Devils Fans Stand Strong!

This has been one of the worst starts ever for the Devils. But, just when you’d think fans would begin jumping ship, many stand tall.

New Jersey Devils are trying to come together, using their blogs, tweets and status updates to lead the way. There is a uniform voice beginning to develop among the faithful. One saying let's unite; let’s figure out a way to give our team back the advantage of home ice. There is a group of us that want the team to know that we are behind them. That we’ve seen them do it before and we believe they can do it again.

The team is listening. For example, fans pushed for and got a "fan section" at The Rock in order to jack the volume of "Let's go Devils" chants. Then, friday night, the team offered discounted seats for this section. The fact that the front office listens to Devil’s fans is great news for all fans. (The gang at InLouWeTrust does a great job covering this here: In Lou We Trust Devils Supporters
For even more, check out the fan page for this as well: Devils Supporter Section

Now, we acknowledge that some sections that have always been loud and/or insane... 214, 230-233 come to mind. However wouldn’t it be better for the team and for the win column if the entire crowd were that loud and into the game?

The Devils are making an effort. Consider the "professional" fan. It was fun and increased the cheers for the few weekend games Cameron [[[Link to this guy’s wikipedia or whatever link you can find on him so people can see what you’re talking about]]] was available. The key is making the fans a part of something bigger. Whether chanting at The Rock or commenting on Facebook any fan who wants to be part of this team can make a difference.

And the fact is, the Devils are making that easier by reaching out to grow the fan base with twitter, Facebook and online contests. Despite this year’s bad start, the Devils deserve a strong fan base. Lou built one of the true dynasties in sports and we’ve been lucky to call that team ours for over a decade.

So, fellow devoted Devils fans, let’s continue to stand together and stay engaged. If anyone has comments about the added section please post it. Any additional ideas can be shared here or at The Fans Voice

And don’t forget... Many other blogs exist as well where ideas fly... lets unite as a fan base and increase this fan awareness –making the Devils feel at home at The Rock. Who knows? Maybe what this team needs is some good karma.


-R
Edited by Scott Brown Scott Brown Creative

Let's Inspire our Team to Win the Cup

Let’s inspire the New Jersey Devils to win a championship. Let’s let them know how much the team and the players mean to us. Post or send us your inspiring stories about your experiences with the team, players, games you’ve been too or watched. Maybe you have some video you’d like to share or some pictures with players. Let’s begin to “Rise Up” and show this team we care about them. When we build a library the best stories video and pictures will be put into a Fan Yearbook; that hopefully we can give to the players and the organization.

Our Goal is to collect Inspiring stories of why you are fans, or an experience you had with family, or the players or anything. Send stories or pictures or video to:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fans-Voice-New-Jersey-Devils/116071568436273

Devil Fans are one of kind and give a tremendous amount of Support, We want others and the team to know this! We are hoping to create a hard bound FAN YEARBOOK!

Devils still have fight. 2-1 over the ducks!

Despite more injuries to this team, the Devils were able to fight for the victory last night. Leading the way was our captain Jamie with the game winning goal. The Devils came out on fire in the first period recording the first 7 shots of the game. I hope the team keeps building off of this. The team was great back checking last night. Parise had a game saving play by lifting the stick of Selanne when he was sitting on the doorstep of his 612th. Awesome Win, lets bring this into the next game against LA.

Some Notables:

Marty has been sharp which seems to be a great starting point for this team. I thought he has been playing well the last two games despite the loss in San Jose.

Parise's goals will start to come, I still haven't seen a hockey player work so hard all the time. His sense of where to be on the ice is one of the best on this team.

Kovalchuck: I thought he played really well. His engergy level was there and he had opportunity. Kovalchuck crashing to the net on Vasyunov's pass was the reason Elias was able to score. If other teams are keeping a close eye on Ilya, then let's take advantage with the players left open, I'll take those goals everyday.

Kovy is getting paid the big bucks to shoot. In his case I'd rather him be a little selfish when he has the shot and just take it. There were a few additional opportunities that didn't amount to a shot. I think Kovalchuck can take quicker shots instead of that extra little touch and he will score more as well.

Langebrunner: Now that is how a captain needs to play!

Great Win! Let's string a few together. Lets Go Devils!

-Ross

Devils Third Period burst not enough to catch Rangers

The devils now drop to 2-6-1, with some 'growing pains' still needing to be worked out. We need to take shots when we have the chances, that's obvious. One period of aggressive play is not enough to win a game. The devils have rarely played a full 60 minutes, and again tonight it showed. We have to move past another loss, but use the third period to build upon with a long road trip coming up. Danyeko mentioned before the game that the team needs to have some bonding while away. This is extremely important with so many new faces.

Jacob Josefon still impresses me with his skill and awareness. The late penalty was him being overly aggressive but that will work itself out over a few more games. Zubrus' pass to kovy late in the third resulted in the loan goal for the devils. Zubrus' play has been strong along the boards and has had scoring chances over the past two games.

One of the shows on MSG had mentioned top 5 coaches on the chopping block, one being Maclean. I like his coaching style and being a rookie coach isn't easy when you have such veterans like Brodeur, Kovalchuck, Jamie and others. Maclean will earn their respect and be a fine coach. Don't forget last year we had a rough start at home as well. The end of last year we finished poorly due to rough second periods, if I recall properly. This issue of the team not playing together is just a continuation from last year, Maclean will repair this as I hope this 6 game road trip helps as well.

One more side note: Management needs to get the Elephant out of the room. I know Rolston is out on long term injury and so is salvador, but the lingering question of who will stay and who will go can still be a factor to some of this team.

-Ross

New Jersey Devils Management Whoas

I wanted to comment on the first few games. However, it really isn’t fair to critique or criticize any of the players. Management is an entirely different story. It is expected of the players to win; that is their part of the contract. Management’s part is to give the players the best possible chance to win and they are not. Allowing a team that has a lot of potential of winning to be playing with anything less then 21 men is unacceptable. With out the proper staff players will continue to drop due to injury. It was stated by a few players and management before the season started, that this team was built for longevity. I can’t agree if management is asking the all the players to play 20-25 minutes all season long. The probability of more players getting hurt is almost inevitable and there is no room to cover for those players.

A few other opinions on this as well:
http://www.versus.com/blogs/nhl-expert-opinions/hatcher-lamoriello-mocking-the-league/

Also, Tom Gulitti from Fire & Ice pointed out that the team played many games with dressing 17 or 18 players in 06 and 07. They won a few but the reason was the same, salary cap. I strongly feel that it is still unacceptable to put your team at a disadvantage.

Also, if you aren't putting a full team on the ice why am I still paying full price for my tickets?

Devils Summer Reform

The big question this off season is the obvious. “Will they be signing Parise and Kolvachuck?” Is this possible? The devils recently signed their top prospects. I say follow that trend and build the team with youth –same way Chicago did. Kolvachuck and Parise are young, so start there. It hurts to say but to clear cap room, its time for Rolston and Langenbrunner to go.

I do not know what happened with Langenbrunner at the end of the season and the blip that was the playoffs but if it’s about being benched, we have a problem. If the rumors are true, if he didn't care about what the team did at the end of the season, he shouldn't be captain. To be mad at a coach for benching you and then letting it affect your play is childish and immature. The coach holds the right to bench anyone for any reason. That’s part of skating with a club that consistently lives the idea of team above individual. If that’s true, then he’s no longer a good fit to wear the C.

What if the Devils make Parise Captain and start focusing more on offense.
Which reminds me of our defence. Face it my friends, as amazing as Marty still is, I it’s time to find a backup that will get 20 starts. Marty has been the focus of the team for so long we need to think about the team beyond Brodeur.

The Devils should also rethink their PR in the off-season. I've read a few articles about the team and one stands out. The players can pretty much go anywhere in New Jersey and not be recognized. Maybe this is part of the team not wanting to promote individuals over the team itself, but it isolates them from the fans, to a certain extent. The team needs to have more fan access and signings, or player appearances. Make the fans feel they are part of the team. It is a big way to keep fan loyalty and expand their reach. With more appearances you can begin to build a young fan base that will grow with the team. I remember back in 92 or 93, Martin Brodeur did a signing at a Kmart in Parsippany. I barely knew what hockey was, about 7 or 8 I was able to meet this young devils prospect. My father then took me to a game and pointed out that I met the goaltender, I've been a fan ever since.

There is one more thing that I really wish the Devils did. A yearbook.

I want a yearbook with well-written stories about the team, its history and the players. I want large beautiful photography of in-game action. I want to know more about the behind-the-scenes. Tell me about the Devils scouting, their prospects and how they fit into the future of this team. What’s the vision for the Devils going forward?

Instead, the players seem unreachable. They live in New Jersey. They’re our neighbors and part of our community. Let the fans know this. The fans will connect more with the players and, in turn, support the team with a larger fan base and increase attendance at the Rock, and the decibel level of “Let’s GO DEV-ILS!” Clap. Clap. Clapclap –clap.

-Ross
[edited by Scott Brown]

One and Out: 3 Years in a Row

Face offs, hits, PP, PK, Passing, Turnovers; You name it, the devils have had many issues to deal with this series. We can all pick apart little things that were done, like the line shuffling or the choice of who plays who sits. We can probably go on and on criticizing after the fact. But there is one thing that stands out to me more then anything; the lack of heart this team has.

It started 3 years ago being knocked out in the playoffs by the new york rangers. I specifically recall Parise getting his front teeth knocked out by cross check to the face. Not one of his teammates went after the Ranger who did that, Not ONE!

Last year against the Carolina Hurricanes we suffered a heartbreaking loss in the final minutes of the series. The Hurricanes were all over Brodeur. No One protected him. The Team did not protect him.

If you asked me what type of game last night was from watching I would have said pre-season. The fact that they were fighting for their playoff lives was not apparent. After being down 1-0 after the first, I would have taken Leblonde aside and said "As soon as the puck drops, whoever you are standing next to, I want you to beat the crap out of that flyer. I don't care if you get a game misconduct."

Leblonde played maybe 2 minutes last night. We were out hit, out played and had no aggressiveness. Why have a player that can fight and bring some fear to the ice? He wasn't used and he wasted a spot for a more seasoned player like Pandolfo.

This series was pathetic. If we lost because we tried I probably wouldn't make a big deal. However, last night down 3-1 in the series. The team didn't even show up.

With Vanderbeek's comment seeming like he didn't even care, how can you expect your team to care. "It's just a game" Thanks Jeff.

I am now asking the team to refund my money for last night's game too.


For now I'm out.
Til next season, or the draft party, Ross Out!

Devils D Strong: But still got the Loss

One of the stars for the devils that stood out was Martin Brodeur. There were a few turnovers that resulted in a Flyer scoring chance. Marty made some amazing plays to keep his team in the game. Problem is, even with good play, Marty needs some offensive support. Boucher is not as good as the Devils made him look last night. Shoot the puck, keep it low. Boucher mishandled a lot of low shots resulting in rebounds. New Jersey needs to keep up the pressure even if they aren't quality shots because anything thing can happen in front of the net. We saw that a lot this season.

Powerplay: Like I stated in my preview we will get Powerplay opportunities. Going 0-5 obviously did not help us last night including a 4 min PP with only 2 shots on goal. We only had 3-5 shots during all those powerplays. Shoot the puck. Create traffic in front and snatch up the rebounds.

The team played aggressively at times not the whole way through. Pronger was all over Parise. Guys like Clarkson, Salvador, White and Pelley should not allow that to happen. The team needs to be aggressive for 60 minutes. The third period the Devils shut down the Flyers offense who only got 2 shots on goal. The only problem was that it was the third period. Zajac got one goal late and looked like the Devils could have possibly tied it.

Kolvachuck: I still believe that Kolvachuck will make a lot happen; we saw the magic that he can create when he broke loose through 3 Flyers in the second period. He needs to shoot as often and early as possible in this series. Make the flyers mark him man to man or more. Use Kolvachuck to draw attention [maybe he will even get a goal or 2]. Then after game 3, he should start thinking pass more than shoot.

One big plus for grabbing Kolvachuck from Atlanta by the trade deadline was his presence. Teams have to be scared of him and this should free up other players driving to the net.

Mottau was also one of the strongest players last night. He made some late pinches to keep the pressure and broke up some timely plays.

The Devils are the better team. Good Luck tomorrow Night! Go Devils!

-Ross

Rivalries Revived: Playoff Preview

Devils vs Flyers one of the great rivalries revived. This series is set up to be a great one. Many are speculating a 6 or even a 7 game series. My personal hope is Devils in 5 maybe 6. The Flyers aren't the same team they have been in the past. Obviously the first question is their goal tending. Second their penalty minutes. This team has been up and down all season as far as offense and defense. They have had 5 goaltenders see ice time this season; primarily a rotation of Leighton, Boucher, and Emery.

The devils need to get pucks to the net. With a shaky goaltender; the devils offense needs to put the pressure on early. If the Flyer's net-minder can never get comfortable the games will be one-sided.

Another point is the devils defense. Between Marty and the Devils Blueliners, the team won another jennings trophy. Also, in the past 7 games they have 3 shutouts and have only allowed a total of 7 goals. Heading into a series with strong defensive play can only lead to good things. This is another advantage for the devils.

I believe that the unsung hero for the devils in this year's playoffs will be Kolvachuck. He seems to be hungry and energetic. He now has a supporting cast that can be stars on their own teams. The sole pressure will not be on him, which can allow him to find the open ice. If you are the opposing team you have too many to watch for. Elias, Parise, Tzajac can all burn you if they aren't watched closely. Pronger can't cover everyone.

PowerPlay: this will make a huge difference if the devils can keep up the scoring on the pp. The flyers have one of the highest penalty minutes in the league. They will take penalties and Will give Jersey's Team opportunities. The Devils have to cash in.

3rd and 4th lines will make a difference. Mchammond has a lot of playoff experience with Ottawa. Clarkson's role will be more to jam up the middle and get in front of the goaltender. Expect at least one of the games to be won by a 3rd or 4th line goal for the New Jersey Devils.

Let's Go Devils!


Ross

New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers

This game meant more to me then just a devils rangers game. A friend was able to hook me up with passes to meet many of the players. It was an awesome experience. Unfortunately it was a disappointing loss; especially with the devils controlling most of the game. Sometimes players on the opposite team make extraordinary plays. If it wasn't for lundqvist's play was pretty solid.

I was able to meet many of the players, Elias, Parise, Clarkson, Mottau, Pandolfo, Martin and a few others. All the players were really nice. It was a fun experience for someone who has been a fan since I could walk.

Patty's Day!

Two years in a row Patrick Elias has made this Irish holiday his day on the Ice. With a goal an assist last night he now has scored the past two years on St. Patty's Day. Last year he scored which propelled him past John MacLean as the all-time point scorer for the New Jersey Devils. Patirck Elias had an awesome game. He contributed strongly to the Devils fore check last as he assisted zubrus's breakaway goal. Elias stole the puck at Pittsburgh's blue and spun around and pass the puck off his backhand to Zubrus who was breaking through the center lane. It opened up the devils' scoring as they proceeded to score one more in the first and totaling 4 unanswered goals.

A huge welcome back to Paul Martin. We have missed you greatly, o and thanks for the goal. It will take some time until Martin is 100% however, scoring late in the first eases the questions and concerns. He took chances last night when the opportunity was available. In the second period Martin made some moves and transitioned into a temporary forward. This is a huge part of his game and an additional weapon to the Devils arsenal.

This team is coming together and playing strong as a group. Areas that need improvement are working themselves out. Last night the devils scored 2 in the second and did not let up a goal. It is a big moment for the team. As of late, the devils have been outscored in the second. Also their penalty kill has remained strong. The Penguins went 0-for-21 on the power play in the six games against the Devils this season. [reference Fire and Ice Blog: http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/]The devils defense also stayed strong against a high powered offense. Crosby over 6 games only had 1 goal and malkin none. The devils outscored the stanley cup champions 22-5.

Also over the past few games their defense has found the back of the net. It is important, as I've stated earlier in the season, that the Defense be involved in the offense. It makes this devils team extremely hard to play against if a goal can be scored by anyone.

Goodluck in Toronto!

-Ross

New Jersey Devils take down New York "Rangas"

Last night was the first showing of a Team eager to snap out of a shaky "month" of hockey and gear up for a run at the cup. Langenbrunner mentioned prior to the game that this is a team that wants to play as a team and together. With guys like Kovalchuck and Parise they can win a game or two but without a team effort they won't keep it consistent.

Last night's 6-3 win over the New York Rangers was proof of a team effort. 6 different players scored for New Jersey including a Defenseman. One thing I noticed was team unity. The New jersey devils did not waste any moment of yesterday's game. Every break in play, commercial or otherwise, the players on the ice huddled and talked about each play, every break down and what to do next. I haven't seen that type of team chemistry all season. I hope the them continues this. It shows strong leadership from some of the players and the coaching staff.

The team has amazing talent and an amazing coach. One of the best [coaches] in the game today. There are a lot of emotional games finishing the season; hopefully this team stays focused and we will see a strong ending to this season.

-R

What a relief!!!!

The devils have come out strong in the past few games even the one against the rangers. The Devils could not catch any breaks, and Lundqvist stole the game. The new jersey devils finally finished a game. They came out firing in the first only to come away with a 1-1 tie. Part of the second period the devils looked a little timid and afraid of making a mistake. But the team pulled through and everyone the devils needed to score did. Five different players scored and all the key players that have been and needed to break their droughts. Parise, Zajac, Elias, Kolvachuck and Langenbrunner all tallied a goal and an assist.

It was a game that the team can now go into Carolina tonight a little relaxed. Hopefully they will bring the emotion of last nights win into tonights game and create a 2 game winning streak before the olympic break. It would be great for the team to finish this part of the season on a high-note.

Langenbrunner played a solid game. The captain came through and refused to give in.

Let's Go Devils!

Ross

New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers

Tonight's game has some nice additions to this long rivarly. The Rangers and the devils have not been playing their best games right now but this game could have some intensity.

Look for the devils to come out strong. They needed a brake and last night was it. Hopefully last night relaxed the team a little bit. They need to just play and not think to much. Look for Zubrus, Kovlachuck and Elias to put up some numbers. Kovlachuck will draw some attention and hopefully open up the ice for other guys to take the puck to the net.

Go Devils!

-Ross

Miracle Comeback!

The devils didn't play a full 100%, however it only took them 3:01 to play with 100% heart last night to come back from a 3-1 deficit. Ilya Kovlachuck helped out a lot last night especially on the game tieing goal.

The devils stayed back and watched too much last night. They came into the game with some excitement and scored early. But then they sat back. Kovlachuck is an amazing player but he isn't God. The team has to let him work in as any other and not a superstar. Just his presence will pull attention away from guys like zajac, parise, elias and langenbruner. We saw that work last night on the powerplay. The toronto foward expected a shot and closed up his body to block Ilya's shot. Ilya, being a smart player, saw the lane open and passed it right back to mchamond.

Lets use this finish and bring the energy into tonights game against the rangers.

Devils 4-3 over Toronto.

-Ross

Ilya a Devil?

Sounds like a wonderful thing for new jersey. Last time the devils went for a high priced sniper it helped, in 2000 with alexander mogilny. But the question now is who did the devils give up.

Martin- who would be a hard-one to loose, might be one that the devils have given up. Atlanta who is not that great could use a strong defenseman. The devils have had some unexpected young players really step up. Keeping their salary cap low, replacing Martin permanently with Fraser. He is young and has done a good job on D, he is much larger then Martin and has a little more of an agressive game to help protect MArty.
With depth in lowell for defense loosing martin would not be hurt the devils as much as some might think.


Berfors- Someone who has played up and down and one of the future of this team, might no longer be looked to for offense. Although he has done very well he is not the much younger then Kovalchuck. You won't loose to many years as far as the team is concerned.

Clarkson?- This is a big iffy, its in question cause of his injury but he is in his final year of his contract. Does that play into factor?

A line like Zubrus, Elias and Kovalchuck might produce some awesome numbers.

Zubrus has been one of the devils, if not the most effective player since his return. If he is placed on a line with scorers, he will get points, as we have seen with Zach and Travis.


In a short time we will know who the devils dealt to get this pick up

-Ross

New Jersey Devils found something they were missing!

The back of the net. It has been awhile since I posted. I didn't want to keep repeating myself but the devils had some really good games and a bunch more shut outs. Lately they have been up and down. A major factor is they have had a bit of a goal slump; 0-22 on the powerplay just emphasizes that point. Tonight's game doesn't solve all the problems here on out but it is was a strong game to get back into a positive groove.

Tonight the team showed a lot more poise and also quick responses. Last game against buffalo [lost in shootout] Chico and Doc spoke about them not moving there feet and also indecision. Tonight they just played, they didnt think about where they were going with the puck they just made the play. There were a few mishaps but a much better offensive performance. They played almost a full game. The defense was a little sloppy with too many turnovers in their own zone. Still didn't score on the powerplay but the pressure they kept on Toronto was solid for most of the game.

I'm ok with allowing toronoto the point, but the collapse late in the third is slightly discouraging. I'm just glad we finally pulled through in the OT instead of a another shootout.

The big test is sunday, LA is a young team and on a winning streak. They will be playing a much stronger goalie and overall team. The devils need to keep moving their legs and take shots. During this low offensive production slip, I've noticed that the team has taken extra time when they get breaks to decide what to do and have lost many scoring chances. Zajac still sometimes looks for the pass too often as well as the D. The defense needs to step up and take shots like they have earlier in the season. During the devils hot streak the defense helped produce many points.

Congratulations to Patrick Davis on his First NHL goal!!!

Next game sunday 5pm vs. LA Kings

-R