Kovy doesn’t have to play the boards as much as he would during 5-on-5; he would play somewhere along the point.
That pretty much agrees to what you stated. Wouldn’t a player like Langenbrunner would be a better fit for Parise than Kovy during 5-on-5 hockey, or Zubrus that knows how to use his body? Someone who has a good shot and be successful along the boards. Actually if Zharkov’s shot was more accurate, he would be a great fit with Parise b/c of his work ethic and speed. Kovy would be a better fit with Parise with more open ice (on the PP or even 4-on-4 (no center though). It’s a better chance for Parise to play the rebounds because of less personnel on the ice, and Kovy would play the point on the PP. Having one less player that can assist Parise in the dirty areas would take away his strengths.
I will agree that no one will know until it’s tried. It’s just my opinion due to the knowledge I have of hockey.
by Matthew Ventolo on Mar 10, 2010 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
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