Devils 2020-21 team discussion (news, notes and speculation) - part XIV

[StevenToddIves]

No to mention he's a dog **** d-man too

The biggest difference between the Rangers awful first game and excellent second game was dropping Tony DeAngelo in favor of K'Andre Miller in the line-up. I would say DeAngelo is the very worst defensive defenseman in the entire NHL, and it may not be close. Watch a replay of last year's Carolina v NY Rangers playoff -- DeAngelo was probably singularly responsible for 15 high-danger scoring chances against in a three game sweep. He was so bad it was mind-boggling. If you want to watch something more recent, watch Barzal's opening-game goal, where DeAngelo basically rolls out a red carpet for him. I don't think I've ever seen a lower compete level in the NHL.

When you add to this the fact that he is allegedly very unpopular in any locker room he has played in, I'd honestly say I wouldn't take DeAngelo for a 7th round pick.

 

[StevenToddIves]

Can we start a Ty Smith appreciation thread? The kid just looks terrific out there.

 

[jkrdevil]

31 Thoughts: Why Avalanche traded Ian Cole to Minnesota

Apparently Fitz only has a 1-year contract for the GM position.

 

[Offseason Champs]

Can we start a Ty Smith appreciation thread? The kid just looks terrific out there.

I didn't expect him to look like this three games into the season. I was hoping for it but wow, he's looking really really good. If this is just the start that's pretty incredible.

 

[Mattavarner]

How has Johnsson been fitting in? Seemed like potential 2nd line upside but was blocked in TO

 

[Darkauron]

How has Johnsson been fitting in? Seemed like potential 2nd line upside but was blocked in TO

Not good. Been invisible.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

How has Johnsson been fitting in? Seemed like potential 2nd line upside but was blocked in TO

he hasn't really done much tbh but I want to wait until he gets a few more games under his belt and gets away from Pavel Zacha

actually near just had an assist but the goal was called back for being offsides after review

 

[StevenToddIves]

How has Johnsson been fitting in? Seemed like potential 2nd line upside but was blocked in TO

Johnsson looks terrible, but it's early.

I'd say he's a bottom 6 wing. Good passes surprise him, he does not have high-end skill or vision. He plays hard and has a nice shot, but I think Joey Anderson will be the better player in a year or two.

 

[FlyingWood]

Can we start a Ty Smith appreciation thread? The kid just looks terrific out there.

Give the boy PP1 minutes right now!

 

[StevenToddIves]

I didn't expect him to look like this three games into the season. I was hoping for it but wow, he's looking really really good. If this is just the start that's pretty incredible.

Smith's knack for changing the angle at the blue line and getting shots through on net is quite impressive. His skating looks great, and people who questioned his defensive play are clearly being exposed as people who did not actually watch him in Spokane. Ty Smith looks just outstanding all over the ice. I said before the season that he will be the Devils best defenseman by the end of the season, and I'm sticking to it. I would not be surprised to see Ty wind up a Calder Trophy finalist.

 

[Zippy316]

Johnsson looks terrible, but it's early.

I'd say he's a bottom 6 wing. Good passes surprise him, he does not have high-end skill or vision. He plays hard and has a nice shot, but I think Joey Anderson will be the better player in a year or two.

The good passes thing should come with chemistry and knowing his teammates I would imagine.

He looks like he’ll settle in nicely, just has had a rough start. Zacha and Gusev aren’t exactly the easiest two players to play with either. Zacha only shows up about half the time and Gusev needs time and space to make plays.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

Smith is Rafalski

 

[DevilDog]

Can we start a Ty Smith appreciation thread? The kid just looks terrific out there.

Came in to make a similar comment. He’s been very impressive so far.

 

[Figgie]

I love Jack Hughes and Mackenzie Blackwood. What a win!!

 

[The Wumpus]

Jack is leading the league in scoring.

I mean, it's a 7-way tie, and teams have played 3 or 4 games, but still.

 

[JimEIV]

Jack better not cut that mane.

 

[Guttersniped]

How has Johnsson been fitting in? Seemed like potential 2nd line upside but was blocked in TO

He hasn’t done much but he’s been with Zacha since Hischier been out. I’m not too worried until he gets a chance to play with Hughes or our other real top six center when he comes back.

 

[Jersey Fan 12]

Can we start a Ty Smith appreciation thread? The kid just looks terrific out there.

He's been good for a first-year player and has made some fine plays at times but he is still a liability in some situations. After three games Thursday might be a time for him to get a game to watch and get one of the veterans a shot to play. There's also the possibility that the Devils keep the pairs intact and simply insert Carrick and Butcher in while sitting Smith and Tennyson but I thought Tennyson was pretty good again.

 

[Jersey Fan 12]

How has Johnsson been fitting in? Seemed like potential 2nd line upside but was blocked in TO

Uneven start. Hasn't been bad and done some nice things but other players are doing much more.

He and Gusev didn't play in the third period tonight as the game tightened. He's shown flashes but is on the cusp of losing a spot once Hischier and Bratt return. Merkley could also be an option.

 

[Emperoreddy]

Our new D acquisitions are working out great.

New forward not so much, but I think you need to give Johnsson more time to settle in and find a spot that works for him. Not going to bury him for dead yet.

 

[Emperoreddy]

No Devils blue line rookie has scored points in their first 3 games other then Ty Smith.

Just FYI.

 

[Jersey Fan 12]

Smith's knack for changing the angle at the blue line and getting shots through on net is quite impressive. His skating looks great, and people who questioned his defensive play are clearly being exposed as people who did not actually watch him in Spokane. Ty Smith looks just outstanding all over the ice. I said before the season that he will be the Devils best defenseman by the end of the season, and I'm sticking to it. I would not be surprised to see Ty wind up a Calder Trophy finalist.

I also like the way he is playing and appreciate the plays he's making but playing defense against the men in the NHL is a bigger challenge and there are still times that he is overmatched in his own end; something I'm sure will be less of a factor as he physically matures and gains more experience.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

He's been good for a first-year player and has made some fine plays at times but he is still a liability in some situations. After three games Thursday might be a time for him to get a game to watch and get one of the veterans a shot to play. There's also the possibility that the Devils keep the pairs intact and simply insert Carrick and Butcher in while sitting Smith and Tennyson but I thought Tennyson was pretty good again.

uhhh

what?

 

[Emperoreddy]

31 Thoughts: Why Avalanche traded Ian Cole to Minnesota

Apparently Fitz only has a 1-year contract for the GM position.

If the team is succeeding he will get extended. Not something to sweat IMO

 

[Blackjack]

Smith's knack for changing the angle at the blue line and getting shots through on net is quite impressive. His skating looks great, and people who questioned his defensive play are clearly being exposed as people who did not actually watch him in Spokane. Ty Smith looks just outstanding all over the ice. I said before the season that he will be the Devils best defenseman by the end of the season, and I'm sticking to it. I would not be surprised to see Ty wind up a Calder Trophy finalist.

Yes, that's the most noticeable thing about his game to me. We have some decent shooters on the blue line, but we've seen so many shots blocked or miss the net. Ty's seem to get through every time, and it's why he's getting points.