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Devils and Panthers Clash in Game 6

Apr 24

Posted by Eddie in News, Playoffs | No Comments

The Florida Panthers have been forced to cut off rat sales at the BankAtlantic Center due to the rodents being thrown on the ice during play.

In a playoff year that has seen its fair share of overtime games, there has been one series that has yet to go past 60-minutes. You might say it’s the forgotten series in the East as the New Jersey-Florida series has been buried between the explosive series seen between Philadelphia-Pittsburgh, Washington-Boston, and New York- Ottawa. But between these two teams, there is still a lot to be played for as the Panthers hold a 3-2 lead heading into Game 6 at Prudential Center. Heading into tonight’s game, here are notes from each team.

What Could Happen to Parise and Brodeur?

The leaders of the Devils are unrestricted free agents at the end of this season. It’s going to be difficult to see someone between the pipes in a Devils uniform other than Brodeur. He’s been with the team since 1993-94 and has broken nearly every conceivable goaltending record in the NHL. Just like Nicklas Lidstrom in Detroit, this could be the last time we see Brodeur on the ice. Should he retire, the Devils could potentially have two goalies to replace as Johan Hedberg will also enter unrestricted free agency.

Parise has been with the Devils his entire seven-year career and he’s worn the “C” on his jersey since January 2011 when Jamie Langenbrunner was traded to Dallas. If the NHL was structured pre-lockout, most fans would be confident Parise would return and help establish himself as a legend and long time captain of his team among the likes of Detroit’s Steve Yzerman and Calgary’s Jarome Iginla. But with his current $6 million contract and Ilya Kovakchuk making $11+ million the next three seasons, the team could not afford Parise even if he’s asking between $9 and $9.5 million per season if he signs a long-term contract. This season, he was one of only five Devils to appear in all 82 regular-season games. Quite impressive coming off a knee injury that limited him to 12 games last season. He finished second on the team with 31 goals and was third in assists (38) and points (69). He became only the second player in team history to score 30 goals five times.

A Long Time Coming for Florida Fans

When I read about Kris Versteeg talking about the ‘Rat Trick’ craze , it brought back memories of their Stanley Cup playoff run in 1996 where they were swept by Colorado. The franchise is one-win away from winning a playoff series for the first time since they defeated Pittsburgh in a thrilling seven-game series that magical year that saw rats raining down on the ice like octopus in Detroit. Ed Jovanoski returned to the Panthers after 12 years split between Vancouver and Phoenix and looks to has provided veteran experience during the season. 1996 was his rookie season with Florida. Until the Panthers won Game 2, they had won only one playoff game since 1996 when they won Game 1 in 1997 before losing four straight to the Rangers. The fans in south Florida have suffered enough with bad hockey, the least the team can do is give them one more four-game series to entice them to remain on the bandwagon entering next season. After winning a division that featured Washington, Tampa Bay, and having to travel to Winnipeg three times this season for a ‘divisional’ game, if bench boss Kevin Dineen isn’t nominated for the Jack Adams award as best coach, it will be a travesty.

Florida Panthers at New Jersey Devils, Game 6: 7:30 pm ET on NBC Sports Network.

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NHL Photo of the Day

Mar 9

Posted by EB in NHL Photo of the Day | 1 Comment

Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images

Ilya Kovalchuk of the New Jersey Devils netted his 13th career NHL hat trick. This is a good sign, especially since he has gone 9 games without a goal.

The Devils beat the New York Islanders 5-1. Patrik Elias, Adam Henrique, Zach Parise and Marek Zidlicky all had 2 points on the night. Martin Brodeur notched his 24th win making 29 saves on 30 shots.

The Devils are in 6th spot with 81 points in the Eastern Conference. They have a 9 point lead over 8th seed. Playoffs look like a lock.

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NHL Photo of the Day

Mar 5

Posted by EB in NHL Photo of the Day | No Comments

Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images

The New York Islanders might be bottom dwellers in the Eastern Conference for yet another year, but good still does come from the club. Young 21 year-old goalie Anders Nilsson played in his second NHL career start and achieved his first NHL win. On top of that, Nilsson stopped all 24 shots from the New Jersey Devils for a shutout; Nilsson became the first rookie goalie to record a shutout for his first career win.

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HWB Eastern Conference Playoff Spot Predictions

Feb 14

Posted by EB in Soap Box | No Comments

Nearing three quarters of the season played so far, here is a list of predictions for Eastern Conference teams to either make or not make the playoffs.

Atlantic Division

Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images

Skimming right from the top, four of the five Atlantic division teams, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and the New Jersey Devils will make the playoffs. The only team among the list that could be shaky is the Pittsburgh Penguins; yet with the return of star Sidney Crosby that some are guessing to be sooner than later, this will solidify their playoff spot.

The Rangers are a lock as they are currently and will lead the Eastern Conference at the end of the season. Marian Gaborik leads the charge while net minder Henrik Lundqvist continues to play solid in net. The only concern come playoff is the John Tortorella curse if they face the Washington Capitals.

Flyers have been struggling but the team has enough depth and grit to right the ship. Goalie woes continue to pile up but with a slight cushion of 7 points between them and 8th spot, the Flyers have some breathing room to work out the kinks. Jaromir Jagr has been a pleasant surprise in the beginning of the season; let’s hope he has enough juice come playoffs.

Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images

The Devils of new have transitioned form a defense first team to an offensive minded mentality. Ilya Kovalchuk, Zach Parise and Patrik Elias are the top 3 point getters for the team, all of which are around the 50 point mark and should end up with at least 70 points per player. Veteran goalie Martin Brodeur is getting some rest, whether he likes it or not, that will aid in the team’s playoff chances of going far.

The Penguins on paper and on ice are one of the best teams in the league, which is of course if they are healthy. Star and Captain Sidney Crosby has gone through a whirlwind of media attention with his concussion filled season. Sources are expecting Crosby to return sooner than later; the return will ignite a fire under the team that could see them locking out 4th spot with ease.

Northeast Division

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

It is tough to rival the Atlantic Division, but early on the Northeast definitely put up a fight. Today however, the division is led by defending Stanley Cup Champions the Boston Bruins and followed up by a mash up of Canadian teams who string wins together as often as they string a bunch of losses. Then there is the Buffalo Sabres, who under new management promised the moon and the stars; one spot out of the last place in the Eastern Conference was as close as that promise has come.

Bruins in with only one more team from the Northeast to make it… the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Defending Champs Boston Bruins have showed they are not suffering from the Stanley Cup hangover. Having the best goals for a game average with 3.36 as well as fourth best goals against average with 2.24, the team is once again, a well balanced team. Playoff spot is without a doubt, and many would have them repeating last year’s success.

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

It was a toss-up between the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Both teams have had impressive seasons to date, both having good runs earlier in the season. The Senators however are beginning to show signs of fatigue, going 2-6-2 in their last ten; the decline is expected to continue. This is due largely in part by riding one goaltender, Craig Anderson, who to date has started 50 games. Sure, playoffs you need only 1 solid goalie, but you need to make the playoffs.

Toronto has surprised everyone, except those that are firm believers in General Manager Brian Burke. Burke is a God, never you forget that. While General Manager for the Vancouver Canucks, Burke drafted and signed Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin and Ryan Kesler, all contributing to the successful team that they are today. He moved to the Anaheim Ducks and in his second season as General Manager, Burke won a Stanley Cup. Today he is working his magic on the Toronto Maple Leafs, a club who has not seen the light at the end of tunnel for some time; today that light is near. Phil Kessel, Joffrey Lupul, Dion Phaneuff and two goalies competing hard for the number one spot, Jonas Gustavsson and James Reimer; the Leafs have a very talented team.

What is there to say about the Montreal Canadiens that has not already been said? The team from the top down needs a makeover. It is understood that your organization values a Head Coach that can speak French-Canadian, but have we forgotten that the goal of every team in the NHL is to win? If I had an option to have a coach that appeals to the fans or a coach that wins me games, I’m choosing the latter. The team is small, overpriced and lacks heart. Maybe once they stop looking into pressing legal charges against players and start focusing more on building a good team, maybe then they will be a competitor again. Save the argument of most Stanley Cup wins by a team, we live in today, and today they are currently a disgrace to an Original Six team.

Southeast Division

Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images

Two spots left and not a lot of talent to choose form. The Southeast is the dumping grounds of the Eastern Conference this year. Regardless, one team has to make it, Florida Panthers who are currently leading the division and will be at the end of the year, and the second will be the Washington Capitals.

The Florida Panthers have surprised many fans this year in not only having a winning record but leading a division with two powerhouse teams; the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning. They will make the playoffs but probably won’t go far as their goals for a game is lower than their goals against a game. How does that work with a 27-17-11 record?

Did you seriously think the “new” Winnipeg Jets would make the playoffs? The fact remains they still have the make-up of the Atlanta Thrashers without Ilya Kovalchuk. Moving to Canada does not turn you into a winning team; regardless of how much the fans want them to be. I’m happy for Jets fans to have a team again, but they are a few years out before making the playoffs.

In part the Tampa Bay Lightning deserves their own paragraph for merely being the Tampa Bay Lightning, but today they will share with the Carolina Hurricanes. Both teams have so much more potential than what they are putting forth. Steven Stamkos is leading all goal scorers with 37 this season and is on pace for 50 goals, one of the few if not the only one. But newer General Manager did not address the needs of a net minder and rode one trick pony Dwayne Roloson who needs to retire. Unfortunately Matthieu Garon has not filled the shoes of a number one goalie either. Speaking of goalies, Carolina Hurricanes have a solid one in Cam Ward, but lack the offense needed to help him out. Only 147 goals for a game this season is pretty bad. You could argue 175 goals against, but let’s be honest, if you’re facing a bunch of shots and your team cannot put any in, it’s tough to stay focused and keep everything out of the net. Eric Staal and teen heartthrob Jeff Skinner we expect more out of you.

Greg Fiume/Getty Images

So I picked the Washington Capitals to make it, yep, I’m drinking the Kool-Aid. The Capitals fired their Head Coach to be replaced by former player Dale Hunter. Hunter deserves it, but it really was not Bruce Boudreau’s fault. May we have a moment of swearing in his honor? The team has a real work ethic problem, superstaritis. Hunter seems to be working on that right now, benching the wrong players, but he is working on it. Going 3-4-3 in their last 10 will not help my cause of them making it, still, I have faith. If they make it they will most likely face the New York Rangers and hopefully knock them out of the playoffs who have done so the last two Ranger’s playoff appearances.

There you have it, my picks for the playoffs as well as a little bit of dissing on some Eastern Conference teams. Agree, disagree, and let me hear it. Minnesota Wild fans can save their comments for the second installment coming in a few days. Oh yeah, Minnesota will be a target of scrutiny.

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New Jersey Devils are Playoff Contenders

Feb 10

Posted by EB in News | No Comments

Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images

The New Jersey Devils have begun to show their true skill, going 7-2-1 in their last 10, the Devils will be tough playoff contenders.

The Devils currently sit 6th place within the Eastern Conference with a point total of 65. In five of their last six games the team has won, beating the likes of Atlantic Division rivals the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers and Eastern Conference leading New York Rangers twice. Last night the Devils lost in overtime to Western Conference St. Louis Blues who are currently in 4th place.

The Devils of old, with the names of Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, Ken Daneyko and a younger netminder Martin Brodeur were known for their defensive play style. Head Coach Jacques Lemaire, with his defense first mentality and neutral zone trap style, lead the team to their first Stanley Cup Championship in 1994-1995. Lemaire moved on and the team eventually won another Stanley Cup in 1999-2000 and most recently in 2002-2003 under the late Pat Burns.

Today however, of those four divisional foe wins, the Devils outscored their competition 16 to 9. In a “new” league that is built upon speed, the Devils are showing good signs.

The team is led by a superstar cast, both young and old. Captain Zach Parise is coming off of a knee injury that took him out for the majority of last season. This year he has picked up where he left off, totaling 47 point in 53 games played. Thirty-five year old veteran Patrik Elias is on pace for 81 points this season. Last time he hit that mark was in the 2003-2004 NHL season. If that is not enough firepower up front for you, don’t forget superstar Ilya Kovalchuk. Kovalchuk came to the Devils two seasons ago at a monstrous contract. Most fans felt it was insane, turning into a NBA team who signs one star and has no supporting cast. Well, the Devils proved fans wrong and Kovalchuk has been solid. To date, he has 50 points in 48 games played and a team high 191 shots on goal. Also, he now has a Gordie Howe Hat Trick to add to his resume.

The saying, “defense wins championships” comes to mind for any team to be considered a playoff contender. In the middle of the pack when it comes to goals against, the team still has some defensive firepower in Adam Larrson and Kurtis Foster, but more importantly, the team has Martin Brodeur as goalie. Brodeur is getting older, 39 to be exact, but is a veteran and don’t you forget that. Typically starting 70+ games in a season, this year he has seen a lighter load. Currently started 35 games, backup netminder Johan Hedberg has seen 19 starts. Sure it may not seem like much for a backup, but sitting the iron-man Brodeur any amount will pay dividends come playoffs where he normally is spent.

You don’t have to take my word for it, wait and see, but the New Jersey Devils are going to be one heck of a playoff contender this season. A team that can put the puck in the net, a veteran netminder and a solid defensive core all around, the Devils are going far.

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NHL Photo of the Day

Feb 10

Posted by EB in NHL Photo of the Day | No Comments

Nick Laham/Getty Images

David Perron of the St. Louis Blues sports his new White Reebok 20k Skates against the New Jersey Devils. Perron scored a goal in the second period that helped the Blues win in a 4-3 shootout victory. Must be the combination of new skates and the Reebok Ai9 hockey stick.

The Blues have been a success under Head Coach Ken Hitchcock. Currently 4th within the Western Conference with 71 points, that’s only 2 points out of the Eastern Conference lead by the New York Rangers, the team is not only sitting good for playoffs, but is looking really intimidating. Both netminders, Brian Elliott and Jaroslav Halak are 1st and 6th best in terms of goals against average. Also, Andy McDonald, Alex Steen and Matt D’agostini are currently injured, who combined for 61 goals and 86 assists for a total of 147 points last season.

Blues fans should be excited for playoffs this year, especially if the team is all healthy.

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NHL Photo of the Day

Feb 6

Posted by EB in NHL Photo of the Day | 1 Comment

Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images

Losing back-to-back games over the weekend, the Philadelphia Flyers are in a temporary state of free-falling. This is largely do in part by the combination of struggling net-minders.

Seen here, Sergei Bobrovsky passes while being replaced by Ilya Bryzgalov after letting 6 goals in midway through the second period against the surging New Jersey Devils Saturday night. The loss was followed up by another one against the New York Rangers Sunday night. Together, the two goalies allowed 10 goals on 68 shots faced for a .853 save percentage.

Sure, the Flyers are still sitting comfortable within the Eastern Conference standings, currently in 4th place, but going 4-4-2 in their last 10 games needs to come to an end or other suitors will gladly knock them out of playoff contention.

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Ilya Kovalchuk Gordie Howe Hat Trick

Feb 5

Posted by Chris in Media, News | No Comments

Ilya Kovalchuk proved to the Philadelphia Flyers last night why he is one of the most dangerous players in the game right now – in more ways than one.

Kovalchuk had a big three point effort with a goal and two assists en route to a 6-4 victory over the Flyers. Perhaps the biggest highlight of the night came midway through the third period, however, when Kovalchuk capped off the Howe Hat Trick and dropped the gloves with Flyers forward Brayden Schenn. This was Schenn’s second fight of the season and Kovalchuk’s first. However, for being one of the best snipers in the game, Kovalchuk is no stranger to dropping the gloves as he averages at least one fight per season according to HockeyFights.com.

The two pull away from a scrum at 11:38 of the third period and immediately drop the gloves. It doesn’t take long for the two players to engage each other to establish a dominant position. Kovalchuk appears to be the much stronger player as he throws Schenn around a bit and then lands several solid blows to Schenn’s head before finally landing a solid right hook to Schenn’s jaw that drops him for the count. Check out the full video below that highlights not only the fight, but Kovalchuk’s power play assist and dirty two-on-one snipe for his lone goal of the night. Stick around to the end of the video for a slow-motion replay of Kovi’s right hook on Schenn.

 

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Zach Parise Likely to Play Elsewhere

Dec 6

Posted by EB in Rumors | 3 Comments

Zach Parise may be a New Jersey Devil today, but come trade deadline or free agency, expect him to be on the move.

New Jersey Devil fans have it tough, real tough. If it is not bad enough that the Devils are currently sitting 12th in the standings in the East, young superstar Zach Parise is likely to play for another team come trade deadline or in the off-season.

The Minnesota native Zach Parise is coming into his production years at the age of 27. Playing 7 seasons with the Devils, it is time for some new scenery. With a Silver medal under his belt from 2010, Parise wants a Stanley Cup ring, that of which the Devils won’t do for quite some time.

The Devils of old were once a powerhouse team. Hard hitting defender Scott Stevens, a younger Martin Brodeur between the pipes and head coach Jacques Lemaire made every team cringe. How the years have passed, as the Devils of new are nothing but a pushover. Last year the team missed the playoffs by 12 points. To this day the team is once again sitting on the outside looking in. An argument could be that they are only 2 points back from 8th, but the Eastern Conference is a tricky beast.

My how a few acquisitions, trades and years makes a difference. The Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs have surprised the hockey community as both are currently sitting in playoff spots. It seems Brian Burke’s master plan to take over the hockey world is finally taking form. (insert lightning/thunder/evil laugh now) On the flip side, the Washington Capitals, Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning, all three teams who made the playoffs last season, are currently on the outside looking in. The Devils competition is only going to get tougher.

Over a quarter way in, Parise has only 16 points in 25 games. His total is from a combined 7 goals and 9 assists, a rather poor total for such a player of his caliber. On top of that, Parise has a plus minus rating of negative 10, second to worst on the team, that of which belongs to Ilya Kovalchuk with a negative 11.

Devil fans enjoy the season while it lasts, despite the slow plummet to miss the playoffs yet again. Parise is on the move come trade deadline or free agency. If you are lucky another team will be offering a trade and you can get some depth and draft picks.

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Kings Look to Prove Their Worth

Oct 29

Posted by EB in News | No Comments

Jonathan Quick, net-minder for the Los Angeles Kings has topped the charts for fantasy goalies. Going 6-0-1 in his first 7 starts, his play could be an early indicator of the Kings success this year.

Tonight, the Kings will face the Phoenix Coyotes in a division showdown. The Coyotes are off to a rough start, 4-3-2 in 9 games so far, look to build upon their recent win over the New Jersey Devils. With Ray Whitney, Keith Yandle and Captain Shane Doan leading the team, it is only a matter of time before the Coyotes fight for first place within the division. Factor in a new netminder Mike Smith, after Ilya Bryzgalov went to the Philadelphia flyers (3-4-1 and a 3.44 goals against average this season), and the team is definitely hungry.

The Kings come into this season with a lot to prove after an early exit last year in the playoffs. This was largely in part to the injury to Captain Anze Kopitar. This season, Kopitar looks to have recovered from his broken ankle, as he is tearing it up with 4 goals, 8 assists and a plus 5 overall rating. Furthermore, new addition Mike Richards has 1 goal and 8 helpers so far. Richards had 23 goals last season and 31 the season before that, fans are just waiting for the dam to break.

You cannot speak about the Kings without mentioning defensman Drew Doughty. Doughty had a rough start to the season, holding out for more money then now having an upper-body injury. Tonight he is expected to suit back up against the Coyotes, and hopefully tries to prove he is indeed worth his contract.

The season is young, still too early to see who really has what it takes this year to go all the way. Still, the Kings are looking really good early on. Once all the puzzle pieces start coming together, it will be interesting to see if any team in the Pacific division stands a chance.

 

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