Devils team discussion (news, notes and speculation) - part VI

[NHL Fanatik]

No, it doesn't 'read weird' - you think this team struggles defensively, or at least that they are weaker defensively relative to their offense, and I don't agree. They have a better rank in goals against than goals for. They are an excellent defensive team.

Two responses:

a) I do not think this 2022-2023 team struggles defensively - that quoted post was discussing the 2023-2024 Devils and Luke Hughes' trajectory up to 2D in his first season. So in that sense yes, it does read weird if one didnt have the context of an hour long convo (which is fair, I certainly dont read every comment every day)

b) I would disagree were equal in defense vs offense. Even if the gap isnt sizeable its there - three of our top-5 dmen have a propensity for offense and, while I wanna give Schmid credit, our goalies have been playing or are being propped up above their heads this season (until lately for Vanecek, .885 last 10). And while thats a good thing.. idt its fair to expect the .921sv% and 2.09GAA Vanecek we had for 30 games this year. Just like its not fair to expect Schmid keep up his #4 in save% with .924 or his #2 in GAA with 2.05 (goalies over 10GP).

To a lesser degree, the same way the Devils werent as bad as their record suggested last year with bad/injured goaltending is how idt theyre as good as their record suggests this year with good goaltending, year one in a playoff picture. Idt were the third best team in the NHL and I think the difference in offense vs defense will show itself more in the playoffs

Weve been scored on 4+ times in 19 games but have been shut out 0 times and held to 1-2 goals only 12 times (not including the first two games of the season since I didnt for Vanecek's stats)

If Vanecek continues to settle down into his career average of .908, with goals up, thats a decent starting goalie and Schmid could end up a great goalie for us and maybe he does maintain this start.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

Quinn Hughes averaged 22 minutes/game in his first full season, FYI...and put up 53 points....if we're using him as the direct comparison

 

[NHL Fanatik]

Quinn Hughes averaged 22 minutes/game in his first full season, FYI...and put up 53 points....if we're using him as the direct comparison

Well we both know why that wont be happening here lol (leaguewide VAN was 22nd NJ is 3rd)

and with that in mind: if Quinn played that ATOI for two entire seasons before his defense caught up (I dont agree with fans saying Quinn still sucks defensively or just figured it out this year) - then how long until Luke figures it out while also playing lesser comp? I agree his size should help but Im doubtful its in his rookie year (prob 18ATOI) or sophomore year (prob 20ATOI)

 

[Camille the Eel]

Ahh, that's a lovely style of Rum. It's generally trustworthy, it's made from sugar cane. Rum itself can be made from cane or cane juice or white/brown sugar or even molasses (although this is controversial to some). Agricole is expressly made in French Caribbean possessions and from cane, pressed into juice. It's fabulous and different from "regular" rums - tends to add a grassy note to a lighter spirit than rums made from other byproducts of sugarcane.

Ahh, that's a lovely style of Rum. It's generally trustworthy, it's made from sugar cane. Rum itself can be made from cane or cane juice or white/brown sugar or even molasses (although this is controversial to some). Agricole is expressly made in French Caribbean possessions and from cane, pressed into juice. It's fabulous and different from "regular" rums - tends to add a grassy note to a lighter spirit than rums made from other byproducts of sugarcane.



Fireball is a Sazerac product mass produced by taking bulk Canadian whiskey and adding cinnamon flavor to it. It's been pushed on retail license holders (along with Wheatley Vodka) in order for those license holders to be able to acquire Sazerac's more in-demand stuff (Buffalo Trace limited products). There's a touch of a scandal right now with it because they made a malt liquor version for sale in shops in ABC-controlled states. So not a liquor at all, but the labeling is nearly identical.

There also tends to be a small residual taste of yeast - just a hint - in Rhum Agricole. It gives it some bottom to balance the sweetness.

 

[Triumph]

Two responses:

a) I do not think this 2022-2023 team struggles defensively - that quoted post was discussing the 2023-2024 Devils and Luke Hughes' trajectory up to 2D in his first season. So in that sense yes, it does read weird if one didnt have the context of an hour long convo (which is fair, I certainly dont read every comment every day)

b) I would disagree were equal in defense vs offense. Even if the gap isnt sizeable its there - three of our top-5 dmen have a propensity for offense and, while I wanna give Schmid credit, our goalies have been playing or are being propped up above their heads this season (until lately for Vanecek, .885 last 10). And while thats a good thing.. idt its fair to expect the .921sv% and 2.09GAA Vanecek we had for 30 games this year. Just like its not fair to expect Schmid keep up his #4 in save% with .924 or his #2 in GAA with 2.05 (goalies over 10GP).

You are arguing out of both sides of your mouth here. You definitely think that the Devils team as composed now is not strong defensively, and YOU ARE WRONG. This is a STRONG DEFENSIVE TEAM. You don't understand what defense is.

Pick one - you can argue a, which I think is incorrect but is at least about the future so no one can be right or wrong necessarily, or you can argue b, which is demonstrably incorrect. Goals, shots, xG, whatever you want to pick, this Devils team is a strong defensive team. They don't look like a strong defensive team from 10 years ago because the game has changed.

I read the debate, I didn't miss anything. The way how I know I didn't miss anything is that you keep trying to argue the exact point you insist you are not arguing.

 

[NHL Fanatik]

You are arguing out of both sides of your mouth here. You definitely think that the Devils team as composed now is not strong defensively, and YOU ARE WRONG. This is a STRONG DEFENSIVE TEAM. You don't understand what defense is.

Pick one - you can argue a, which I think is incorrect but is at least about the future so no one can be right or wrong necessarily, or you can argue b, which is demonstrably incorrect. Goals, shots, xG, whatever you want to pick, this Devils team is a strong defensive team. They don't look like a strong defensive team from 10 years ago because the game has changed.

I read the debate, I didn't miss anything. The way how I know I didn't miss anything is that you keep trying to argue the exact point you insist you are not arguing.

I do not think the team as constructed now is not strong defensively - and you cant quote me as having said that

and I can argue both of those considering they are entirely different topics involving two different seasons. The Devils being strong defensively doesnt mean they arent stronger offensively, which is my opinion that I listed reasons for, which you conveniently left most of out

You must have missed something because youre making faulty assumptions based on the earlier conversation.. But I think I know why that is.. and yes Triumph, its me your favorite alt-lover. Though this time around I have a feeling we will be friends since the only change going forward will be my name not my account

 

[guitarguyvic]

A 'legit top six forward' - lol. GTFO with this. 'Top six forward' just means second-line player, which Nico Hischier is not.

You never pass up an opportunity to respond negatively to my posts, even resorting to made up inane semantic arguments if need be.

Nico is a top line level player, but on our team he’s a 2C. Hence he is, in fact, top 6. I’m sorry you feel like I didn’t bend the knee far enough.

 

[Triumph]

You never pass up an opportunity to respond negatively to my posts, even resorting to made up inane semantic arguments if need be.

Nico is a top line level player, but on our team he’s a 2C. Hence he is, in fact, top 6. I’m sorry you feel like I didn’t bend the knee far enough.

He joins the ranks of such top 6 forwards as Mark Messier, Ron Francis, and Sergei Fedorov, and top 4 D Al Macinnis and Scott Niedermayer. Good company to have, I suppose.

It is a semantic distinction, but it is one you are making. Teams sometimes have two top line centers, in fact it's pretty common for at least 1 team in the league to have two legit HOF centers in their prime at the same time. Frankly my complaint is with the phrasing 'top six', which I don't like in any context.

 

[My3Sons]

You never pass up an opportunity to respond negatively to my posts, even resorting to made up inane semantic arguments if need be.

Nico is a top line level player, but on our team he’s a 2C. Hence he is, in fact, top 6. I’m sorry you feel like I didn’t bend the knee far enough.

Was that poster serious? Does someone actually think Hischier is a 3C still? I thought we were past that.

 

[Devs3cups]

Jack Hughes has 43 shots in his last 10 games. He has 1 goal in that span. 2.33% SH%. Bonkers and unsustainable.

Once the floodgates open, watch out.

 

[Guttersniped]

You must have missed something because youre making faulty assumptions based on the earlier conversation.. But I think I know why that is.. and yes Triumph, its me your favorite alt-lover. Though this time around I have a feeling we will be friends since the only change going forward will be my name not my account

(I actually don’t really remember what this is referring to but the reveal amused me.)

 

[NHL Fanatik]

View attachment 673865

(I actually don’t really remember what this is referring to but the reveal amused me.)

Thanks to a forgiveness I dont deserve. But alas, best to keep my garble in one place to one face

 

[NHL Fanatik]

Jack Hughes has 43 shots in his last 10 games. He has 1 goal in that span. 2.33% SH%. Bonkers and unsustainable.

Once the floodgates open, watch out.

Makes me wonder if the injury concerns are for good reason

His handling has been off too and some easy passes he has bobbled

 

[ZachaFlockaFlame]

I don’t know who we keep amd who plays where on D besides knowing it’s this for sure :
Seigs Hamilton
???? Marino
Smith ????
With these players to choose from as well
Bahl
Luke

Nemec
Mayyyyyybe Graves
Mystery UFA
Vilen

Walsh

We will likely take a step backwards until Luke Bahl Nemec get to where we need them

Bahl has been pretty f***ing good lately, I wouldn't be shocked if they give him the Graves role next season and see how he does with it. I think Luke will be the 3LD but rotate with Bahl depending on situation, Luke more offensive zone shifts/Bahl more defensive zone shifts. I think Nemec gets one year in the AHL to go absolutely bonkers before the Devils bring him up. They'll sign a stop gap RHD, I wouldn't be surprised if they bring in a Luke Schenn type even though I wouldn't want it. I think losing Severson is going to be pretty evident next year even though he's been this fanbase's whipping boy for the last decade.

 

[MasterofGrond]

Makes me wonder if the injury concerns are for good reason

His handling has been off too and some easy passes he has bobbled

Pucks just aren’t bouncing. It happens.

 

[NHL Fanatik]

Pucks just aren’t bouncing. It happens.

Theyre actually bouncing too much lol. Jack couldnt dangle his way around a fencepost the last eleven games. Idk whats up but a wrist injury of some sort would at least make sense; I think someone here said the Colorado game they saw something?

Also feels like his shot is lacking that gusto we saw just a month ago. Before tonight he was shooting almost a shot less per game last 11 than the 49 prior to.

I dont need Jack scoring 40+ anyway so idc that hes dropped goal production; but his overall game outside his skating looks off IMO (which is still a high-end player, just not a 100% Jack idt)

 

[TBF1972]

I don’t know who we keep amd who plays where on D besides knowing it’s this for sure :
Seigs Hamilton
???? Marino
Smith ????
With these players to choose from as well
Bahl
Luke

Nemec
Mayyyyyybe Graves
Mystery UFA
Vilen

Walsh

We will likely take a step backwards until Luke Bahl Nemec get to where we need them

i don't like mystery ufa. he is overpaid. too much term as well.

and looking at the standings devils need 4 more points to secure a playoff spot.
it could actually happen.

 

[TBF1972]

Nico was drafted 6 years ago...its irrelevant at this point. All that matters is that he keeps improving, which he has. He is going to approach a ppg player and he just turned 24 years old. Hes the captain of a top 3 NHL team and is tremendous at both ends of the ice.

If you can't be happy about that, thats a you problem.

i think it's time to trade him. you can't salvage the situation. better take the loss and move on.

oh i am not talking about nico, if you misunderstood.

 

[TBF1972]

Not everything is an equal shot in the dark, and when multiple moves all work out, maybe they aren’t just lucky shots in the dark. Pro scouting, analytics and smart team building are all real things.

Fitz hasn’t made any bad moves on the defensive rebuild so future ones get the benefit of the doubt from me.

they are obviously very helpful right now and sped up the rebuild tremendously. but the jury is still out on the hamilton and palat signings. the potential down side of these deals will come at the end of their term. their cap hit might prevent the devils to put the finishing touch on a stanley cup winner.

 

[TBF1972]

He’s assuredly gone. He’s an absolute luxury to have as a 3RD, but I don’t think I’d want to pay him to be in that tier you mentioned. Probably for the best Fitzgerald went the route he did.

I do wonder if Fitzgerald does Severson a solid and lets him explore the market prior to July 1st. Maybe we could get an asset out of a team that would want the option to sign him to an 8 year deal, if that is allowed. Probably doesn’t do that in the Eastern Conference, but if Severson has a western team lined up, who cares.

as much as i hope it's true, trading for ufa rights is the most stupid move a gm can make. the flyers say hello with their hayes deal. the paid a 5th round pick for the right to overpay him on a 7 year contract.

 

[TBF1972]

Come ooooonn we're 3rd in the league on March 20th, why is this discussion happening again lol

fly fishing

 

[TBF1972]

Until everyone grows up and realize they really f***ing need some socks and underwear. Right now, with the Bratts, Jacks and Timos, Nico is both the socks and underwear we absolutely need. If you still want toys, it's time to grow up. Toys get you looks and highlights from other kids, socks get you to work to get the cup.

nothing wrong with socks and underwear

worse is always a possibility

 

[TBF1972]

You cant afford nor fit all three of Graves / Tatar / Haula

Were going to have to pick two and... idk if Haula makes the cut. Then again Tatar can be more easily replaced even tho I like him more

Tatar-Hischier-Meier
Palat-Hughes-Holtz
Bratt-Boqvist-Mercer
Foote-McLeod-Bastian

Just as a hypothetical roster I posted here two days, for viewing purposes

and who takes the faceoffs on the hughes line? they are combined 131-248.

 

[TBF1972]

I'm still trying to figure out what the issue is with rolling Siegs / Hughes / Bahl on the left with Brendan Smith as a 7th D?

without knowing the 3rd rhd it's tough to evaluate.

siegs / marino could definitely handle the toughest assignments.
but bahl / hamilton scares me because of the lack of speed in transition and hughes / hamilton could be a complete disaster defensively.

if we promote bahl into the graves role, the devils need an experienced rhd, who can help and cover for hughes' rookie mistakes. the devils should have kept okhotyuk. i still think, he could have made good partner for hamilton.

 

[Hisch13r]

Rookie Jack is back. 2 goals in his last 17 games is just unacceptable. Jack going cold also has illuminated just how big of an issue finishing is for the rest of the roster. Jack going god mode really covered it up.