In Lou We Trust: Over A Million Served - Thank You, Readers
by John Fischer on Jul 3, 2010 10:52 AM EDT
in Miscellaneous
57 comments
Sometime yesterday, a milestone has been hit with respect to In Lou We Trust. We've had our one millionth page view and several thousand more. Here's the snapshot of the all-time stats I'm privy to as managing editor.
The past week really put the site over the top between the NHL Draft, the moves made prior to the opening of NHL free agency, and, of course, the first two days of free agency. In fact, July 1 smashed day records for the site with 4,146 unique visitors and 15,289 page views. The people do get up for Free Agency Frenzy, especially when the New Jersey Devils signed 3 new players in Henrik Tallinder, Anton Volchenkov, and Johan Hedberg as well as a re-signed player in Rod Pelley.
In any case, let me take this moment to thank all of you. In Lou We Trust moved to SBNation in November of 2008 thanks to the recruitment by James Mirtle, and I debuted with this post. Since then, my own writing has improved; the Devils have done, well, a lot; and the site has grown dramatically to the point where you can even buy an In Lou We Trust shirt. From 2008 on, I've added new writers (Tibbs and Steve Lepore came on in 2009; Matt, Kevin, and Tom, this summer); more people have joined the site with some who have contributed plenty via comments, FanPosts, and FanShot; and even more have read it.
I'm really impressed that I've done nothing more than just write something Devils-related every day when possible regardless of whether people want to read it or not. The only self-promotion I've done is that tell people I meet at Devils games that I do this site (and I thank them double for having to put up with me in the process). I'm very proud that the attention has grown largely due to word of mouth. I'm very thankful to any and all sites who have linked to and continue to link to something they liked on the site - be it from a forum, a Devils blog, another blog on the SBN network, or a big hockey site like Puck Daddy.
Most of all, I thank you - the reader. Again, I am constantly amazed that people of all kinds from all over the world, from a Devils fan in NJ to someone who works for the Devils to hockey fans far away from NJ, are interested enough to what I have to say - long-winded as it may be. I appreciate you all and I hope to keep up the quality in the future.
In any case, please use the comments in this thread as an Open Thread for NHL Free Agency or the site for the three-day weekend. Talk about what other teams are doing, what the latest reports are from credible people, and what you want the Devils to do going forward. With Ilya Kovalchuk still undecided, there's plenty of intrigue out there. Of course, if something big breaks Devils-wise, then we'll be on it. Please follow the rules at all times, and please, please, please do not report rumors as news or fake news. Link to sources (actually link to them, don't just dump the URL in the text box and hit post - this includes Tweets); give credit to sources; and actually listen to good, reliable people (e.g. Gulitti, Chere, anyone at TSN or CBC, CapGeek, Not Hockeybuzz). This gives respect to the sources and let's everyone who's reading this know what's really up.
And again, I cannot say this enough, thank you.
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Thank you John. If it wasn’t for you then this could not have been awarded.
Bravo!
Piece by piece we are slowly turning into the 2000 Devils team, anyone up for the A-Line: The Sequel?
by RolliePollieKovy on Jul 3, 2010 11:10 AM EDT reply actions
thank you john for spending untold hours creating and hosting a most interesting hockey website and giving us intersting information to read and an opportunity to both vent and share our thoughts as well
by don in central jersey on Jul 3, 2010 11:17 AM EDT reply actions
John—-
I recently found this site though a friend and fellow Devils fan. I check it now at least a few times a day to read the discussions/articles. I just joined and just wanted to say thanks for making this a great site. I also linked to it..from my CD review Blog. I just did that since I wanted to at least attempt to spread the word. Thanks again for this….
-Carl
John
I started using this site about half way through the season last year when I accidentally stumbled upon it. I liked the site so I bookmarked it on my computer and I have begun coming here 2-3 times a day if I have time to check the latest updates and stories about the Devils. I only recently (Thursday) actually started taking part in the conversations and I honestly can say that I am glad I did. You have built a wonderful site with a very nice and courteous community following it. I think we all need to give you thanks instead.
i started to look at this site last year around the free agent frenzy.
there seems like there is 10 times as much activity in the coments. you can really see it growing.
by Imperator_Celtic on Jul 3, 2010 12:16 PM EDT reply actions
Yes, more thanks to you John
Sure we’re a part of it and contributing, but without your efforts, this doesn’t exist. I also stumbled upon it, myself in January after joining the Jets SB Nation blog, ganggreennation. I must have clicked a link somewhere that got me there, then I discovered how much more there was behind the SB Nation wall.
Go Jets
Go Devils
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Thank you John
I found this website around trade deadline when searching for rumours and this site came up on google. From that day forward I have probably been on everyday reading what ever is posted. Whether it is a fan post, or comments. Plus before this site I only new one other devils fan. Thanks again John. This is a great site.
Joshd12
Brock University
BA. Sports Management, 2014
BA. Recreation and Leisure Studies, 2011
by joshd12 on Jul 3, 2010 12:28 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Flyers supposedly offered Kovy a contract accoording to jewelsfromthecrown.com (the LA Kings blog) , I doubt Kovy goes there, he wasn’t exactly friendly with the Flyers during the playoffs, I just want Lou to sign him now, and then shed some salary afterward
I appreciate your desire; but if Lou did that, he’d be dumping salary with no leverage. Thanks to the bonus cushion, the Devils can sign him now without making any deals, but he’d have to do it before the season starts. Making deals that would totally screw the Devils over would be very difficult.
If the plan really is to get Kovalchuk, Lou should be dumping salary first and then going for a contract. Clearly, Ilya is willing to wait.
That said – the Flyers? They have very little cap space – even if they trade Gagne, they’re going to be quite close to the ceiling.
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
Thanks for the site
I live in montreal surrounded by Devils haters, luckily this team has given me enough bragging rights to shut some people up. I found this site a few weeks ago and its helped me so much more, thanks john!
Apparently, Souray cleared waivers per TSN.
Be on the look out if he goes back up to the NHL – re-entry waivers mean he can picked up on the cheap.
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
So now he is half priced? Or is he still going to get 5.4 million from the team he is acquired by or traded to?
Piece by piece we are slowly turning into the 2000 Devils team, anyone up for the A-Line: The Sequel?
by RolliePollieKovy on Jul 3, 2010 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
If he is recalled back to the team he has to clear waivers again, and now teams can pick him up for half price. The Devils would be late on the list of teams that could claim him.
And if he’s not called up then he’s just a very expensive minor leaguer.
To "resign" is to voluntarily leave a position; retire. To "re-sign" is to sign again. When talking about free agents, please use the correct one.
Alright then.
Piece by piece we are slowly turning into the 2000 Devils team, anyone up for the A-Line: The Sequel?
by RolliePollieKovy on Jul 3, 2010 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Self Promotion
I gave Derek some of my quick thoughts on adding Souray at Copper & Blue. I would definitely put in a waiver request if I were Lou when Souray comes up. The injury history is the only thing that scares me and would put me off. The Devils really could use Souray’s skillset, his defense can be “sheltered,” and the PP would be a lot more dynamic with him.
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
The PP would bloom with Souray on the points. Thats why I would put in an offer. Souray would come to NJ. It is a risk but it is a high risk, high reward kind of situation. Take a gamble on him and he puts 50 points which half are on the PP, or take a gamble or he injures himself and out for 2/3 of the season. I would take that gamble for half price.
Piece by piece we are slowly turning into the 2000 Devils team, anyone up for the A-Line: The Sequel?
by RolliePollieKovy on Jul 3, 2010 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah. Anything to help the PP is welcome. Even if he got hurt, we could put him out there with 2 broken legs and a broken back and the PP would be just as good. haha
by Jacob Shepherd on Jul 3, 2010 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I am vindicated! hehe
Too bad Souray will be pursued by several other teams at 1/2 the price. Too bad Souray has no say as to where he ends up, otherwise he’d be in NJ.
Thank you
to John, all the contributors and all the comments. Someplace to speak to intelligent fans that can discuss matters rather than just bash each other or their teams.
I found this site only recently, right before the Playoffs started, and was hesitant at first to jump in. But I feel like I have been accepted, and realize that this is just the best place for Devils fans to discuss everything. Thanks for your work John, even if some of your articles are ‘long-winded.’
All that being said, hope we can pick up Souray on the way back up if Kovy isnt re-signed.
I told ya SBN was a good idea!
Congrats John. Here’s to a few million more.
Blogging on hockey at Globe on Hockey
I recently found this site as well.
and I must say thst it is definitely the cream of the crop. Well done!
Fan's Creed: (Play well+Win=Praise) (Play Well+Lose=Praise) (Play Lousy+Win=Criticism) (Play lousy+Lose & Bandwagon Jumpers=Off with thier heads!)
Thanks John and company for the he
by Kyle Hamelin on Jul 3, 2010 4:34 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
… great reads and for keeping the comments clean of bad language. That’s what makes this place so great is that I don’t have to read a swear word every sentence. Real writers find better ways to express themselves. Again great job and keep up the good work
by Kyle Hamelin on Jul 3, 2010 4:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Great stuff John
Thanks for all the effort. I probably am on this site more than any other.
Happy 4th to you and to everyone in our little band.
by Devilssection21fan on Jul 3, 2010 7:50 PM EDT reply actions
Via LeBrun "All is quiet and the Kovy drama seems to be over for now. Maybe Monday?
Youth Movement
This is interesting, guess Lou is ready for some of Tedenby, Josefson, Urbom, Palmieri, Henrique, Corrente, Eckford…
"John has an overall view of our whole organization. John knows all about our veterans, he’s been here. He knows our primary development players, who are the next step. Just as important, our prospects, because for the last two summers, we’ve had our prospect camp and John has been here. With the way the new hockey is today, you will definitely see a lot of young players in lineups. You’ll see it here next year."—Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello, after naming John MacLean as the club’s 19th coach, the fifth in the last five years.
Defense
And about our Free Agents to be, after he signed Tallinder and Volchenkov …
"Our defense today is better than it was yesterday," Lamoriello said. "And we’re not through. We will still look to improve our defense."
This is from the Devils Team Report on Yahoo!, as is the previous quote
He’s also said one of the benefits of Tallinder was to help fellow countrymen Josefson and Tedenby and Urbom along. Since he probably won’t have all that much interaction with them if they play in Albany, and considering he’s still chasing Kovalchuk which would leave very little cap room to maneuver for more free agents, it leads me to believe Lou expects all three to be on the big club this year, at least partially.
To "resign" is to voluntarily leave a position; retire. To "re-sign" is to sign again. When talking about free agents, please use the correct one.
Well Tallinder is signed for 4 years so he could also help Josefson, Tedenby, and Urbrom next year or the year after that.
by C.J.Richey121 on Jul 4, 2010 7:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Very true.
Corrente will probably make the team ahead of Urbom anyway.
We’ll just have to wait and see how the off-season pans out and how the kids look in training camp.
To "resign" is to voluntarily leave a position; retire. To "re-sign" is to sign again. When talking about free agents, please use the correct one.
wow thats pretty cool.
Ive only been here a few times, but this blog is cool.
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by bestbostonsports on Jul 4, 2010 9:53 AM EDT reply actions
I respect any NHL fan that has some class.
Piece by piece we are slowly turning into the 2000 Devils team, anyone up for the A-Line: The Sequel?
by RolliePollieKovy on Jul 4, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Dear Mark Everson
Regarding this little article, I have two glaring errors I’d like to point out:
1) It’s believed that the Devils were willing to offer $8 million? No source? No quote? No proof? I believe that no one should believe you here.
2) Per CapGeek, Ilya Kovalchuk’s salary was just under $6.4 million, not $7.5 million.
Sincerely,
John
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
3) It’s to be expected, you are who you are.
Not to defend him, but perhaps he uses nhlnumbers as his source, because they DO indicate Kovy made 7.5M the past 2 years: see here. I guess it depends on which site you believe….
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I said exactly the same thing on Fire and Ice. I thought Lou was going to stay at 6-7 million. Not 8 million. And as you said Kovy only got paid 6.4 million. And to Frank, nhlnumbers does say his cap hit was 6.4 million. I didn’t believe one thing from that article. Only believing Dreger, MacKenzie, TSN, and maybe ESPN.
Piece by piece we are slowly turning into the 2000 Devils team, anyone up for the A-Line: The Sequel?
by RolliePollieKovy on Jul 4, 2010 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
The Kings are out of Kovalchuk Sweepstakes
LA Times’ Helene Elliott tweeted the following:
Kovalchuk says no to Kings. Lombardi: “We took our best shot to meet his needs and the team’s.”
Provided this is accurate, I wonder what will happen tomorrow?
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
WOW. I did not see that coming. So it is now down to the Devils and Islanders and I don’t know about the Avs now. This really gets me more optimistic of the Devils chances in signing him. If I was Kovy and I am not, I would take the Devils offer and just get out of there. All you need is to say no to Lou and then the Devils would be out and you’d sign with the lowly Islanders. Now what does LA do? They spent their whole off-season trying to lure in Kovy and it didn’t work. Most of the top FA are gone and they have a FA in Frolov still available. I wonder what it is like in the Kings blog. Back in a second.
Piece by piece we are slowly turning into the 2000 Devils team, anyone up for the A-Line: The Sequel?
by RolliePollieKovy on Jul 4, 2010 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d say we’re fine. Actually, I’m relieved. I’d much rather trade some guys that commit to Kovy at an exorbitant price for ten years.
It sucks that we missed out on the defensive FAs, but Martin took less money to play with the Pens, and Hamhuis is a BC boy. But again, it’s not like teams are only built through free agency.
In Dinglebarn We Trust
NOT SO FAST
Chris Botta says the Kings aren’t done yet. Lombardi trying to save face?
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
Save face…in what way? The part of the fanbase who wanted Kovy are treating Dean like the bad Santa who stole their present on Christmas morning and dropkicked it right into a roaring fire. Heh.
I guess I could see him saying “The Kings are out,” as a response to Kovy’s camp declining his last offer, as a way to signal that he isn’t going to offer again. But if DL changes his mind very much on whatever number was in their last offer, I would be pretty surprised. Maybe Ilya might.
Then again, maybe I’m just hoping that it’s all over because I really want it to be. I don’t think he’s worth it.
In Dinglebarn We Trust
I don’t know anymore. I really don’t care anymore. Either make your (franking) decision Lombardi, Are you in or are you out? None of these games you play. Were not interested but then later you’re bluffing? If you wanted to say that then why or how did this leak out? I guess since Lombardi said it himself they are OUT then they are out. Does Chris Botta even know Dean Lombardi?
Piece by piece we are slowly turning into the 2000 Devils team, anyone up for the A-Line: The Sequel?
by RolliePollieKovy on Jul 4, 2010 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Congrats on the 1 000 000 Page views
Dr. Evil also wants to congratulate you on the 1 000 000 dollars page views
In Lou We Trust: Now More productive than a New Jersey Devils Powerplay
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by Kevin Sellathamby on Jul 4, 2010 10:33 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Guess you didn’t read the Chris Botta report?
Piece by piece we are slowly turning into the 2000 Devils team, anyone up for the A-Line: The Sequel?
by RolliePollieKovy on Jul 5, 2010 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I read it too and not agree as well. I tend to believe the GM more then an Islander insider.
Piece by piece we are slowly turning into the 2000 Devils team, anyone up for the A-Line: The Sequel?
by RolliePollieKovy on Jul 5, 2010 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Niskanen
If we are unable to land Kovy, it looks more and more like Matty (K)Niskanen could be available from Dallas as their self-imposed $45MM cap leaves him very vulnerable. What will the Stars do, they cannot lose James Neal, can they? From Yahoo! What We Learned
“The Stars’ ownership situation is in flux. They have an internal cap of $45 million and 2010-2011 payroll of $43.5 million committed thus far. That’s with Nicklas Grossman(notes), Matt Kiskanen and Neal still unsigned as RFAs. Grossman’s looking for a raise on $1 million and Niskanen’s looking for his first big contract after making $800,000; both are rather important to the Stars’ blueline.”
Interesting though and we’ll find out today what team Kovy chooses.
Piece by piece we are slowly turning into the 2000 Devils team, anyone up for the A-Line: The Sequel?
by RolliePollieKovy on Jul 5, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Im waiting for someone to be traded first, I really don’t see Lou losing that leverage of having to make an offer to shed money before the season starts after signing Ilya. Ugh, waiting is killing me!
The Devils can sign Kovy and then make a trade. They expect Salvador to get waived or traded.
Piece by piece we are slowly turning into the 2000 Devils team, anyone up for the A-Line: The Sequel?
by RolliePollieKovy on Jul 5, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Congrats
Thanks for making us all better Devil Fans
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All you hear about is the past, the past... the past is the !@#$ing past, this is the present.
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