What’s Wrong With The New Jersey Devils?
December 17th, 2009 | by Carlos Figueiredo |by Carlos Figueiredo
Nothing! So let’s take a look at what is right with the team!
For starters, the Devils (as of this post) are tied with the Penguins for most wins in the NHL (23). Pittsburgh is also the team that the Devils are tied with in the division (47 pts), but we (yes, I said WE) have two games in hand.
The Eastern Conference? The Devils are one point behind the Washington Ovechkins for the overall lead, but also have two games in hand on them.
Pretty good, huh? Let’s continue…
Those 47 points are good for 2nd (tied) overall in the league.
The Devils are the only team in the NHL who have not lost a game this season when leading after the 1st period.
They have 73% of all possible points in their games (47 out of a possible 64 points), best in the league.
The Devils have allowed only 69 goals this season, 2nd to the Chicago Blackhawks (67). That must translate to boring, defense first hockey, right? Well, Jersey’s Team has scored more goals (93) than 12 other teams (including the Rangers, Bruins, Canadiens, Red Wings and Flyers) in the NHL, and are within 3 goals of six other teams. Not too bad.
What about the individuals on the team, you ask?
Zach Parise is 13th in the league with35 points, nine behind the league leader (Joe Thornton – SJ). His +17 rating is tied for best in the league (with some guy named Ovechkin). Rookie Niclas Bergfors is tied for 4th in the league in power-play goals with seven. He is also 2nd in the league in rookie scoring behind John Tavares. Martin Brodeur (this kid is going to be good) is 5th overall with a 2.10 GAA. His 21 wins is best in the league.
What does all of this get us? A 23 – 8 – 1 record.
All of these stats really don’t mean anything unless the team keeps up it’s current level of play. The team is still missing Dainius Zubrus, David Clarkson and Paul Martin, all out with injuries. Patrick Elias missed 14 games at the start of the season. Jay Pandolfo, Johnny Oduya and Rob Niedermayer have all missed some time with injuries.
I’m not going to sit here and say I expected this kind of a start from the Devils, especially after all the injuries. What I will say is that I was much more optimistic about this team than most other people who follow them on a regular basis.
Having watched every game (except one) this season, there is no reason for me to change my opinion. As a matter of fact, this team may actually be better than even I thought they were.
LET’S GO DEVILS!
Tags: Brian Rolston, David Clarkson, Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils, NHL, Niclas Bergfors, Patrick Elias
By Devildriver on Dec 17, 2009
After attending the first 2 games at home, I thought we were in for a very long and painful year. I just hope the Devils don’t turn into the Sharks when it comes time for the playoffs.