Devils discussion (news, notes and speculation) - part II

[Forge]

0.99 GAA is bonkers.

It went down yesterday

 

[Zippy316]

There’s been a lot of talk on here about the Devils bringing in a veteran rental like Palmieri, Nelson, Vatrano, or Hall or maybe even a player with an extra year like McCann, Bjorkstrand, etc.

That would be for a top six fix of course, but part of me was wondering if maybe the Devils target a younger RFA type considering how experienced our bottom six is.

I doubt Buffalo looks to move him so soon after acquiring him but Ryan McLeod is an interesting target. Would be a fantastic speedy 3C that gives us flexibility with moving Haula around the lineup too. Frost, Geekie, and Hayton are a couple other interesting names that could fulfill a similar role.

 

[Triumph]

I will say that while I obviously love that the Devils are winning, it is a little upsetting to play games like they've played against the Kings and Blues recently. The NHL seems just totally blind to this sort of thing - as long as revenues hit their projections, it doesn't matter if games have 5+ minute stretches without shots on goal - but it's bad! I wish they could win playing in the style they played last season.

 

[JimEIV]

Luke in the 9 games before Florida

• Down 1-5 in goals at 5v5
• Only 1 pt and it was a PP secondary assist
• 48.18% xG
• 1.97 xGF/60

Luke in the 16 games starting in Florida

• Up 13-5 in goals at 5v5
• 10 pts since. Only 2 are secondary assists and 8 of those pts are at 5v5
• 66.05% xG. That's 9th in the league overall and 1st among D
• 3.58 xGF/60. That's 6th in the league and 1st among D

No training camp effect.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

No training camp effect.

Pesce was also coming off an injury at the same time.

 

[Better Call Sal]

Glad to see this for us and for Utica.

 

[Hisch13r]

Glad to see this for us and for Utica.

Never thought he had any chance of being claimed but still nice to see.

 

[Better Call Sal]

Never thought he had any chance of being claimed but still nice to see.

I really didn't either, but guess you just never know when an organization might need to grab a player. We're so thin at center depth as a whole that I was almost a bit afraid for Utica if he did get claimed.

 

[dgibb10]

Can we talk more about those back to back games vs STL and Det

where luke was on the ice for:

70 shot attempts for
21 shot attempts against

In 2 games.

 

[dgibb10]

I don’t think it’s unreasonable to be a little wary of trying to lock up Kovacevic long term or at the expense of Dougie/moving someone like Nemec, etc…

It’s also impossible to argue with his on ice impact right now. He’s one of the most important players on this team, bar none. His underlying numbers before he came to NJ were still very solid, but also came over as a 27 year old with only 143 NHL games played. That’s not a lot. I don’t really know what the best course of action really is. Siegenthaler probably left a few bucks on the table, but was willing to sacrifice that to stay here long term. That’s probably best case scenario here too.

Yup.

He has been INCREDIBLE this year. But 33 games is not enough for me to be fully on board with throwing away the long created plan for this dcore.

Also, it undersells every single one of our dmen to discredit Hamilton. If 54% is "bad", then are the 60% marks the other pairings are putting up great?

From my view, all 3 pairings have been excellent. Luke-Pesce and Kovy-Siegs have dominated, and Dillon-Hamilton have been very good as well.

And Hamilton is a massive part of an incredible PP.


I believe we can improve/fix the bottom 6 simply by reallocating Palat's money after dumping him at basically any cost.

And I don't believe the 3rd winger on Jack and Bratt's line has any meaningful impact on how they produce.

 

[Hisch13r]

It’s weird having fun in December

 

[My3Sons]

Yup.

He has been INCREDIBLE this year. But 33 games is not enough for me to be fully on board with throwing away the long created plan for this dcore.

Also, it undersells every single one of our dmen to discredit Hamilton. If 54% is "bad", then are the 60% marks the other pairings are putting up great?

From my view, all 3 pairings have been excellent. Luke-Pesce and Kovy-Siegs have dominated, and Dillon-Hamilton have been very good as well.

And Hamilton is a massive part of an incredible PP.


I believe we can improve/fix the bottom 6 simply by reallocating Palat's money after dumping him at basically any cost.

And I don't believe the 3rd winger on Jack and Bratt's line has any meaningful impact on how they produce.

I don't think it's fair to saw the third winger is basically meaningless. Jack and Bratt can mask a lot of deficiencies but you don't want to be 4 against 5 when their line is on the ice. I think the best you can say is that so far the correct third winger has yet to be found and that the wingers in that spot to date have neither actively hurt nor helped the other two so it comes across as a place holder situation. If you could put the right guy there my guess is that their production would improve a bit or maybe their overall defense would improve and their offense would stay the same which amounts to the same thing. We will see.

 

[1point21Gigawatts]

Hey, Devils fans. How do you all feel about taking in strays? I am a lost sabres fan who just can't handle it anymore. It's so bad. Not just the losing. You get used to that. But the way the organization/franchise has become an absolute joke and laughing stock of the league is just too much for me. So i am looking for a team to support that might actually give me a return on my investment of money, time, etc.
With all of that said, i am wondering if anyone can give me a brief summary of the team. Style of play. How the coaches are doing. Best players. Players you want to ship to the moon. I can absolutely look this all up myself, but sometimes it's easier to get behind something when you hear it straight from the mouths, fingers, keys, whatever of other people. So if anyone is willing, i'd appreciate your perspective for a potential new fan.

Also, i hope this is the right place to post this. If it's not, or if it's inappropriate at all then i hope the mods are able to delete my post. Sorry if i derail your current topic of discussion. Thanks for your consideration.

 

[DerekDevils30]

Hey, Devils fans. How do you all feel about taking in strays? I am a lost sabres fan who just can't handle it anymore. It's so bad. Not just the losing. You get used to that. But the way the organization/franchise has become an absolute joke and laughing stock of the league is just too much for me. So i am looking for a team to support that might actually give me a return on my investment of money, time, etc.
With all of that said, i am wondering if anyone can give me a brief summary of the team. Style of play. How the coaches are doing. Best players. Players you want to ship to the moon. I can absolutely look this all up myself, but sometimes it's easier to get behind something when you hear it straight from the mouths, fingers, keys, whatever of other people. So if anyone is willing, i'd appreciate your perspective for a potential new fan.

Also, i hope this is the right place to post this. If it's not, or if it's inappropriate at all then i hope the mods are able to delete my post. Sorry if i derail your current topic of discussion. Thanks for your consideration.

 

[dgibb10]

I don't think it's fair to saw the third winger is basically meaningless. Jack and Bratt can mask a lot of deficiencies but you don't want to be 4 against 5 when their line is on the ice. I think the best you can say is that so far the correct third winger has yet to be found and that the wingers in that spot to date have neither actively hurt nor helped the other two so it comes across as a place holder situation. If you could put the right guy there my guess is that their production would improve a bit or maybe their overall defense would improve and their offense would stay the same which amounts to the same thing. We will see.

I'm not suggesting putting them out with Kurtis MacDermid by any means.

But I just really don't think it's a position I'm focused on spending my time and resources trying to keep plugging in new 6 million dollar guys and hope they make them meaningfully better.

They work. Excellently.

I'd plug Grits in there next year, and if it doesn't work, plug in someone else. Whether that's Mercer, Haula, Noesen, Cotter, or even buying a rental next year, who cares.

I like our D. If possible keep it together.
I like our top 6. Don't stress about finding a piece for it.
I have been disappointed with our 3rd line, which should have the pieces to be better than it is. This needs to be figured out. I think that means a guy to push Haula down.
And then I like Lazar as a winger more, so pushing down Haula could help there. And then, if able, improving on bastian would be cool. Whether that's by also pushing Cotter down by adding a middle 6 wing as well as a 3C, or by adding a 4LW like a malenstyn, also works for me.

Keep the books nice, don't give out anything crazy in UFA. And make a plan for a long term goalie after Marky expires.

 

[Clam Jensen]

Hey, Devils fans. How do you all feel about taking in strays? I am a lost sabres fan who just can't handle it anymore. It's so bad. Not just the losing. You get used to that. But the way the organization/franchise has become an absolute joke and laughing stock of the league is just too much for me. So i am looking for a team to support that might actually give me a return on my investment of money, time, etc.
With all of that said, i am wondering if anyone can give me a brief summary of the team. Style of play. How the coaches are doing. Best players. Players you want to ship to the moon. I can absolutely look this all up myself, but sometimes it's easier to get behind something when you hear it straight from the mouths, fingers, keys, whatever of other people. So if anyone is willing, i'd appreciate your perspective for a potential new fan.

Also, i hope this is the right place to post this. If it's not, or if it's inappropriate at all then i hope the mods are able to delete my post. Sorry if i derail your current topic of discussion. Thanks for your consideration.

Hi welcome, we also have a resident sabres/devils fan in @sabremike so you’re not alone in your suffering.

We love Sheldon keefe. Former Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton has our PP over 30%. Our other assistant, McGill from VGK, was a holdover from Ruffs regime but has fit in seamlessly with Keefe.

The team plays a defensively sound and opportunistic game, but can cave bad teams and generate shots at will while also suppressing shots at an historic rate.

We love basically all of our players, but especially our D core (minus Dillon being a bonehead but he makes up for it with physicality). For forwards, can’t go wrong with franchise players like Jack, Jesper, and Nico. Timo is having a solid season though not yet by counting stats standards, but he’s a force. Noesen has been a tremendous signing. Giving up a first for Markstrom was probably too much, but when he’s on, he’s really on (still lets in some horrendous goals though). I’m sure other posters will add some more flavor, but that’s the gist.

 

[HBK27]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5834883/2024/12/18/nhl-standings-playoffs-projections-odds/

 

[Cheddabombs]

Hey, Devils fans. How do you all feel about taking in strays? I am a lost sabres fan who just can't handle it anymore. It's so bad. Not just the losing. You get used to that. But the way the organization/franchise has become an absolute joke and laughing stock of the league is just too much for me. So i am looking for a team to support that might actually give me a return on my investment of money, time, etc.
With all of that said, i am wondering if anyone can give me a brief summary of the team. Style of play. How the coaches are doing. Best players. Players you want to ship to the moon. I can absolutely look this all up myself, but sometimes it's easier to get behind something when you hear it straight from the mouths, fingers, keys, whatever of other people. So if anyone is willing, i'd appreciate your perspective for a potential new fan.

Also, i hope this is the right place to post this. If it's not, or if it's inappropriate at all then i hope the mods are able to delete my post. Sorry if i derail your current topic of discussion. Thanks for your consideration.

We are a welcoming bunch I would say!

You'll love the Hugheses, Bratt and Nico. Currently there's been discourse around Dougie, and Bleedred is always mad about our goalies. But it's part of the territory.

 

[JimEIV]

I don't think it's fair to saw the third winger is basically meaningless. Jack and Bratt can mask a lot of deficiencies but you don't want to be 4 against 5 when their line is on the ice. I think the best you can say is that so far the correct third winger has yet to be found and that the wingers in that spot to date have neither actively hurt nor helped the other two so it comes across as a place holder situation. If you could put the right guy there my guess is that their production would improve a bit or maybe their overall defense would improve and their offense would stay the same which amounts to the same thing. We will see.

A Jason Arnott to a Elias and Sykora

 

[Saugus]

Hey, Devils fans. How do you all feel about taking in strays? I am a lost sabres fan who just can't handle it anymore. It's so bad. Not just the losing. You get used to that. But the way the organization/franchise has become an absolute joke and laughing stock of the league is just too much for me. So i am looking for a team to support that might actually give me a return on my investment of money, time, etc.
With all of that said, i am wondering if anyone can give me a brief summary of the team. Style of play. How the coaches are doing. Best players. Players you want to ship to the moon. I can absolutely look this all up myself, but sometimes it's easier to get behind something when you hear it straight from the mouths, fingers, keys, whatever of other people. So if anyone is willing, i'd appreciate your perspective for a potential new fan.

Also, i hope this is the right place to post this. If it's not, or if it's inappropriate at all then i hope the mods are able to delete my post. Sorry if i derail your current topic of discussion. Thanks for your consideration.

We already have one refugee Sabres fan in @sabremike , happy to welcome another!

To answer your questions:
Style of play: adaptable depending on the opponent. We can hang with the run and gun teams and the heavy grinding teams, and beat them at their own game. Of late, we’ve returned to our roots and been taking care of defense first, allowing a miserly 20 shots or less against in the last 5 games. But our offense is also capable of exploding for an outburst of goals. We do have the occasional clunker where the scoring dries up and we get shut out.

Coaching: Keefe has been amazing, and the defensive stinginess I mentioned is largely due to his emphasis. Special teams, the PK is decent and the PP is lethal. No complaints about coaching at all.

Best players: the top forward lines generally revolve around the dynamic duos of Bratt-Hughes and Meier-Hischier, with complementary wingers filling in. The Hischier line is usually matched against the opposing top players because he is our best two way center. The depth scoring has not always been there. Siegenthaler-Kovacevic has been an excellent shutdown defensive pairing that we cobbled together from trades for mid round picks. Dougie Hamilton runs our PP1 unit, and Luke Hughes has blossomed into an excellent two-way defenseman while paired with Pesce.

Polarizing players: Dougie can be an adventure defensively. Poll 3 Devils fans about him and you’ll get 5 opinions and 2 trade proposals. Palat is overpaid and aging, but he’s on a hot streak of late so the criticism has died down. However, he’s the topic of frequent buyout discussions. Markstrom is often solid, making saves he has no business making, but then lets in a deflating softy at the worst time. Some fans think we overpaid for him.

Overall: it’s an exciting time to be a Devils fan. The team is putting together some great performances, and we’re excited to see what they can do in the playoffs!

 

[None Shall Pass]

Hey, Devils fans. How do you all feel about taking in strays? I am a lost sabres fan who just can't handle it anymore. It's so bad. Not just the losing. You get used to that. But the way the organization/franchise has become an absolute joke and laughing stock of the league is just too much for me. So i am looking for a team to support that might actually give me a return on my investment of money, time, etc.
With all of that said, i am wondering if anyone can give me a brief summary of the team. Style of play. How the coaches are doing. Best players. Players you want to ship to the moon. I can absolutely look this all up myself, but sometimes it's easier to get behind something when you hear it straight from the mouths, fingers, keys, whatever of other people. So if anyone is willing, i'd appreciate your perspective for a potential new fan.

Also, i hope this is the right place to post this. If it's not, or if it's inappropriate at all then i hope the mods are able to delete my post. Sorry if i derail your current topic of discussion. Thanks for your consideration.

It's fine but the rules for our board (Since deleted, dunno why) say that new fans need to Venmo me $50. I forget why we made that a rule, but I'm sure it made sense at the time.

 

[None Shall Pass]

Anyway, the NHL's total save percentage average is .901, and Markstrom is a .909, so we officially have an above-average starting goalie.

He's also 3rd in the league (minimum ten games played) in high danger unblocked save percentage.

 

[Bleedred]

0.99 GAA is bonkers.

Gotta credit playing behind a Travis Green team for that one!

 

[britdevil]

Let's just say anyone joining the Devils fandom is coming in at the right time.

2 playoff appearances in 12 years. It's been a long road to get where we are now.

I do think this club is likely a playoff team for the foreseeable future. Great young talent, a great captain who wears his heart on his sleeve, some overpaid veterans (but nothing that really harms the cap structure) and hopefully a coach who can take this team to the next level.

It's an exciting time and the Devils are worth anyone's investment.

 

[DerekDevils30]

Hey, Devils fans. How do you all feel about taking in strays? I am a lost sabres fan who just can't handle it anymore. It's so bad. Not just the losing. You get used to that. But the way the organization/franchise has become an absolute joke and laughing stock of the league is just too much for me. So i am looking for a team to support that might actually give me a return on my investment of money, time, etc.
With all of that said, i am wondering if anyone can give me a brief summary of the team. Style of play. How the coaches are doing. Best players. Players you want to ship to the moon. I can absolutely look this all up myself, but sometimes it's easier to get behind something when you hear it straight from the mouths, fingers, keys, whatever of other people. So if anyone is willing, i'd appreciate your perspective for a potential new fan.

Also, i hope this is the right place to post this. If it's not, or if it's inappropriate at all then i hope the mods are able to delete my post. Sorry if i derail your current topic of discussion. Thanks for your consideration.

As for the questions…

Just transitioned from the Lindy Ruff system which was high energy, high event hockey. They had an amazing 22-23 season and beat the Rangers but were exposed against the Canes heavy, tight forecheck. Last season was an unmitigated disaster with key injuries to Jack Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, and Timo Meier among others. It was doomed to fail especially with shoddy goaltending.

We brought in Keefe this off-season and GM Fitzgerald made several key additions. Signed Stefan Noesen, Brenden Dillon, Brett Pesce, and traded for Jacob Markstrom, Johnathon Kovacevic and Paul Cotter. These moves were all made in an attempt to make us bigger and tougher to play against. Combine that with the Keefe hiring and you had a good match. The team is much more defensively sound. There were growing pains early this season with Luke Hughes and Pesce injured. Young, green dmen Simon Nemec and Seamus Casey were on a pair together and Casey was forced to play his offside. He flashed offensively while Nemec was struggling overall. Casey also began to struggle.

Hughes and Pesce came back at the same time and the kids were sent to Utica to season. Both have the potential to be legitimate top 4 RD in the future. It’s great to have the ability to let them develop their games without forcing them into a role they’re not ready for. The Kovacevic trade was initially supposed to be a #7 D acquisition but due to the injuries mentioned he was thrust into a top 4 shutdown role with Siegenthaler. He has been phenomenal and nothing short of a revelation. We want him re-signed if he keeps up this level of play.

Overall we are in a great spot now and moving forward. We have 2 legitimate #1 C’s in Hughes and Hischier. The former has come into his own this season as a true 2 way threat under Keefe and is trusted in just about all situations. The latter is our Barkov/Bergeron. He gets the toughest matchups against opponents top lines and does a fantastic job night in and night out. Perennial Selke candidate. True joy to watch. Jesper Bratt may be our best forward. 6th round pick and has turned into a 2 way stud as well. We have Hughes, Hischier, and Bratt locked up for under 24 million per season.

Meier-Hischier-Mercer
-The line assigned to go against the #1 of the opposition. Meier plays a heavy game and is a volume shooter. Would like more production but you can see he has the capability to take over games. Hischier I’ve mentioned. 2way stud. Mercer is still young and battling consistency issues. You can see a top 6 player there but he needs to be more consistent in his game.

Palat-Hughes-Bratt
-Hughes and Bratt share a brain. They are incredible together. Both small forwards and can decimate you in transition. Both have improved on the cycle and are more of a threat in extended offensive zone possessions. Palat is and has been a whipping boy on this board. He does a lot of the little things well but the production just hasn’t been there for what he’s being paid. Been better as of late so hopefully he’s finding his offensive stride.

Cotter-Haula-Noesen
-Noesen the standout here. He’s on PP1 as the net front presence. Already tied his career high of 14 goals not even halfway through the season. Phenomenal signing by Fitzgerald. Haula has been a fine 3C for us since he’s been here. Offence has fallen off this season but he’s a good face off guy who won’t hurt you defensively. Cotter started off red hot but has been ice cold for awhile. Good skater and physical. Ideally he’s a 4th line guy.

Tatar-Lazar-Bastian
-Not much to say here. Tatar was brought in to be a depth guy and he’s just that. Doesn’t hurt you anywhere really and can play up the lineup if need be. Lazar a solid glue guy. Good 2 way 4th liner who just came back from a tough injury. Bastian is another solid 4th liner. Good forechecker who also came back from a tough injury.

Hughes-Pesce
-Started the season injured and returned at the same time. Hughes is a legitimate emerging stud. Future #1 if he isn’t already. Big and skates like the wind. He is just scratching the surface. Pesce a great compliment. Great in zone defender who just finds ways to get in the way of pucks. Excellent stick work.

Siegenthaler-Kovacevic
-A true shutdown pair since the moment they played together at the start of the season. Both big guys with excellent sticks. They give up nothing in front of the net. They rate at the top of the league for defensive play. Just a steady pair you’re not afraid to have out there in any situation. Siegs is bouncing back after a tough one last season. Kovy has been a true revelation. From expected #7 to hoping we can keep him. UFA.

Dillon-Hamilton
-Dillon is a rough and tumble guy. Throws his weight around but is prone to bad pinches and reads at times. Perfectly fine guy for the 3rd pair. Happy to have him. Hamilton is coming off a rough injury last season and is having ups and downs. Him and Dillon are both aggressive and that leads to some issues at times. Hamilton is a weapon on PP1 up top. Very nice 3rd pair albeit expensive.

Markstrom
-Has solid numbers but gives up some real stinkers at times. Makes up for that with some impressive high danger saves. We traded a 1st and Bahl for him so jury is still out on that trade but he’s been fine for us overall. Room for improvement I’d say.

Allen
-Been a really good backup. Had a couple ugly games but also had some real good ones too. Not much more to say.

Overall this team is coming together nicely. They played a lot of hockey early on and that led to some struggles with a new coach and new system being implemented. We are over the moon with Keefe so far. This is a legitimately great defensive team at the moment and is still producing good offensive results. There is a concern about the forward depth and that is something we expect Fitzgerald to address prior to the deadline.

I hope you stick around because you picked a good team to cheer for now and likely in the future. They are rounding into form.