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[Discussion] Is NJ Primed To Surprise In The East?


theminister

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* LONG READ *


Out here in the Western Conference it's easy to habitually think of the New Jersey Devils a dismissible threat and perennial 'also-rans.' The impression most fans have of their roster is broken down into two groups, the deteriorating veteran and players with unfulfilled promise. Saddled with the worst arena location in the league and struggling finances GM Lou Lamoriello seems constantly on the lookout for bargain contracts of an assortment of NHL cast-offs. But is that a fair assessment of the 2014-15 edition of the Devils or might there be more there than at first glance?

Last season New Jersey showed two things 1) they need to increase scoring and 2) they can keep the puck out of the net. The Devils were among the top defensive teams, their calling card, by only surrendering 208 goals, by far the best amongst other teams that failed to make the playoffs. That should continue this year with a healthy roster and if they can increase on their 197 Goals For then they shouldn't be far off of the pack.

Much has been made about the parity amongst teams in the Eastern Conference and, despite being a stiffer race for 8 spots in 16 over the 14 teams in the West, with the exception of Boston every roster has obvious questions. While the Devils are no different in this regard it may leave them right in the thick of the fight again this season. Despite missing the playoffs by a mere 5 points, exacerbated by their absolutely dismal shoot-out record, the are many reasons to suspect this team could have quite a few more points than last season.

So what do they have? Based on early reports from training camp this is the look of the team:

FORWARDS

Cammalleri-Zajac-Jagr

Up front the Devils are expected to start with a 1st line of newly acquired Mike Cammalleri aside Travis Zajac and the eternal Jaromir Jagr. At first glance this line doesn't match up anywhere near the top lines of the majority of teams in the East but it does have it's potential. Zajac is one of the most underrated defensive players in the league with numbers not far off the perennial Selke candidates. Though his scoring has been down in recent seasons he has shown the ability to produce in the past and with good line mates. With another year of familiarity with Jagr, who after leading the team in scoring can never be counted out to produce, and the increased talent and speed to the line of Cammalleri, this trio could very well be a difficult match-up both offensively and defensively for opposing coaches. If this line can be freed up by the rest of the team for more offensive zone starts they should be able to put the puck in the net even in a Peter DeBoer system.


Zubrus-Elias-Havlat

The Devils 2nd line being previewed at training camp has obvious questions on paper, and there will be considerable competition in camp for the jobs on the wing, but the ancient duo of Patrik Elias and Dainius Zubrus consistently show that they outscore, albeit slightly, their on-ice competition. Though a year older (again!) they add wily veteran checking and puck possession. Elias continues to provide secondary scoring while being a contributing player in a defensive role regardless of which line or position he plays. Zubrus is still able to play significant minutes at his age, and continue to use each of his reach and intelligence to play a quality two-way game, and although his scoring numbers dropped off he was still a positive possession player. If his numbers can rebound a little, because new addition Martin Havlat can regain past chemistry Elias from international play, then this line might be able to score enough to keep the Devils in games. If neither winger is up to the task the Devils do have other options to slide in and out depending on match ups.


Clowe-Henrique-Ryder

The 3rd line figures to feature the teams second leading goal scorer in Adam Henrique between solid bodies in Ryan Clowe and Michael Ryder. Clowe is coming off of a disappointing first season with injuries after signing a long term contract with the team but he still was able to provide some offence and physical play. Ryder too had a tough year on the scoresheet but both are able to produce at the level required of 3rd liners. Both players could find themselves on the 2nd line if they find the back of the net a bit more as they've done in other seasons, as could Henrique if DeBoer feels Brunner can handle the 3rd line pivot role, if he's not seen as trade bait. This could bump a player like Havlat completely out of the line-up and balance out the scoring more, a position battle worth keeping an eye on in training camp.


Ruutu-Josefson-Brunner
Gionta, Bernier

Tryout: Gomez, Carter, Fedotenko, Tootoo

The 4th line figures to be a dogfight amongst the remaining mishmash of roster players and training camp invitees. Out of this group you have two players in Tuomo Ruutu and Damien Brunner who have shown the ability to play bigger roles in the past, and both should be hungry to compete for increased minutes. Jacob Josefson is coming along in his development. Steve Bernier has been a serviceable 4th liner for the team in the past few seasons but may lose his job from amongst the rest of the pack. They include options of every kind depending on what DeBoer thinks he need and what the budget will allow.


All-in-all, despite not being flush with front end star status the Devils have assembled a forward roster with depth throughout 4 lines, consisting of multiple players capable of playing throughout the line-up and in a variety of roles, and that should be able to score a bit more than last year. A bounce back year from two or three of them and it could mean a large change in the fortunes of the team, especially in they can win a few shootouts.


DEFENSE:

Greene-Merrill
Salvador-Zidlicky
Gelinas-Larsson
Harrold

Tryouts: Komisarek, Kaberle


Much like the forward group, on paper the Devils defense is less than spectacular and includes both the very old and the very young. Despite this fact the team continues to be one of the stingiest in the league with the forward lines commitment to team defense under Peter DeBoer.

Fresh off of a new contract extension Andy Greene has emerged as the leader on the backend playing tough minutes in every situation. Though not flashy he has shown the ability to produce at both ends of the ice while shutting down opposition forwards. Marek Zidlicky continues to be able to be a quality PP producer and still logs top 4 minutes at 37 years of age. Bryce Salavador provides a stable if unspectacular veteran savvy.

A large factor in the quality of this group will depend on the continued growth of the young trio of Jon Merrill, Adam Larsson and Eric Gelinas. In 52 games last year Merrill showed that he was ready to handle increased minutes as a shutdown defender and, if his pre-season concussion is not a factor, he should be counted on to play a solid 20 minutes a night. Gelinas was impressive in his opportunity and displayed the ability to contribute offence at the NHL level in a limited role. Adam Larsson is poised to make the full time jump to the big club for good and brings an intriguing package of skills that has long had him pegged as a future top pairing D-man, and he shouldn't need to be heavily relied upon as he adjusts. Peter Harrold will compete with veterans Mike Komisarek and Tomas Kaberle to see who adds the most in a depth role.


GOALTENDING:

Schneider
Clemmenson


Fresh off of having the best goaltending of the last 20 years the Devils are set to continue that trend with the first full season for Cory Schneider as the undisputed starter. All he did in his first year with New Jersey was to put up All-Star numbers despite being the hard luck loser on many nights due to his team's inability to score. If he can stretch that quality from 45 games played into the 65-70 games played range then the Devils should likely have some of the best goaltending in the Eastern Conference again. Though a lot rides on his shoulders this season, Schneider appears ready to take on this challenge and every indicator points to his ability to handle it well. Scott Clemmenson provides a steadying back-up presence and is no threat to take over the starting job but is capable of playing 15-20 games a year reliably. If he proves unable Keith Kincaid and Scott Wedgewood are available for recall.



So while it is obvious that the New Jersey Devils are unlikely to compete for the President's Trophy, or even the division lead, there is every reason to believe they could be a significant threat for the 7th or 8th position in the conference. They keys to their season will be the productivity and health of their aging vets, their depth through 4 lines, their growth of their young D-men, and continuing to keep the puck out of the net as well as they did last year, or better. To their benefit most of the teams in the East have their own questionable roster holes.

Though the Metropolitan division provides significant opposition in Pittsburgh, Columbus, and the Rangers, the Devils could easily jump several of their competitors in the Atlantic division which appears as weak as it has in years. If the Devils can get a leg up on either Washington or Philadelphia then they should be fighting for a playoff spot until the last days of the season, at the least. With a few lucky bounces, and I'll repeat again...even a mediocre shoot-out record, they could be better than that.

The resulting last question would be, if they do surprise this year, will anyone notice?

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Excellent perspective OP .. if they stay healthy, they should make the playoffs at least .. if they do, and Cory gets hot, they could go a long way. I guess you could say that about any team in the NHL, but NJ has the 'horses' down the stretch if they are healthy come playoff time.

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High-end talent isn't there, team is a bit too one dimensional. They won't make the playoffs, last season Schneider kept them in the game when they could only score 1-2 goals a game.

NJ was 27th in goals per game and their forward group is built off UFAs. It was terrible management trying to build this team, should have rebuilt the team because they're not getting anywhere with a old UFA core that is full of offensive players.

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Good post OP.

I too was thinking they have a better team than many give them credit for. I'm guessing that they will finish ahead of Philly and take a wildcard spot along with either Detroit or Washington.

They have the depth to possibly win a series too, as long as Jagr is still able to play at a high level.

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High-end talent isn't there, team is a bit too one dimensional. They won't make the playoffs, last season Schneider kept them in the game when they could only score 1-2 goals a game.

NJ was 27th in goals per game and their forward group is built off UFAs. It was terrible management trying to build this team, should have rebuilt the team because they're not getting anywhere with a old UFA core that is full of offensive players.

What they actually have is a competitive lineup that can roll all four forward lines, and while their D may appear to be minuscule to an extent, there are some good pieces there. They also have a goaltender who's a star in this league.

Explain how that's such a bad thing?

They also finished three points behind DAL and five points behind CLB and DET (all playoff teams). Even if they don't have as much high end talent as other teams do, they have the proper philosophy in place (having an internally competitive team that can roll all lines, along with a goalie that's capable of stealing games). It's a pretty darn good strategy if you ask me. Abiding by this philosophy has gotten them three cups in the last two decades and a trip to the cup finals in the 11-12 season. No one has the right to trash talk that franchise. Lou is a pioneer.

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Core players are too old. They have 3 forwards that are under the age of 30. That 1st line is alright, but it doesn't come anywhere near top team's 1st lines.

No Dmen that could carry the team unless one of the kids explodes with talent this season.

Schneider is obviously great, but if he gets injured... Clemmenson? Wouldn't think of him if a team needed a backup.

If the stars align they might get a 1st round exit.

Honestly, NJ doesn't have any more of a chance than the rest of the mid tier teams.

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Excellent post minister!

Their roster is unspectacular, but they play a solid team game and have added some scoring as well. That shootout record was pathetic last year, and it can't possibly be that bad again. I read somewhere, I think it was in a Hockey News issue, I'll have to look for it... that if the Devils had the same record in their 1 goal games as the Avalanche did, they would have pushed Boston for the Presidents Trophy. While it would be foolish to hope things go that well, they're definitely a sleeper team in the East. If their forwards get some chemistry going and they stay relatively healthy, they will surprise people.

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What they actually have is a competitive lineup that can roll all four forward lines, and while their D may appear to be minuscule to an extent, there are some good pieces there. They also have a goaltender who's a star in this league.

Explain how that's such a bad thing?

They also finished three points behind DAL and five points behind CLB and DET (all playoff teams). Even if they don't have as much high end talent as other teams do, they have the proper philosophy in place (having an internally competitive team that can roll all lines, along with a goalie that's capable of stealing games). It's a pretty darn good strategy if you ask me. Abiding by this philosophy has gotten them three cups in the last two decades and a trip to the cup finals in the 11-12 season. No one has the right to trash talk that franchise. Lou is a pioneer.

What type of 4th line has Brunner on it? Canucks can roll 4 lines too but that doesn't mean we're any good because our depth in the top 6 isn't very good. We'd get blown by California teams, Chicago, STL, Colorado and even Minnesota probably. They have no role players, players like Clifford, Lewis, Kruger, Stoll, Shaw, Brian Boyle, Reaves. They have a team full of old, offensive UFAs.

Jagr, Elias, Havlat, Zubrus, Ryder, Brunner, Ruutu are not getting any better. They finished 27th in goals per game, Cammalleri is their only big acquisition this off-season and how can you expect their scoring to go up with only that? Jagr is aging, Elias is aging, Henrique and Zajac are the only ones who might get better.

It's great to roll 4 lines and they can probably do that but their roster has no quality players in it. Their depth in the system isn't very good either, Boucher, Matteau are their top forward prospects so when 3-4 injuries hit they won't be able to keep the luxury because the prospect pool depth isn't good.

The role player aren't there for NJ, you can't roll 4 lines with skill players unless they are skilled enough to dominate the other team's 3rd/4th lines. A 4th line with Brunner and Ruutu isn't going to physically outplay other teams 4th lines, compare theirs to BOS, NYR, MTL, CBJ, DET, PHI, WSH. Okay their 4th lines can't compete against those east teams along with Toronto and Pittsburgh. Now let's compare their top 9 quality forwards against every team in the east, who's going to stop Malkin and Crosby from NJ? Ovie, Backstrom, Johansson, Kuznetsov? Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Nyquist? Staals, Semin, Skinner? Bergeron, Lucic, Smith, Krejci, Eriksson? Kessel, JVR, Kadri, Bozak? Stamkos, Johnson, Flippula, Kucherov, Palat? Giroux, Simmonds, Umberger, Voracek, Read, Schenn? Nash, Stepan, Kreider, Zuccarello? Tavares, Okposo?

Is Greene going to hold down other team's 2 top lines? No he can't. If they get Zajac to do shutdown duties who will score? You expect Elias, Havlat, Clowe, Ryder, Henrique to take on scoring duties? There's no way. They don't have a real bottom 6 they have players who aren't good enough top 6 players and throw them on the 4th line. That won't work against hard-working two-way forwards who play a role on their team.

What is a 4th line of Brunner and Ruutu going to do? It's weak players, they'll get demolished against the other teams in the east? Other team's 2nd lines will feed off the weakness of no shutdown line or good enough two-way players.

They don't have good enough offensive players to be competitive and not good enough defensive players to play key roles on the PK or shutdown duties.

Their forward group isn't balanced enough, they're going to have to win games 1-0, 2-0, 2-1.

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