I need to make sure he knows how much he's appreciated haha.
Devils team discussion (news, notes and speculation) - offseason part III
- Thread starter NJDevs26
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I don’t see how anyone can say “the Devils haven’t improved this offseason” with a straight face
The problem is I cringe when you say "Ryan", I think Chris Ryan , not Ryan Novozinsky.
Since he's the new guy on the block, ask him some personal stuff... If he grew up a hockey fan and who he rooted for. Ask if he follows Utica at all and what he thinks they'll do to sure up the team, especially at center. See if he's been in contact with any of the players yet, and any feedback they may have on the additions.
IMO, the Metro is way more wide open than a lot seem to believe. Carolina is the only sure thing. Washington and Pitt are going to fall off a cliff any season. It wouldn’t surprise me if at least one misses the playoffs this year. The Islanders have been given way too much credit due to their run two seasons ago…that team on paper is pedestrian - Trotz was the #1 reason for their success and Lou fired him for no particular reason it seems. The Rangers are one Shesterkin injury from being back to a bubble team. Columbus has some nice young pieces, but the Devils young core is deeper. And finally, Philly is Philly.
There’s no reason the Devils can’t make the playoffs as long as goaltending holds up.
There’s no reason the Devils can’t make the playoffs as long as goaltending holds up.
Stephen Gionta
Boston College > Boston University
I second this.
Carolina is the only team I would be comfortable placing a massive bet on to make the playoffs. However I do think even without Shesterkin if the Rangers get league average goaltending, or even slightly below, they are strong enough to make the playoffs.
Yes, very likely. Still, the stars aligned for them last season. Shesterkin had a historic season and Chris Kreider scored 50 goals. In reality they’re probably closer to a bubble team than a contender.
FooteBahl
Took a big shitz for Nemec
I’m a super-optimistic homer, but with league average goal tending and Jack/Nico not missing 5-10 games or more this year—we will finish second in the division. I’ll put the crack-pipe away now lol
Philly is Philly but they will be a pain in the ass to play because Torts has a Torts like team to use.
CBJ will be a pain in the ass as well with JG if he keeps up his play.
NYI will be a huge pain if they stay healthy and their goalies stay great.
Caps are Caps, nothing great but still good.
Rangers are a pain with Igor.
Canes are a perfect team minus an impact forward.
Pens have world class players and a world class coach.
Division is still a bloodbath. No easy game.
So in summary: the division is wide open?
Wouldn’t say that.
Caps, Pens, Rangers, Canes, Isles still the clear favorites. 3 of the 5 clearly on the downtrend but still tough to beat.
Devils will be there depending on the goaltending.
How on earth are you lumping the Islanders in there? They’re not very good.
Washington will be missing Backstrom. Ovi is another year older. Depth isn’t what it used to be. Same with Pitt. Both teams will be very bad very soon. It wouldn’t be surprising if at least one misses this year.
Rangers probably the safest bet after Carolina to make the playoffs, but we were worried they might win the cup last year. The reality is they’re probably closer to a bubble team right now than a perennial contender.
They have the best goaltending tandem in the league. That will get you far in a league full of shitty goaltending. If they stay healthy they are a playoff team IMO
Jfresh projection has them this high due to goaltending. Now, I dont think they will be THAT good, but good.
They missed the playoffs last year by 16 points with good goaltending, no major injury issues, and Trotz behind the bench.
Have they done anything to improve? If anything, they’ve taken a step back.
They had a lot of man games lost in the first 1/4 of the season and a historically long road trip due to the new arena. They won’t be far off next season.
Stephen Gionta
Boston College > Boston University
I do agree they're closer to a bubble team than a Stanley Cup contender. However that blue line of Fox Trouba Lindgren Miller and Schneider, combined with Panarin Zibanejad Kreider Lafreniere Trocheck Kakko... that's a good team.
Yep, the Metro is still going to be tough.
CAR will be a very strong team. Shesterkin could drag the Rangers to nearly the Final again. WAS and PIT are consistently strong, despite people predicting a drop-off from them every season. That's 4 clubs right there.
I see NJ fighting around the bubble with the Islanders and a couple of the Atlantic teams.
I don't really rate CBJ or Philly, they're bad.
CAR will be a very strong team. Shesterkin could drag the Rangers to nearly the Final again. WAS and PIT are consistently strong, despite people predicting a drop-off from them every season. That's 4 clubs right there.
I see NJ fighting around the bubble with the Islanders and a couple of the Atlantic teams.
I don't really rate CBJ or Philly, they're bad.
Mgd31
Registered User
Stephen Gionta
Boston College > Boston University
Has he had any face to face discussions with any of the players? Who is the most candid and who would surprise us as being funny or very serious? How does it work to speak to the agents and teams as a beat reporter? I presume he doesn't call up some number he finds on the internet and says who he is and they believe him. Is there some sort of vetting process and do the teams and/or agents set up calls in advance or is it really still informal? Finally, what sort of access does he anticipate this upcoming season? The odd Zoom or something better. Just some thoughts....
Look, we all want to know the scoop behind the Bratt contract and the state of the relationship going forward, but even if he knows I doubt he can tell us what he learned in confidence.
Pulock is the only notable player to miss substantial time. And again, are they a better team on paper right now than last year? Nope. They fired one of the best coaches in the game and that’s it.
I get what you are saying, but this team is largely unchanged from back to back ECF appearances in 20 and 21. The team isn’t bad, and they have great goaltending.
Also, there are reports that some players are relieved Trotz is gone. Who knows how they can perform under someone new (who still worked under Trotz)
Either way, my point is, Carolina and maybe NYR are the only safe bets to make the playoffs. And I don’t see any reason the NYI or CBJ should be placed in a group above the Devils. There’s no reason the Devils can’t be a bubble team.
RangerDoggo
The Devils have a culture of failure
The Rangers are a playoff team even if Shesty regresses a little, let's take off the homer glasses here. Are they a Conference Final team? Probably not.
Devils are gonna win the metro this year, you heard it here first. 
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