New Jersey Devils By the Numbers

Since playing the Washington Capitals on 11/11/11, the New Jersey Devils have been outscored by there opponents 12-5 in the third periods. With the exception of the 11/11 game the Devils have not had more than 7 shots on goal in the third periods either. The Devils have been outshot in the 3rd periods 78-43. Before interjecting an opinion, these numbers favor the opponents. So what could be causing this third period slump? Fatigue? Penalties? The real answer is probably a little bit of a few things.

What I do notice is that the Devils have had 6 PKs to fend off in 3 consecutive games. In my opinion the team is taking too many penalties. It is absolutely great that the Devils PK is number 1 in the league, 32 for 33 since the 11/11 game. However, you can't keep playing with fire. The team has to be more disciplined. Having to kill so many penalties could be making some of the players tired by the time the third period comes around. Kovalchuk, Parise, Elias, Zubrus, Henrique are all getting a lot of ice time, but if it is to kill penalties this could simply make the players tired by the end of the game.

Overall, since 11/11 New Jersey is 4-3. Which isn't bad, however we could have been 5-2. I think this team has a lot of potential. I believe with Henrique, Clarkson, Zubrus all producing it really helps ease the pressure off of other players. Elias and Sykora seem to have been rejuvenated, which is obviously a great thing. This team has a great forecheck. In my opinion possibly one of the best in the league at this time. Currently, the top three goal scorers are Elias (8), Clarkson (7) and Zubrus (7).

A few places I think need improvement:

1. Power Play. I'm not the first to say this, nor am I the last. Since 11/11, the devils are 4 for 34. Some games we move the puck very well. I think we hesitate to take the shots though, looking for the perfect play. To me, it has always seemed that way with this team. I would like to see them fire more pucks on net during the PP.

2. Transition from Defense to Offense. Up to this point, we have turned over the puck in the neutral zone a good amount (had trouble finding numbers). Larsson has been pretty good with finding the right breakout pass. But overall I think this will help tighten up their game.

3. Discipline. We need to stay out of the box to give our players a chance to produce offensively. Spending more than half of a period in the box could be one of the reasons the team sits back late in the games.

Devils comfortable taking it to the shootout over Columbus

Devils now 5-1 in shootouts! Kovalchuck and Parise scored the first two in the shootout to help seal two points. It is a big deal for a team to pick up as many points outside of the conference as possible. Tonight's two were huge, as well as being a big bounce back after a disappointing loss in Florida. As a fan I started to worry when Columbus tied the game. I thought,  "I hope we don't start this trend of giving up leads and loosing."  However, it wasn't cause a lack of effort. Coumbus's goalie was the main reason the Devils weren't up by more than just one in the first period. A goalie is supposed to be your best PK person and Sanford was just that for the Bluejackets. There is an interesting stat that the Devils need to turn around. What is it you ask? Shots. Two games in a row the team struggled to put pucks on net in the third period. Tonight just 3 again like they did against Florida. Two games in a row the Devils came out strong, but they need to continue to play that way for a full 60.


Below is a Game Recap for those of you who missed it:


I have some good things I'd like to point out too, but I'll save that for a weekend recap. Adam Henrique is one! It's late I'm tired just watch the video. Happy Thanksgiving to all the fans.

New Jersey Devils Forecheck gets it done!

Tonight's win was a solid team win. Almost every single Devil player got a shot on goal. The Devils only scored two on 41 shots. However, it was all they needed to push it to a shootout for the second game in a row. Also, for the second game in a row Kovalchuk and Parise delivered goals on the first two shooters on the shootout. Only tonight both players shot on their forehands to put the puck past Rinne.

Check out tonight's recap:


Check out Thursdays Shootout Goal by Parise:


It's still early in the season but there are a lot of good things happening on the ice for the New Jersey Devils. By no means have they played perfect yet, but getting 40 shots on goal in both of their last two games is something worth talking about. The forecheck tonight was a key point in Clarkson's goal. Tedenby and Fayne put the pressure on to keep the puck in the offensive zone. Tedenby was able to pull away from the Predators Defense making them think shot all the way. He was then able to dish the puck off to Clarkson, who slid the puck past Rinne halfway through the third. A big contributing factor was the production out of the blueliners. The Devils D tallied about 12 shots on goal and an assist on both Devils goals.

Fight at the right time. 
Cam Janssen does not produce that much but he knows how to get his team going. The Devils were already down 2-0. Cam picked a good time to have fight. It was at the 16 minute mark of the 1st period. It was early enough to have a big impact.  In the past the Devils would wait, and noone would pump up this team until it was too late. This time however came in the right spot because the Devils just continued to put pressure on the Predators from that point on. So say what you will about Cam, but his purpose was served in tonight's come from behind victory.

On a side note, after the game Kovalchuk mentioned in his post game interview that the team ate dinner together the night before. I know it sounds cheesy but I am glad to hear them talking openly about bonding. It will be an important part of this team and their chemistry come late in the season.

Let's continue this first win streak of the season when we take on the San Jose Sharks next Friday at Home at the Rock.

-thefansvoice

Bloomberg Social Media Segment

I was interviewed for this segment, unfortunately part of my interview wasn't used but I'm still in the segment.

Future of the Devils: Keith Kinkaid

Union College is usually highlighted for basketball. However in recent years hockey has brought a lot of eyes on the town of Schenectady, NY. The past two ice hockey seasons have shown success as one of its stars is leaving Union College early to enter the NHL. Keith Kinkaid, the 2011 Ken Dryden Award winning goalie, has been signed by the New Jersey Devils.

I had the opportunity to speak with Jeff Weinstein, the Assistant Sports Information Director for Hockey, about Keith and his time at Union.

Union College has a big commitment towards hockey and the coaches and staff do a great deal of scouting. They often find players that are overlooked, the best kept secrets in hockey. The dedication to scouting has paid off with Keith Kinkaid. He won the starting goaltending position halfway through his first season and started the ECAC Finals against Cornell all in his freshman year. In his sophomore year he lead Union to their first NCAA Division 1 appearance – which might have raised some eyebrows for the Devils. This was Union’s first appearance in the national tournament since making the move to Division 1 in 1991.

Keith’s road to success started a little later than some. A lot of players are looked at from a young age. It wasn’t until his year playing with the St. Louis Bandits in the North America Hockey League that he began to get some attention. That year’s hard work turned a lot of heads. While with St. Louis Bandits, Kinkaid had a GAA at 1.78 and a record of 30-5-4. He helped lead the Bandits to their third consecutive NAHL Championship. Keith posted a 10-2 record with a GAA of 1.12 in the playoffs. Union Hockey became interested in Keith and the scouts and organization were able to convince him to come join the Dutchmen where his success continued.

Talking with Jeff Weinstein, I was able to find out a little more about this young goaltender. Keith has a fun personality and is always smiling but is prepared and ready for those big games. I asked more about Keith’s style of play since many fans have yet to see Kinkaid in action. Kinkaid stays in position and does not give up a lot of rebounds. Keith’s style is more of a hybrid, not a stand up or a butterfly. As a Devils’ fan this makes me believe he has a similar style and approach to our own Martin Brodeur.

Since he was able to earn a spot and lead Union to a NCAA appearance within two years, lets see how quickly we see Keith at the NHL level.

Thanks again to Jeff Weinstein of Union College for the interview and insight into Keith Kinkaid.

Additional Information about Keith Kinkaid:

Devils Prospect Keith Kinkaid: Richard Chere/Star-Ledger

Devils Goaltending looking brighter: Tom Gulitti/Record

Prospect Profile: Tom Stivali/inlouwetrust.com

Video of Keith Kinkaid Press Conference

Meeting Mark Fayne and Nick Palmieri

Meeting players is at the top of every fans to do list. The Devil’s players do many signings during the season and in the summer. This is great for the organization because it helps secure longtime fans and generate new ones. I had the pleasure of meeting Mark Fayne and Nick Palmieri this past Sunday at Miami Mike’s, in East Hanover, NJ. Miami Mike’s this season has supported the devils and have had multiple fan viewing party’s filled with raffles and prizes, even a guest appearance by Bruce Driver. This was in partnership with In the Game Collectible’s . (Holmdel, NJ)
It was a great turn out Sunday. Many fans came to meet and greet two of the Devils rising stars. A lot of fans brought jerseys, and photos to get signed. In the Game Collectible’s also offered a chance to have your picture taken with the players. Then the Nick and Mark would sign the picture. I thought that was a unique and cool experience. I was able to get one done myself.
Check out some of the pictures from this day here:
Fayne and Palmieri Pictures

When we here of more player signings or appearances we will be sure to spread the news. All fans should have the opportunity to meet the New Jersey Devils!

We are PROUD!

I wish someone could actually tell this team that the fans are proud of them. No matter what; we all bound together and believe in this team, now and for the future. Maybe this seasons playoff shot is unrealistic, but the team should continue to play hard for the fans. We all hung in their and showed our support when everyone else had already counted the Devils out. We fans can't thank you enough for making this second half of the season exciting. Every game I was at was fun and exhilarating. It was fun watching this team, have fun! You have 7 games left, have fun. Not to mention we are excited about Parise's return. Play the remainder of the games for each other.

Play for your coach who came in and helped turn this team around. If we won the rest of the games Lemaire could still get coach of the year, why not play for that. Also 5 of the remaining 7 games are at home. Lets end the season showing other NHL teams that you do not want to come to the rock to play because these New Jersey Devils are a great team and hard to beat. Not to mention the fans are loud and love the New Jersey Devils!

-thefansvoice